Iraq is tipped to challenge defending champions Japan for top spot in group D at the Asian Cup, but following a disastrous Gulf Cup campaign and a coaching change in November, the main challenge for the 2007 champions is to find the glue that unites the side.
Iraq came to the Asian Cup with a squad drawn from various parts of the world and a mixture of religious backgrounds.
It’s also a young squad with all but four of the players aged 23 or under.
But star midfielder Yaser Kasim believes there is a cohesion and confidence in the team the team.
“With time I think players will gel, will understand each other a bit more and one or two have the language barrier, but the Iraqi people are very nice people it works or will work,” he said.
Born in Baghdad, Kasim moved to England as a seven-year-old and is now a team mate of rising Socceroos star Massimo Luongo at Swindown Town.
Kasim said it would be great to cross path with his friend at some stage of the tournament.
After scoring the winner in Iraq’s 1-nil victory over Group C rivals Jordan, the 23-year-old hopes that meeting will be at the tournament decider.
“You know we could do something special because Iraqi players are very motivated to do well for their country considering the turmoil we are in,” he said.
Justin Meram is another player drawn from the Iraqi diaspora and although he has never set foot in the country, he always felt closely connected to the land of his parents.
He said being called up to for the Iraqi national team is the proudest moment of his career.
“It's a very humbling experience,” he said.
“Growing up in Michigan the whole state is basically Iraqis. That's been with me since growing up, I’m just like one of them, I was just born in America.”
Iraq has some of the most passionate fans to whom football and the national team are symbols of hope and unity.
Those fans are hoping their side can make it two wins from as many games when Iraq takes on Group D rivals Japan on Friday night.
