King’s Cup 2023: Watch India’s Rival Iraq, know about the team, and more

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The Indian national football team is set to compete in the 49th edition of the King's Cup in Thailand during the September FIFA International break.

The four-team event will feature the Blue Tigers, hosts Thailand, Lebanon, and Iraq, the highest-ranked team in the competition. The Lions of Mesopotamia, with their talented and experienced players, are expected to be the biggest threat to India, having produced impressive football in 2023.

King's Cup 2023: Iraq Team

Iraq, an international football team since the 1950s, has a respectable history, having qualified for the FIFA World Cup once in 1986. They have also won the AFC Asian Cup once in 2007, beating major nations like Australia, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Iraq has also won the Arabian Gulf Cup title four times, the Merdeka Tournament, and the Nehru Cup twice in the 1990s.

King's Cup 2023: Recent Performances

In 2023, the Lions of Mesopotamia played seven international matches, including five in the Arabian Gulf Cup. They won four of their five matches, defeating Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. In the final against Oman, they won 3-2. Iraq also played friendly matches against Russia and Colombia, but lost both. Despite these losses, they have been in impressive form and pose a significant threat to Asian teams.

King's Cup 2023: Players to watch in Iraq Team

Iraq's frontline is dominated by striker Aymen Hussein, who has been a prolific player for the Lions of Mesopotamia since 2015. Hussein is known for his bullish nature and clinical play in the final third. He has scored 14 goals in 62 appearances for Iraq and currently plays for Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. He has also played for major Asian sides like Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

Ibrahim Bayesh, a 23-year-old from Al-Quwa Al-Jawyia, is a versatile player who can play in either wing or as an attacking midfielder. He is known for his pace and impressive acceleration, making him an unpredictable threat in the final third.

Zidane Iqbal, a Manchester United graduate and former senior player, is a hard-working, creative midfielder who can create chances and move the ball forward efficiently. He loves to dribble past defenders and influence his side's attacking moves. Indian players will need to be on their toes to keep Iqbal at bay.

Iraq, under Jesus Casas, has a strong 2023 team with players from top Asian leagues. They are ready to dominate the King's Cup, using their efficient players to outmuscle, outwit, and outwork opponents. To cause an upset, Iraq's opponents must bring their A-game to the fray, and they will need to outmuscle, outwit, and outwork India or anyone else to come close.