Graham Arnold Prepares Three Trump Cards Before Facing Spain

Australian coach Graham Arnold is putting the final touches on the strategy for the friendly match against Spain, which will take place tomorrow evening, Thursday, at the Riazor Stadium in La Coruña.

The match represents the most important stop in the Lions of Mesopotamia's camp held on Spanish soil since May 23, before moving to Chicago to complete the final preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The camp started in Girona and has witnessed only one friendly match so far against Andorra on May 29, which Iraq won with a single goal scored by striker Ali Youssef.

However, facing the Matador is entirely different in terms of size and difficulty. Arnold knows that achieving a positive result against the former European and world champion will be an achievement credited to the Iraqi national team, especially since Spain holds a global football reputation and a complex playing style that relies on possession and quick movement without the ball.

When talking about Iraq's offensive cards, the name Ayman Hussein remains strongly present. His absence from the Andorra match was not a coincidence but a technical decision by the coaching staff to give him complete rest to be at his peak readiness against Spain.

Arnold knows the value of his historical top scorer and relies on him as the first choice in the front line. Ayman's physical strength and control over high balls make him an ideal weapon for receiving crosses and long balls, along with his ability to move deep into defenses and make a difference in crucial moments. His expected return to the starting lineup will give the Iraqi attack additional weight against a strong Spanish defense.

In the midfield, Arnold heavily bets on Amir Al-Amari, the player from Polish club Cracovia. Al-Amari possesses a distinctive technical touch that enables him to seamlessly connect defense with attack, as well as excel in playmaking from the depth and sending through passes that break lines. What increases his value in a match like this is his mastery of set-pieces and shooting from outside the area, which are weapons that could disrupt Spain's calculations if spaces are closed.

Away from the names, Iraqi players enter the match with high morale after the announcement of the final squad participating in the 2026 World Cup. Securing a spot in the World Cup has given the team a positive boost, and now the goal is to leave a strong impression before the tournament begins.

The Lions of Mesopotamia want to prove that they can stand as equals against a top-tier global team, even if the match is friendly. The performance against Spain will serve as a message to the fans and the world that Iraq is coming to compete, not just to participate.

The match also represents a golden opportunity for players to showcase their capabilities on a big European stage. Performing at a distinguished level in front of Spanish football followers may open the doors to professionalism for some elements and enhance the value of the Iraqi league externally.