Iraq national team midfielder Humam Tariq believes playing against Iran and Bahrain will increase his side’s chance to get through to the next round of 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Iraq currently sit at the top of Asia World Cup qualification’s group C table with better goal difference from Bahrain and one point above Iran.
Iraq had played their home matches in third country due to political tensions and security concerns but FIFA let them play in their home soil for 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Now Humam Tariq admitted that facing the opponents at home is a big advantage for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
“We will have our first training session on Friday. Our objective is beating Iran and then we will concentrate on the match against Bahrain. Both match will be in Basra and this will increase our chance to win and secure our place in the next round. We are waiting for the fans’ support because hosting in our country will be our trump card.” He said to reporters.
Humam Tariq had played for Iranian club Esteghlal last season and has moved to Egyptian side Ismaily in the summer.