DOHA: Head coach Radhi Shenaishil hailed his players as heroes after their AFC U23 Asian Cup third place playoff win over Indonesia on Thursday. The win also helped them book Iraq’s ticket for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
Goals from Zaid Tahseen and Ali Jasim at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium earned the Iraqis a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Southeast Asians, who had taken the lead through Ivar Jenner before Iraq’s extra-time success sealed their passage to Paris.
“The main heroes are our players,” said the former defender. “It was a great battle and it wasn’t easy for us.
“The tournament started with a loss (against Thailand) and that put us under great pressure. I’m used to that, but some of the players are young and they don’t have the experience to deal with that pressure.”
The Iraqis will be able to select three over-age players as well as completely reconfigure their squad for the Olympic Games in July and August, but Shenaishil was in no hurry to discuss discarding those who prevailed in Qatar in a gruelling three-week campaign. (AFC)
