I had my doubts on second penalty: Iraq coach Jesus Casas

The Iraq coach felt Zidane Iqbal's red card was justified

Iraq luckily escaped a shock loss to India in the first semi final of the King’s Cup. India looked in control for the majority of the game but two penalties including a controversial second one saved the day for the West Asian Side. India to the surprise matched the Iraqi side in terms of physicality and shrewd tactics by Igor Stimac nearly won the match for India.

Iraq has plenty to ponder and their weaknesses were quite visible during the whole game. Jesus Casas will be a relieved man but he’ll be fuming at his boys with the sort of performance they gave.

Thoughts on the game

Jesus Casas spoke to the media  post game and shared his thoughts, “They got one half chances and they scored two goals. Unfortunately we won the game in penalties but we are very happy to play in the finals.”

https://youtu.be/NEmX6peKpCQ

Iraq deserved to win: Ali Al Hamadi

Iraq’s 21 year old debutant and AFC Wimbledon forward Ali Al Hamadi who scored his first International goal  for his side accompanied the coach in the post match presser. He shared his feelings after being awarded Man of the match , “My feeling is indescribable to scoring my first international goal as a 21-year-old. It is a very big moment for me and my family to have achieved this all. I am just happy we won the game. Sometimes, it is not that pretty and sometimes it’s not the way we want to win and I think we deserve to win overall.”

Word on India’s gameplay

Jesus Casas was asked to comment on India’s gameplay and he shared his thoughts by replying, “It was very good, the match. It was very hard for us to win. I think India has a good coach. I think they improved a lot in last year and maybe next year they will be an important (better) team. They are in a correct way and all the best to them”

On Zidane Iqbal’s red card

The Iraqi team coach shared his views on Zidane Iqbal receiving the red card. The coach believed that the decision was correct given the circumstances. “Unfortunately, that was a mistake from Zidane because he was receiving too many fouls but the decision was correct,” he asserted.

On the penalty controversy

The Spaniard gave his thoughts on the controversial second penalty which was awarded to his team. He claimed that he had his doubts on the decision and said “I had my doubts on that penalty,” he quipped before adding, “ For example. It was a handball the first one and  Indian people have doubt on the second one but two (handball shouts) penalties before that was more clear.”