Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ras Al Khaimah: Iraq coach Hakeem Shakir has vowed that his team will 'surprise the Koreans and the rest of Asia' as the gallant West Asians look to claim top honours in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship on Saturday when they meet the 11-time champions in the title decider.
After opening with a goalless draw against the Koreans, Iraq went on to top Group B following victories over China (2-1) and Thailand (3-0) before claiming the notable scalps of continental giants Japan (2-1) and Australia (2-0) in the quarter and semi-finals respectively as Shakir's side were given the mantle of the tournament's 'surprise package' by the media who have been watching the events in the UAE unfold.
The label may seem a little harsh on a side that could be seen as genuine title contenders early on the tournament but Shakir has no complaints with the tag.
"We have been called the 'surprise package' and I am happy with that," he said.
"This tournament has already been outstanding for us and if we win it will be the icing on the cake.
"We have played each other and seen each other's games so we know the Koreans and they know us. But we have a habit of surprising teams and we will definitely have a surprise in store for the Koreans in the final.
"I believe that my team has yet to reach its peak and I know that we are better than we have been playing so far in this competition.
"I hope that we will be able to show our best in the final and not only surprise the Koreans but the whole of Asia."
Iraq's campaign has seen them come up exclusively against teams from the Eastern half of the continent and with Shakir stating that they are not just representing themselves but West Asia he is wanting for one final push against the Koreans on Saturday to maintain what has been a very impressive run in the tournament.
"It is very hard to play against any team from East Asia and the Koreans are no exception," he continued.
"Prior to this tournament, my boys did not have experience of playing against teams from the East and that's why we struggled against them in our first match but if you look at the teams we have beaten so far, all of them are from the East.
"Our success against teams form East Asia is a prestigious thing for the West and our confidence is high but we must be very brave on Saturday to beat a very solid Korean side that will also be going all out to win the final."