Vietnam FC are looking to at least end their Asian Cup campaign with a win over Iraq FC, who already earned their last 16 tickets. In the group standings, these two teams are at the opposite side of the group standings. Vietnam remains to be at the bottom of their group standings, as they remain to be winless in their campaign. Additionally, since Vietnam remains to be without a point here, they now face an early elimination. On the other hand, Iraq is one of the first squads to qualify for the last 16 of the Asian Cup, which is not surprising. Iraq is currently impressive in their campaign, winning all their matches in the group stage, thus their six points. The meeting of these two teams is on January 24, 2024, at 7:30 PM (GMT+8).
Vietnam FC
Vietnam, currently 94th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will exit the Asian Cup group phase with only pride to play for on Wednesday. The Golden Star Warriors have not ended a campaign at the Asian Cup finals without a point since 1960, a run that will end if they fail to defeat or draw Iraq. Vietnam have been going in the wrong direction for a while, losing seven of their last eight matches in all competitions and failing to score in five of those fixtures. They have conceded a combined five goals in their two group games this time around, tied with Malaysia and Palestine for the most among sides in the group phase of this tournament. Vietnam’s campaign began with a 4-2 thrashing at Japan on January 14, followed by a 1-0 loss against Indonesia.
Le Pham Thanh Long will be suspended for the match against Vietnam due to two cautions. Troussier made two changes to the starting 11 and Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Van Tung replaced Nguyen Dinh Bac and captain Do Hung Dung.
Iraq FC
Iraq is in a strong position to win their group at the Asian Cup for the first time since 2007. To achieve this, they need to avoid defeat on matchday three, which would extend their unbeaten run in the group stage to seven matches. Japan had the majority of possession against Iraq on matchday two, but the Lions of Mesopotamia held them off the scoresheet until second-half stoppage time. This achievement is remarkable, as the record four-time winners of this competition had netted four or more goals in each of their five previous matches. Iraq will end the group stage with a 100% record if they win on Wednesday. Iraq has never lost to Vietnam in five previous meetings, winning three consecutive matchups against them.
Iraqi starting 11 players, including Jalal Hassan, Hussein Ali, Saad Natiq, Amir Al-Ammari, Ibrahim Bayesh, and Ali Jasim, maintained their positions on matchday two. Bayesh, Mohanad Ali, and Ali Adnan are close to reaching 50, with Hussein’s goal enabling Iraq to win.
Prediction:
Iraq FC (1.5)
Odds: -0.90
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