PHILADELPHIA — Despite Iraq’s 4-1 loss to Norway in their Group I opener last Tuesday, manager Graham Arnold says he has no plans to take a more conservative posture in Monday’s second match against France.
“I’ve always been a coach that goes out expecting to win a game, not trying not to lose,” said the Australian who helped Iraq qualify for its first World Cup finals in 40 years.
“If you have that mentality, yes, you will have days where it might not work, but you’ll get plenty of days where it will work.
“And you have that mindset (with) the players and give that mindset that we’re going out with the belief and expectations to win, then it puts the players in a good mindset.”
Arguably, no back line at this tournament will face a tougher opening two games. Three-time Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland had a first-half brace to open his career World Cup account against the Iraqis.
Now comes France’s newly minted all-time goals leader Kylian Mbappe, who also had a brace in his side’s 3-1 win against Senegal.
“I asked if we could play three goalkeepers, but they said no,” Arnold quipped. “Look, they’ve got some incredible players, and it’s an honor. It’s an honor, and we will go out and we’re focused on ourselves.
“And when I say that, it’s our own performance. We can’t control France’s performance, but we can control our own. And we’re making sure that the players are completely ready to go out there and show the world what they’re about.”
Arnold confirmed winger Ali Jasim is fit after a neck injury forced him out in the 73rd minute.
Striker Aymen Hussein briefly pulled Iraq level against Norway. The 30-year-old backed his side’s ability to again find a goal against Les Bleus, who conceded only four times in six qualifying matches.
“The French defenders are among the best in the world, but we will engage in this game,” Hussein said through an interpreter. “We will try and enjoy playing against a very strong team, and this will beef up our energy playing against the best defenders. And (hopefully) we are able to score with the will of God.”
–Ian Nicholas Quillen, Field Level Media
