Ray Wilkins says Jordan cannot afford slow start against Iraq

Scoring enough goals to advance will be difficult if Jordan begin with a draw, Wilkins says

Jordan coach Ray Wilkins watches his players train ahead of their Asian Cup Group D match against Iraq at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on January 11, 2015. Edgar Su / Reuters

Ray Wilkins, the Jordan coach, said it was vital his side get off to a strong start on Monday when they begin their Asian Cup Group D campaign against Iraq.

Iraq were the 2007 winners of the competition, but with defending champions and favourites Japan also in the group, Wilkins said his side must not come out of the encounter in Brisbane empty-handed.

“We could live with a draw,” the Englishman said on the Asian Cup website. “But then we have to score a lot of goals in our remaining games and that will be a big problem for us. Ideally we would like to win, but to not be defeated is important as well.

“In any tournament – and I’ve been fortunate to play in a few of them myself – the first game is of the utmost importance.

“Japan are obviously the strongest team in the group, but nevertheless, it’s 11 guys against 11 guys. Every game will be extremely tough, but the first game is very important.”

Jordan lost to the UAE 1-0 last month in one of their warm-up games ahead of the competition. Wilkins, who had 84 England caps as a player, acknowledged it would be a tough task for his side to make the knockout stages of the competition.

“I think we’re in a tough group. Every game will be extremely difficult, but we are prepared to start our campaign tomorrow,” he said.

“It’s the pride and the privilege of beating the opposition which counts. I’m not overly concerned because we’ve improved. I’m looking forward to the game because it is our first competitive match. I’m sure we’ll get the maximum result from the players.”

Wilkins, who took over as Jordan coach in September, is on a short-term deal that finishes at the end of the tournament. He said his focus was on trying to ensure Jordan achieved their maximum in Australia.

“We’ve enjoyed the experience,” he said. “It ends, unfortunately, at the end of this month. We hope it can continue, but the only way it can continue is if we’re productive. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

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