BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- Coach of the Iraqi soccer team Jesus Casas said on Wednesday that the there would be "special performance" in Thursday's match against Yemen as part of Group A competitions of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup tournament.
Speaking at a news conference in Basra, venue of the games, Casas acknowledged that his team might encounter some "difficulties" in tomorrow's match, noting that the Yemenis played well in their first game against Saudi Arabia and "embarrassed" Oman in the second one.
As to the Iraqi team, they will "play in a special fashion as to the ball movement and they will exert more pressure" as compared to the previous matches, Casas said -- excerpts of his statement were publicized by the Iraqi Football Association.
He indicated that there would be replacements during the match, indicating his desire to give greater chance to the non hardened players.
Iraq is on top in the group with four points, ahead of Oman by the goals difference. Saudi Arabia is third, three points, and Yemen, fourth, no points.
Yesterday, Kuwait edged past a stubborn UAE side in a Gulf Cup group stage encounter, courtesy of an Ahmad Al-Dhefeeri free kick in 93rd minute of stoppage time.
The result leaves Kuwait in third place of Group B with as many points, trailing Qatar and Bahrain, who face each other in a table-topping clash later on Tuesday, on goal difference, while the UAE are rock bottom with zero points. (end) ahh.sad.nam.rk