Alkass Digital
Saudi Arabia are gunning to finish their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ Group C challenge with a perfect record when they play Iraq at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.
Six points from their earlier two matches mean Saudi Arabia should progress to the quarter-finals but head coach Saad Al Shehri wants the defending champions to maintain the momentum that saw them scoring nine goals past Tajikistan and Thailand.
Finishing top will mean a quarter-final against the Group D runners-up but Saudi Arabia will face Iraq without the services of suspended midfielder Eid Al Muwallad and right-back Mohammed Waheeb.
“We are confident in all 23 positions, whoever we select,” said Al Shehri. “It’s important that we finish top of the group.
“The positioning is important for us and the selection will reflect that. We started rotating players (after getting into the lead against Thailand) and there’s a possibility we will do that again.
“We were at our absolute best (against Thailand), whether in offence or defence. Hopefully against Iraq, we can continue to do the same.”
Iraq revived their knockout stage chances with a 4-2 win over Tajikistan on Friday but need victory against Saudi Arabia to advance.
Head coach Radhi Shenaishil is keeping his cards close to his chest on how he will approach the match as he attempts to spring a surprise.
“Our fate is in our hands now with the result against Saudi Arabia being key,” said the 57-year-old. “They are skillful and have been playingtogether for three years."
“And of course we will play with different players, formation and strategy. A lot of things will be different.”
A win for Iraq will put them and Saudi Arabia on six points but progression will still be dependent on the result between Thailand and Tajikistan in the simultaneous.
Saudi Arabia v Iraq
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium
Kick-off: 18:30 (UTC+3)