Shenaishil looks to the future after Iraq’s loss
Sydney (IraqiNews.com) Iraq coach Radhi Shenaishil looked towards the future after seeing his side miss out on a place in the final of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 on Monday night as Korea Republic handed the 2007 champions a 2-0 defeat at Stadium Australia. Lee Jeong-hyeop and Kim Young-gwon scored a goal in each half to take the Koreans into the final of the continental championship for the first time since 1988 and avenge a semi-final defeat at the hands of the Iraqis eight years ago. Shenaishil’s side were seeking to qualify for a second final in three tournaments, but the Koreans proved to be too strong for an Iraq side missing influential midfielder Yaser Kasim.
“As we knew, it was going to be a difficult match because the loser leaves and the winner goes to the final,” said the former national team defender. “Korea have quality players, many who play outside Korea in high quality leagues. We made two mistakes and they took advantage of them but if we had scored early I think we could have managed to get a draw. “There are good signs in the team that we can build for the future because we have World Cup qualifiers coming up. There are good quality players and hopefully we can work together to work for the future of the Iraqi national team.”
Kasim’s presence in the centre was missed by the Iraqis, who were dominated in the middle by Ki Sung-yueng and Park Joo-ho, while Nam Tae-hee was named the Samsung Player of the Match as the Koreans took command in almost every department.
“It was a quality match, the Koreans are a fast paced team and all the players produced their best today and I want to thank them for that,” said the coach. “You can see Yaser didn’t play, he’s a player who has been with the team a few games and the other players are used to him, but hopefully we can do something in the upcoming match.” Shenaishil took charge of the Iraqi team on an interim basis, on loan from Qatar Sports Club, after former coach Hakeem Shaker was relieved of his position after the Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia in November, and the 45-year-old has yet to decide whether Friday’s third place play-off is his last game in charge of the national team. “I’ve got a contract with the Qatar club and I want to thank them for letting me join the Iraq football federation and I have another game with them on February 5,” he said. “After my contract ends with the club, I can’t predict my future, so after that I can sit down and discuss my future.” /End/