USA vs Iraq: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Twenty players were called by the USA men’s Olympic Soccer Team for matches against Iran and Morocco

In the echoing corridors of anticipation, football enthusiasts around the globe are gearing up for a riveting clash between the United States and Iraq on November 18, 2023. As the sun dips below the picturesque Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain, two nations with distinct footballing journeys will converge on the pitch, bringing with them the hopes of a promising future. This isn’t just a match; it’s a narrative of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of soccer glory as the USA and Iraq lock horns in a prelude to the grand stage of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.

On one side, wearing the Stars and Stripes is a cohort of emerging talents handpicked by the visionary Marko Mitrović, head coach of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team. In a quaint town in Spain, these young athletes are not just training for a game; they are ambassadors of a legacy, carrying the dreams of a nation eager to reclaim its spot among the football elite. With players like the electric Christian Pulisic, affectionately dubbed “Captain America,” leading the charge, the USA aims not only for victory on Spanish soil but also for a triumphant return to the grandeur of the Summer Olympics, echoing the spirit of their last appearance in 2008.

Facing them across the field is Iraq, a nation with its own footballing odyssey. Stepping onto the international stage with a formidable lineup, including the striking prowess of Ayman Hussein, the Iraqi team is a testament to the nation’s resilience and determination. Iraq’s journey, qualifying for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, is more than a sports achievement.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 09:30 PM (IST) Pinatar Arena, Murcia, Spain.

Form

USA: W L W W D D

Iraq: D L L D L D

Players to Watch

Ayman Hussein (Iraq)

Aymen Hussein Ghadhban, born on January 21, 1996, is a professional footballer from Iraq. He operates as a striker for the Iraqi Premier League club Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and is also a part of the Iraqi national team.

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Match facts

• Iraq qualified for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup in September.
• Iraq is competing for one of three Olympic berths available for Asia.
• The Middle Eastern nation last participated in the Olympics in 2016 and finished fourth in 2004.

Team news and Injury

In the latest buzz surrounding the U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team, head coach Marko Mitrović has unveiled a squad of 20 players gearing up for a rigorous training camp in the picturesque setting of San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. This marks the second camp for the team as they eagerly anticipate their return to the grand stage of the Summer Olympics in Paris after a hiatus since 2008. Mitrović emphasized the team’s role in the broader mission of the Federation, nurturing emerging talent and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills against world-class competition.

Adding a touch of individuality to the roster, midfielder Gianluca Busio stands out with an impressive 13 senior international appearances for the full U.S. Men’s National Team. The team builds on the momentum from their recent camp in Phoenix, where they secured victories against Mexico and Japan with contributions from eleven players. As the excitement builds, the Men’s Olympic Soccer Team not only aims for success in Paris but also serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to fostering the next generation of soccer stars.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 0

USA: 0

Draw: 0

Iraq: 0

USA Squad for USA vs Iraq and Morocco

USA Predicted Lineup: (4-3-3)

GOALKEEPERS (2): Christopher Brady (Chicago Fire FC; Naperville, Ill.), John Pulskamp (Sporting Kansas City; Bakersfield, Calif.)

DEFENDERS (6): George Campbell (CF Montreal/CAN; Atlanta, Ga.), Maximilian Dietz (Greuther Fürth/GER; Frankfurt, Germany), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; Oldsmar, Fla.), Bryan Reynolds (Westerlo/BEL; Fort Worth, Texas), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls; Chatham, N.J.), Jonathan Tomkinson (Bradford City/ENG; Plano, Texas)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Joshua Atencio (Seattle Sounders FC; Bellevue, Wash.) Cole Bassett (Colorado Rapids; Littleton, Colo.), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; Greensboro, N.C.), Benja Cremaschi (Inter Miami CF; Key Biscayne, Fla.), Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; Queens, N.Y.), Tanner Tessmann (Venezia/ITA; Birmingham, Ala.)

FORWARDS (6): Agustin Anello (Sparta Rotterdam/NED; Miami, Fla.), Esmir Bajraktarevic (New England Revolution; Appleton, Wisc.), Taylor Booth (Utrecht/NED; Eden, Utah), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; Ceres, Calif.), Johan Gomez (Eintracht Braunschweig/GER; Keller, Texas), Bernard Kamungo (FC Dallas; Abilene, Texas)

Iraq Predicted Lineup: (3-5-2)

Talib; Sulaka, Artien, Putros; Bayesh, Rashid, Resan, Attwan, Yahia; Al-Hamadi, Hussein

Match Prediction for USA vs Iraq

In a clash between the USA and Iraq, the odds favour the USA with a 2-0 victory. The USA has displayed defensive strength in recent matches, consistently securing on the road. Iraq’s struggles at home and a trend of low-scoring games for both teams make this prediction a plausible outcome.

Prediction: USA 2-0 Iraq

Telecast

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