Rene Molenstein, assistant coach of the Iraqi national team, confirmed that the encounter of the Lions of Mesopotamia against Sudan in the second round of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be tough and intense, emphasizing that the coaching staff is dealing with high focus on the opponent's details in order to continue the positive results with which the team started the tournament.

Molenstein said: "Physical readiness will be an important factor against Sudan. We know well their playing keys and how they handle dangerous passes, and we will be positive throughout the match. Our opponent is an organized team and achieved an important draw against Algeria, so the match will not be easy at all."

He added: "There is no easy team in the Arab Cup; all teams have developed and improved significantly. Our goal is to continue showing our best form, and as a coaching staff, we saw the necessity to place some players in the most suitable positions according to their abilities."

Molenstein spoke about the reasons for adopting the 4-4-2 formation, saying: "We worked on strengthening defense and attack through this formation, and it gave us the required balance. We study opponents well to avoid surprises, and we find no reason to change the tactics against Sudan. We will start with the players who are most physically and technically ready."