Speechless in Doha: Arnold Skips the Mic as Iraq Edge Bahrain 2-1 in Arab Cup Opener
3 December 2025
Match context
Dutch assistant coach Rene Moelienstein of Iraq said head coach Graham Arnold could not attend the post-match press conference after the Bahrain game in the Arab Cup, his voice worn out by continuous instructions to the players, so he attended on his behalf.
Iraq beat Bahrain 2-1 in the Group D opener of the Arab Cup currently staged in Qatar.
Post-match notes
The Lions of Mesopotamia lead Group D with three points after Algeria and Sudan drew 0-0 in the opening fixture, while Bahrain sit fourth.
René said the win was important, a three-point milestone in this stage of the tournament, and that the performance reflected the players’ hard work on the field.
He added they hope all players will be available in the coming period for ideal preparations for the World Cup playoff qualifiers, stressing the staff will keep using available names despite absences and push for peak readiness ahead of decisive matches.
If silence were a tactic, Arnold just called a timeout.
The press conference went karaoke—thanks, mic mute mode.
