I am not satisfied with with our performance against UAE, says Iraq coach Katanec

Doha, Qatar: Iraq coach Srecko Katanec said he was not totally happy with the level shown by his team against UAE in their second game in Group A, despite their 2-0 victory.

"We got three important points," said Katanec. "That is all  I can say after the game, but I am not happy with the performance because we did not play properly."

"There was a slow pace in playing, with individual errors and poor physical fitness, but the important thing is that we won this match. We have not received goals."

He added: "I may make some changes against Yemen because the game will not affect the qualification of Iraq, not to underestimate the value of the Yemeni team, but it is an opportunity to rest some players and give a chance to others." 

UAE coach Bert Van Marwijk said the loss was because of their lack of effectiveness and the inability to create opportunities to score.

"We played well, especially in the second half, and put pressure on the Iraqi players, but we lacked the effectiveness and the ability to create opportunities to score," Van Marwijk said.