By John Egbokhan
Iraq have vowed to give the Golden Eaglets a tough battle when both teams clash today at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

Having lost two of their first two matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq stand little or no chance of qualifying for the next round except for a calamitous display by the Nigerians, who have bagged four points in as many games.

Iraq’s Ali Qasim (R) fights for the ball against Mexico’s Osvaldo Rodriguez during their FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 football match at the Shiekh Khalifa International Stadium in al-Ain, on October 22, 2013. AFP PHOTO

Speaking yesterday at the media centre, Iraqi midfielder Resan Bashar said that they have to put up a brave fight against the Nigerians, to maintain their pride at the competition.

Admitting that poor defending and loss of concentration caused their two defeats, Bashar said that though the Eaglets were a strong team that the Iraqis would offer their all to halt the losing trend.

“The match will be a tough one because Nigeria are a strong side and though we have little chance of qualifying, we will fight for a win.

“We lost our two matches because of less exposure and loss of concentration but now we have learnt and have resolved to fight to the end”, added the Iraqi player.