Iraq coach does not want penalty kicks in the "Gulf 25" final

Spain's Jesus Casas, coach of Iraq, does not want to reach a penalty shootout against Oman in the Gulf Football Cup final (Gulf 25) tomorrow in Basra, with a step left to achieve a historic achievement.

The Iraqis are eager for the joy of winning a title on their land that has not been repeated for 44 years when facing Oman tomorrow, in a repeat of the opening match about two weeks ago.

The Iraqi fans received this version with great enthusiasm, after many years of banning national team matches at home for security reasons, and played a pivotal role in the team's access to the final, despite the absence of prominent players and the lack of experience of the new coach, Casas.

Iraq won the title three times, the first at home in 1979 and the last in 1988. Despite the lack of optimism about winning the title before the start of the tournament and after a lackluster performance in the opening match, when it tied with Oman without goals, the ceiling of ambitions gradually rose.

Casas said in a press conference, "Reaching the final was a dream. The road was difficult. The opponent tomorrow will be very difficult. We faced him before. The first match was closed and there were few chances. We analyzed what happened during it, and we will try to reach in several ways to create danger for the Omani team. I will not disclose, but I will Prepare a surprise."

Iraq topped its group, equal with Oman, with seven points, after winning 2-0 over Saudi Arabia in heavy rain and 5-0 over Yemen.

In the semi-final, he scored the first goal, but defeated Qatar 2-1, to repeat the confrontation with Oman, the champion twice, who defeated Bahrain, the defending champion, with a fatal goal to reach the final.

Casas said before the first final that brought together the two teams, "So far we have no absences, but I am concerned about some colds because of some players who were in bed yesterday and I hope they are ready."

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