Iraq’s strike duo, historic return and bold style, three things for France’s World Cup clash | OneFootball

France face Iraq on Monday at 23:00 in their second World Cup group match. Here are three things to know.

L'Équipe notes that Iraq are first-time opponents for France at a major tournament. Six days after beating Senegal 3-1, Les Bleus meet a side who opened with a 4-1 defeat to Norway.

Nearly 40% of Iraq’s squad comes from the diaspora, many born or raised in Scandinavia after families fled around the late 1990s and early 2000s. More than a dozen internationals have played in Sweden, Norway or Denmark, aiding a second World Cup, 40 years after their first.

Asian qualifying demands more than 20 matches. Iraq then won an intercontinental play-off 2-1 against Bolivia in Mexico in March, the last nation to qualify. With airspace closed amid war in the Middle East, players spent over 20 hours on buses to exit the country and were welcomed as heroes on return.

Under Australian coach Graham Arnold, a former striker, Iraq play on the front foot, pressing in spells while keeping a solid shape. Do not expect a low block for 90 minutes. Arnold faced France at Qatar 2022 with Australia, a 4-1 defeat that did not reflect the game.

The press is led by forwards Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein, both over 1.85m and dangerous in the air, a clear test for France’s centre-backs. Hussein is the standout, scoring the play-off winner, then equalising with a header against Norway.

Source: L'Équipe