Iraq head coach Arnold made a resolute statement before the match: advancing to the World Cup is the team's top priority! Addressing fans' disappointment, he stood firmly behind his players: "I'm proud of the players. They've shown outstanding discipline and fighting spirit." "Although the team's defense has been rock-solid recently, keeping clean sheets in two consecutive matches, Arnold also soberly pointed out: "We must be more efficient in attack." He described the upcoming Iraq-Ireland clash as "a 11-on-11 battlefield," urging the entire squad to give their all and fight for the World Cup dream!