Former goalkeeping coach Imad Hashim confirmed that the international experience of the current goalkeepers in the Iraqi national team list provides the national team with technical stability and defensive confidence before the start of the friendly King of Thailand Cup.

Hashim stated in a statement to the agency / Al-Maalouma/: "The choices of the national team's technical staff for the King of Thailand Cup list are correct and take into account the current stage," explaining that "the team needs at this time goalkeepers who have extensive international experience, which is indeed available in the currently selected names."

He added: "Goalkeeper Ali Kazem is one of the distinguished names, alongside Mohammed Saleh and Ali Yasin, but the preference for the goalkeepers present in the list was a correct decision," emphasizing that "the experience will enhance the stability of the defense line and provide the team with greater confidence in the upcoming matches."

Hashim's statements come as national team coach Graham Arnold announced the call-up of Jalal Hassan, Ahmed Basil, and Fahd Talib to guard the goal during the friendly tournament to be held in Thailand from September 4 to 7, in preparation for the Asian playoff matches qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Hashim pointed out that "choosing goalkeepers with extensive experience will provide the technical staff with more tactical options, as well as give the field players confidence in the defensive playing style," adding that "the goalkeepers who have been called up are capable of handling pressure and managing play professionally, which serves the team's objectives in the upcoming period."

He confirmed that this balance between local goalkeepers and professionals in Europe "will have a positive impact on the harmony within the team and help achieve the best possible performance during the friendly tournament, which is considered an important preparatory phase before entering the Asian playoff matches."

Hashim concluded his remarks by stating: "The technical staff's selection of the goalkeeper list reflects their keenness to achieve a balance between experience and youth, which will ultimately enhance the stability of the national team and prepare the team in the best possible way before the upcoming major challenges."