This match will surely feature at least one team still having to play their way through to the next round.
The Iraqis proved how good their defense can be when they managed to hold hosts South Africa to a goalless draw. They were just unlucky to go down 1-0 against Spain in the second round. All the same, The Lions of Mesopotamia have a lot of technique in midfield and individual strength. Only their lack of efficiency upfront might cost them much. However, New Zealand’s miserable defense may come at Iraq’s benefit.
On the other end of the field, the All Whites must duplicate their efforts to press on the back line of their opponents. New Zeland’s prolific goal scorer, Smeltz, struggled to find himself in the game against Spain’s unbreakable defensive walls.
But in spite of New Zealand and Iraq’s first showings in the Confederations Cup, there is not much to give or to take from them.
New Zealand may be out of the tournament after losing 2-0 to South Africa, but the destiny of the hosts and of the Iraqis are in their hands.
If New Zealand manage to avoid defeat against Iraq, then South Africa will go through to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup no matter what happens in their game against Spain. At least, New Zealand could play for pride. Yes, they are out, but they may be packing their bags along with the Lions of Mesopotamia.
