Familiar foes face off in first semifinal of Gulf Cup

Doha,  Qatar: When Iraq take on Bahrain in the first semifinal of the Gulf Cup at Al Duhail Stadium on Thursday, there is nothing much to chose between them although their styles are totally different as is the pattern of their performance in the group phase.

Iraq announced their title credentials after just two matches — they stormed into the last four with victories against hosts and Asian Champions Qatar — and even though they lost their momentum against Yemen and had to settle for a draw after going down to 10 men early in the match, Srecko Katanec’s men pack plenty of punch.

Iraq has a better ranking of 70, which is their best in 11 years, to their opponent’s 100, but Bahrain will definitely draw confidence from the fact that they have not lost to the West Asians in their last three meetings.

Katanec said every single match was different. “You never understand what the players do under pressure. If we have experienced players its easier,” said the Slovenian.

The former Sampdoria defensive midfielder, has a highly talented bunch to chose from and he said team spirit was their main strength.

“All the players are working towards the same objective and hope we make it. The thing with Iraq is the spirit we have.”

Bahrain have done well with Iraq in the last few matches and it was not surprising at all for Katanec.

“They are a good team with good players. They make good defence. They have players who can surprise you. They beat Iran recently. So I respect them and we will try to play our game,” he said.

Iraq will be without Mustafa Mohammed Jaber who was shown a red card after video referral following a high boot challenge on Yemen’s Aiman Al Hagri.

Though it won’t affect their plans much, Katanec urged the referees to take as many decisions as they can on the field rather than going for the VAR.

Bahrain will be brimming with confidence after their thrilling victory against Kuwait that helped pip Oman to the pole in the race for last four.

Bahrain coach Helio Sousa said they would do their best.

“We are preparing knowing that we are playing against one great team.  We will do well for sure.

We are now among the top four teams in the tournament and we are very proud,” said the Portuguese coach.

Bahrain defensive style has some critics but Sousa was unperturbed.

“When we don’t get have the ball we have to defend, when we have the ball we attack. We scored four goals against Kuwait and more chances.

“We will try to do our best and show the quality if our players. We are playing one of the best teams in Asian and that’s a great experience.”

Sousa at times sounded like Bahrain were happy with what they have already achieved, but Katanec and Iraq would take that at face value at their own peril.