COACH Adnan Hamad still believes Iraq can make it through to the final World Cup qualifying round as they prepare for the crucial encounter with Australia.
To see Iraq and Australia's final training session...
The 1-0 defeat to Pim Verbeek's side in Brisbane on Monday left Iraq bottom of Group One with just a solitary point and their hopes of a first appearance on the world stage since 1986 hanging by a thread.
Their situation is a far cry from nearly 10 months ago when they were crowned the best team in Asia after lifting the Asian Cup against the odds for the first time in their history.
Hamad, however, refused to entertain the worst-case scenario ahead of a game Iraq must win to stay in the hun t for one of the two top spots.
"I'm confident that the players have what it takes to qualify for the next round although it will not be easy," he said.
"We are still holding out hope as we have three games remaining in the qualifiers."
"We will be looking to get nine points from those matches and will wait for the other results in the group.
"It's important to win the next three matches but the most important thing is for the players to recover their mental strength."
Midfield star Nashat Akram is a doubt with a back problem for the encounter, while Karrar Jassim is ruled out through injury.
Victory for Australia, on the other hand, would almost guarantee their place in the fourth round of qualifying and Verbeek has strikers Josh Kennedy and Archie Thompson at his disposal once again.
However, the Socceroos coach knows his side will be severely tested in the Middle East.
"I know that many Iraqis will be in the stands and their team will fight because they want to go to the World Cup, so they will go for it and they will make it very difficult for us," said the Dutchman.
"I have been to the Middle East once in August and it was not like heaven. But our players are fit and they are ready for the game and I believe they can have a good performance."
Second-placed Qatar travel to China in the group's other game, one point ahead of their rivals, but three behind Australia after the goalless draw with the East Asians in Doha.
Coach Jorge Fossati admitted his side are likely to adopt a counter-attacking approach as he looks for another point that would take Qatar a step closer to qualification.
"We want to qualify from this group, so the most important thing for us is to avoid defeat by putting in a strong defensive performance," he said.
"When they attack, there will be plenty of space for us. My players have the ability to make the most of the extra space."
Talismanic China skipper Zheng Zhi is battling to be fit for the clash at the Olympic Centre Stadium and admitted it is touch and go whether he will be fit in time.
"I have been receiving medical treatment but I am not certain whether I will be fully recovered by Saturday," he said.
"I will try my best to be ready but I am certain that I will play some part in the game."
The Charlton Athletic midfielder stressed victory is essential if China are to progress.
"The draw in Qatar wasn't enough for us to qualify from the group," he added. "We have no choice but to beat them at home."
To see Iraq and Australia's final training session...
The 1-0 defeat to Pim Verbeek's side in Brisbane on Monday left Iraq bottom of Group One with just a solitary point and their hopes of a first appearance on the world stage since 1986 hanging by a thread.
Their situation is a far cry from nearly 10 months ago when they were crowned the best team in Asia after lifting the Asian Cup against the odds for the first time in their history.
Hamad, however, refused to entertain the worst-case scenario ahead of a game Iraq must win to stay in the hun t for one of the two top spots.
"I'm confident that the players have what it takes to qualify for the next round although it will not be easy," he said.
"We are still holding out hope as we have three games remaining in the qualifiers."
"We will be looking to get nine points from those matches and will wait for the other results in the group.
"It's important to win the next three matches but the most important thing is for the players to recover their mental strength."
Midfield star Nashat Akram is a doubt with a back problem for the encounter, while Karrar Jassim is ruled out through injury.
Victory for Australia, on the other hand, would almost guarantee their place in the fourth round of qualifying and Verbeek has strikers Josh Kennedy and Archie Thompson at his disposal once again.
However, the Socceroos coach knows his side will be severely tested in the Middle East.
"I know that many Iraqis will be in the stands and their team will fight because they want to go to the World Cup, so they will go for it and they will make it very difficult for us," said the Dutchman.
"I have been to the Middle East once in August and it was not like heaven. But our players are fit and they are ready for the game and I believe they can have a good performance."
Second-placed Qatar travel to China in the group's other game, one point ahead of their rivals, but three behind Australia after the goalless draw with the East Asians in Doha.
Coach Jorge Fossati admitted his side are likely to adopt a counter-attacking approach as he looks for another point that would take Qatar a step closer to qualification.
"We want to qualify from this group, so the most important thing for us is to avoid defeat by putting in a strong defensive performance," he said.
"When they attack, there will be plenty of space for us. My players have the ability to make the most of the extra space."
Talismanic China skipper Zheng Zhi is battling to be fit for the clash at the Olympic Centre Stadium and admitted it is touch and go whether he will be fit in time.
"I have been receiving medical treatment but I am not certain whether I will be fully recovered by Saturday," he said.
"I will try my best to be ready but I am certain that I will play some part in the game."
The Charlton Athletic midfielder stressed victory is essential if China are to progress.
"The draw in Qatar wasn't enough for us to qualify from the group," he added. "We have no choice but to beat them at home."
To see Iraq and Australia's final training session...
Copyright (c) Press Association
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