Iraq FC and Jordan FC are both battling for their spots in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, as they meet for their last 16 meeting. This match is a do-or-die match for both teams, as loser will end all their Asian Cup hopes once they lost. Iraq topped their group stage, making them easier for them to book their spots in the last 16. Moreover, Iraq is coming into this game from a 3-2 win against Vietnam, which strengthens their hold to the top spot. On the other hand, for Jordan, despite sitting at the third place, they still made their way here. However, it is unfortunate that Jordan does not have a good momentum coming into this game, losing against Bahrain. The meeting between these two teams is on January 29, 2024, at 7:30 PM (GMT+8).
Iraq FC
Iraq secured a 100% record in the Asian Cup tournament by defeating Vietnamese side Vietnam in matchday three, a first time they have won their opening three matches at an Asian Cup tournament. This victory was also the first time they won a game in normal time after conceding the opening goal since defeating Kuwait in a January 2021 friendly. Despite conceding more goals than any group winner, Iraq’s players scored eight goals in the opening round. They have only suffered one defeat in an Asian Cup knockout game, losing 1-0 against Japan in the 2000 quarter-finals. Iraq has won three out of three in Group D, including a 2-1 win over Japan and a thrilling 3-2 win over Vietnam.
Iraq’s final group fixture featured a different lineup than their match against Japan, with Rebin Sulaka remaining in the starting 11 and Ahmed Basil replacing Jalal Hassan. Ibrahim Bayesh earned his 50th cap, and Montader Madjed made his debut since 2021. Sulaka netted for the first time.
Jordan FC
Jordan has advanced into the next round of the Asian Cup after a strong start to the group phase. They now have a chance to win a knockout stage fixture, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2013, when they finished runners-up in the West Asian Football Federation Championship. However, on matchday three, Jordan failed to score a goal since a World Cup qualifying defeat to Saudi Arabia in November. Despite scoring first in two of their last three meetings with Iraq, the Chivalrous Ones haven’t claimed victory against them since a friendly in October 2015. Jordan finished third in Group E after collecting just four points. The team started the competition with a 4-0 win over Malaysia and held South Korea to a 2-2 draw. However, they suffered a 1-0 loss to Bahrain in their last game.
Jordan’s starting 11 saw five new players, including Anas Bani Yaseen, Feras Shelbaieh, Fadi Awad, Mohammad Abu Hasheesh, and Youssef Abu Jalbosh, replacing Yazan Al-Arab, Ihsan Haddad, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Mahmoud Al-Mardi, and Musa Al-Taamari.
Prediction:
Iraq FC (2.5)
Odds: -0.88
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