Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira is aiming for victory against Oman even though a draw could be enough to see them through to the Asian Cup knockout stages at Australia's expense.
The 1-1 draw with group hosts Thailand and their impressive 3-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Australia means that Vieira's side need just one point from Monday's clash at the Supachalasai Stadium to take Iraq through to the quarter-final stage of the Asian Cup for the fourth successive tournament.
However, Vieira insists that Iraq will take nothing for granted as a victory for bottom-of-the-table Oman could still go through if Australia's match with Thailand ends in a draw.
He said: "We are working for three points as it is a very dangerous situation to play for the draw because this group is so tight. All the teams still have a chance to go through."
While Oman may claim a psychological edge having won their last three matches against Iraq, Vieira is not one to put faith in past form.
"Every game is history and you cannot be 100% confident because of how we played in the last game," said the Brazilian
"Look at how we played against Thailand. We were very strong in the first half, but you didn't see us in the second. You can't live with the money only in your pocket, you have to work to earn money.
"We will prepare for this game the same as we prepare for every game. We will work hard because my players know what is waiting for them on the field.
"We don't relax for any matches. It gets difficult when the outcome is mathematical, there is more tension, more pressure and not just for us.
"Oman, Thailand and Australia can all still go through. There are still four teams fighting for two places."
Meanwhile, Oman coach Gabriel Calderon admits his side will be concentrating solely on their own game as they look to make it through to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time in their history.
Oman have proven to be a Jekyll and Hyde side in their first two games of the group, securing a superb draw against Australia on Sunday, then succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to Thailand on Thursday.
And former Argentina striker Calderon admits he will be focusing only on masterminding the right result for Oman before thinking about the score in the other Group A game.
Calderon said: "It is our third final and we have to win. Though things also depend on the score between Australia and Thailand we still have to win our own game.
"For us the result against Iraq is more important and we will think about everything else afterwards."
Despite the disappointing result against Thailand, Calderon has had four days to prepare his squad for Monday night's game.
And he admits confidence amongst the players could not be higher.
"There is a lot of confidence in the side and I am sure it will be a good match," added the 47-year-old.
"Iraq are a strong team and it will be very difficult to get a victory, but I am very confident in my players."
However, Vieira insists that Iraq will take nothing for granted as a victory for bottom-of-the-table Oman could still go through if Australia's match with Thailand ends in a draw.
He said: "We are working for three points as it is a very dangerous situation to play for the draw because this group is so tight. All the teams still have a chance to go through."
While Oman may claim a psychological edge having won their last three matches against Iraq, Vieira is not one to put faith in past form.
"Every game is history and you cannot be 100% confident because of how we played in the last game," said the Brazilian
"Look at how we played against Thailand. We were very strong in the first half, but you didn't see us in the second. You can't live with the money only in your pocket, you have to work to earn money.
"We will prepare for this game the same as we prepare for every game. We will work hard because my players know what is waiting for them on the field.
"We don't relax for any matches. It gets difficult when the outcome is mathematical, there is more tension, more pressure and not just for us.
"Oman, Thailand and Australia can all still go through. There are still four teams fighting for two places."
Meanwhile, Oman coach Gabriel Calderon admits his side will be concentrating solely on their own game as they look to make it through to the knockout stages of the Asian Cup for the first time in their history.
Oman have proven to be a Jekyll and Hyde side in their first two games of the group, securing a superb draw against Australia on Sunday, then succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to Thailand on Thursday.
And former Argentina striker Calderon admits he will be focusing only on masterminding the right result for Oman before thinking about the score in the other Group A game.
Calderon said: "It is our third final and we have to win. Though things also depend on the score between Australia and Thailand we still have to win our own game.
"For us the result against Iraq is more important and we will think about everything else afterwards."
Despite the disappointing result against Thailand, Calderon has had four days to prepare his squad for Monday night's game.
And he admits confidence amongst the players could not be higher.
"There is a lot of confidence in the side and I am sure it will be a good match," added the 47-year-old.
"Iraq are a strong team and it will be very difficult to get a victory, but I am very confident in my players."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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