Coach Shakir: Iraq will play for martyrs

Iraqi national team continued practice on Tuesday as the leader of Group E waiting for a second round bout against Paraguay at FIFA U-20 World Cup. Manager Hakim Shakir reminded that the upcoming match would be impossible to make up for. "We will compete for Iraqi martyrs," he said. "I want every Iraqi to support their team, irrespective of their religion or sect." Shakir admitted his team did not know Paraguay's playing style, but said they would fight for the victory. "For us, it does not matter who our opponents are," he said. "The most important reason for our success is my players' sense of patriotism." The coach said fans would play a key role, and called on the Iraqi government to help cover the costs of those who came to Turkey to support the national team. "I believe we will win our future matches, as we did earlier, with the support of our fans. We would like our government to meet their costs in Turkey," he said. "If not, we will cover them using the money that we, as the national team, will win in the tournament." "Our performance from now on will determine the fate of the match." Source: Anadolu Agency