Iraq manager Jesus Casas has played down his side’s favourites tag in their Asian Cup last-16 encounter with Jordan, saying they need to be “perfect” if they are to keep alive their chances of winning a second continental title.
The 2007 champions have been one of the standout sides in Qatar this month, with their 2-1 victory against supposed tournament front-runners Japan the most notable result of the group stages.
Iraq progressed to the knockouts not simply as winners of Group D, but as one of only three teams to do so with a 100 per cent record.
Jordan, meanwhile, won one of their three matches to advance as one of the four best third-placed sides. The two teams meet on Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.