Shenaishil optimistic despite Kasim absence
Coach Radhi Shenaishil is confident Iraq can cope without the suspended Yaser Kasim in their Asian Cup semi-final against South Korea.
Kasim will sit out Monday's match in Sydney after picking up his second yellow card of the competition during Iraq's dramatic last-eight victory over neighbours Iran.
While Shenaishil concedes it is a blow to lose the Swindon Town midfielder, he remains optimistic.
"Yaser is a rising star in Asia and also in the Iraq national team," said Shenaishil.
"It's a disadvantage to lose this player but as a coaching staff we always think of losing a player to either injury or suspension so we always have to have someone ready.
"I think the player that has replaced him will continue Yaser's journey; hopefully into the finals.
"He will be a new player, nobody will know him, with a lot of ambition to produce something on the day instead of Yaser."
Shenaishil believes Iraq's recent fixtures have benefited the team as they prepare to face South Korea as underdogs.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"Korea is probably one of the best teams in Asia, [but] we've gained a lot of experience playing strong teams," he added.
"Before going to this competition we had friendly matches with Uzbekistan, we also had a friendly match with Iran and also another match during the competition and also playing Japan. So I think our players have gained enough experience to play against strong teams and to be at this level in the competition.
"Hopefully our players can produce something on the day so we can come out with a positive result for our country."
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023