VAR will make referees' job easier from next round, says Iraq coach Katanec

Dubai - Srecko Katanec says his team fought back well in the second half against Iran.

While Iran coach Carlos Queiroz praised Uzbek referee Ravshaan Irmatov for the way he handled his team's Asian Cup Group D game against Iraq, Srecko Katanec, the Iraq coach, felt some of the decisions probably went against his team in the first half.
"Maybe yes in the first half. But you must understand that the referee was under too much pressure. So I will not make a comment," Katanec said after his team's goalless draw with Iraq on Wednesday night.
From the Round of 16, on-field officials will be assisted by VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the Asian Cup.
"In the next round, there will be VAR. So it will be easier for the referees from the next round," the former UAE coach said.
Iraq will face either Saudi Arabia or Qatar in the next round.
"I really don't care who we will play. We have six days to prepare for the game. It doesn't matter if it's Saudi or Qatar. We will be ready," he said.
Iraq came up with an inspired display in the second half against Iran after being dominated by their opponents in the first half.
"At half-time, I just asked them to move the ball a little bit more. That's the reason we played better in the second half," Katanec said.
"I am very satisfied overall. Especially in the second half. Today's game was really another level. You can't compare it with the previous two games. Iranian team is Iranian team. They have an image, a personality. Physically they are stronger.
"The match was very intense. We put up a great fight in the second half. I think the draw is a fair result."
But Katanec refused to look too far ahead when asked if Iraq have what it takes to replicate their 2007 Asian Cup title-winning run.
"We will take it one game at a time. We will see in the next game how we play. We want to win that game obviously. Every game is different. But you never know what's going to happen," he said.
rituraj@khaleejtimes.com