Category: Features

english, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, yaser kasim

Feature: When Football Remains Iraq’s Final Glimmer Of Hope – A Tribute To Iskandariya’s 43 Martyrs

A Football Field, Where Dreams And Goals Were Once Paved, Now Sits A Makeshift Memorial Site. Few nations have experienced suffering in the same measure that Iraqis have. Decades of oppression and corruption have stolen the lives and futures of countless individuals across the country. Sadly, the situation only seems to be getting worse by the day with no visible light at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel.   It … Continue reading Feature: When Football Remains Iraq’s Final Glimmer Of Hope – A Tribute To Iskandariya’s 43 Martyrs

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ahmed yasin, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Preview, World Cup Qualifiers

Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

In 2011, Osama Rashid was selected to represent the Iraqi national team in a friendly match against Kuwait. The midfielder, a surprise call-up and one of the first so called ‘expat’ players to feature for Iraq, looked on as Iraq’s iconic captain Younis Mahmoud felt a pain in his hamstring. After receiving treatment, the physio indicates Younis will have to be replaced. The German coach, Wolfgang Sidka, has a word … Continue reading Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

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english, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, News

Feature: Iraqi Footballers Soon To Flood Europe?

Over the past week, a plethora of young Iraqi talent have signed up with Persian Stars Ltd, a football agency run by none other than Behrooz Dezhbod. We had the pleasure of meeting Behrooz a few months ago, where he discussed his interest in working with Iraqi footballers. The football agent was the former representative of Iraqi superstar Nashat Akram as well as current international … Continue reading Feature: Iraqi Footballers Soon To Flood Europe?

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english, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, World Cup Qualifiers

FEATURE: Younis Mahmoud – What next for Iraq’s beleaguered captain?

The Lion Heart PELÉ OF DIBBIS Iraq’s national side is known to its loyal supporters as the Lions of Mesopotamia – a term first coined during the team’s heroics at the 2004 Olympic Games. Their talismanic No.10, Younis Mahmoud, was one of those young lions in Athens, and twelve years on, the Iraqi captain is the only remaining Lion, standing amongst a fledgling pride of cubs, eyeing … Continue reading FEATURE: Younis Mahmoud – What next for Iraq’s beleaguered captain?

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english, Features, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, Nashat Akram, nashat akram interview, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Iraq, Goals, Career & World Cup Qualification – Part 1

Among the hoards of tourists and city workers wandering around central London walks a figure unrecognisable to many, yet still idolised by millions across the world. After bombarding him with requests for an interview, Nashat Akram kindly invited me to join him for a coffee at his favourite spot in the capital. They say, “you should never meet your heroes” as the experience is often a disappointment, leaving … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Iraq, Goals, Career & World Cup Qualification – Part 1

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ahmed yasin, ali adnan, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, News, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

Ali Adnan has attacked the Iraqi Football Federation in a scintillating rant, where he claimed that Iraqi fans are unaware of what the players and the coaching staff of the national team have been put through during recent times. Iraq’s young wingback has started in Iraq’s last three World Cup qualifiers under current manager Yahya Alwan, featuring in a slightly more attacking position than his … Continue reading Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

Hassanane Balal5 Comments
Expat, Features, Iraq, Midfielder, News, World Cup Qualifiers

The Rise Of Justin Meram

A tough start to his international career saw Columbus Crew’s Justin Meram on the brink of the first team for Iraq. His form for his club has been excellent, with him scoring regularly and putting in match-winning performances. Sadly, that form was absent during the Asian Cup 2015, where he featured frequently but failed to make his mark. However, sixteen games into his international career and things … Continue reading The Rise Of Justin Meram

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