TIPS - Iraq(U23) VS China(U23)

[(Iraq(U23)) Strength]:
1. Facing their direct competitor for second place in the group, Iraq(U23) will undoubtedly give their all in this match.
2. Most players in the Iraq(U23) squad play in the domestic league, with the highest-valued player being forward Mustafa Qabeel, worth 400,000 euros.
3. In the U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Iraq(U23) achieved 2 wins and 1 draw in 3 matches, advancing as group leaders.

[(Iraq(U23)) Neutral]:
1. The two teams have not faced each other in recent years, making this a pure encounter match.

[(Iraq(U23)) Weakness]:
1. In the U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, Iraq(U23) scored a total of 9 goals and conceded only 1 in 3 matches. They delivered a high-scoring performance against weaker Pakistan(U23) but later drew 0-0 with Cambodia(U23) and narrowly defeated Oman(U23) 1-0, showing weaker performances against stronger teams.
2. Since September, Iraq(U23) played 9 friendly matches, achieving 4 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses. Their performance has been inconsistent, with struggles in high-stakes matches.

[(China(U23)) Strength]:
1. China(U23)'s best achievement so far is reaching the group stage; they have yet to advance to the knockout rounds. This time, they are determined to break that record and fight with full effort.
2. Most players in the China(U23) squad play for domestic clubs, with the highest-valued player being 19-year-old Wang Yudong, valued at 1.5 million euros. His explosive runs on the wings are a sharp weapon for the team's attack.
3. Wang Bohao, who plays for Eerste Divisie club FC Den Bosch, is the only overseas-based player in the team. As a midfielder, he has made 13 appearances for FC Den Bosch this season, contributing one assist.
4. In the qualifiers, China(U23) achieved 2 wins and 1 draw, tying with group leader Australia(U23) on points and advancing as the second-placed team. In the 3 group matches, China(U23) scored a total of 12 goals and conceded only 1.
5. After the qualifiers, China(U23) played 5 friendly matches, achieving 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 8 goals and conceding 2.

[(China(U23)) Weakness]:
1. In the qualifiers, China(U23) drew 0-0 with Australia(U23), but during that match, China(U23) managed only 3 shots, 0 on target, and 0 corners, indicating a hard-fought draw. Against top-tier Asian teams, China(U23) still struggles significantly.

[Tips]:
This match is a crucial battle for second place in the group.

Australia(U23) firmly occupy one qualification spot, while Thailand(U23) are the primary target for points.

The outcome of this match is vital, and both teams have no room for retreat.

Although Iraq(U23)'s previous performances may not rank them among Asia's top-tier teams, their physical strength poses a significant threat to opponents.

China(U23) successfully advanced through the qualifiers and held Australia(U23) to a draw, but their performance against Timor Leste(U23) was unsatisfactory, with only a 2-1 victory not considered a strong showing.

In subsequent friendly matches, they defeated Thailand(U23) 3-1 but later drew 0-0, indicating that the players' ability to capitalize on opportunities still needs improvement.

In contrast, China(U23) show greater resilience against stronger opponents and should aim for at least a draw in this match.

[Recommended]:
China(U23) (+0/0.5)