Category: Iraq Olympics Football

Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Youth Football

U23 Asian Cup Quarterfinal Match Review: Iraq 3-3 Vietnam

Iraq crashed out of the U23 in excruciating circumstances after a thrilling 120 minutes. Vietnam started the better of the two sides. They took an early lead after only 11 minutes following a defensive error inside the Iraqi box. The Lions of Mesopotamia failed to clear the ball from an incoming set piece and the ball fell to Nguyen Cong Phuong, who slotted passed a hapless Ahmed … Continue reading U23 Asian Cup Quarterfinal Match Review: Iraq 3-3 Vietnam

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Youth Football

U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 1-0 Jordan

Iraq sealed their place in the next round of the Asian Cup U23 with a narrow victory over Jordan. It was a tense affair but Iraq dominated for the majority of the game. They came close on many occasions but the lack of killer instinct in front of goal failed to make it a comfortable win. The first half was an open affair, where Iraq … Continue reading U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 1-0 Jordan

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Youth Football

U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 0-0 Saudi Arabia

The Titan clash between fierce rivals Saudi Arabia and Iraq proved to be a tense affair with neither team able to dominate the opposition. Iraq started the game off strongly, holding the majority of possession and playing in the opposition half. However, they were unable to capitalise on this as they struggled to create any real chances. Both Hussain Ali and Bashar Resan had quiet … Continue reading U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 0-0 Saudi Arabia

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Youth Football

5 Players To Watch Out For In The U23 Asian Cup 2018

  The U23 Asian Cup is quickly approaching and Iraq is one of the favourites going into the competition. The squad features some experienced players and some fresh exciting talent to boot. The competition sees Iraq drawn with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Malaysia in a tasty Group C. The competition will be held in China from the 9th January to the 27th of January 2018. … Continue reading 5 Players To Watch Out For In The U23 Asian Cup 2018

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Ammo Baba, Corruption, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football

Torture, Threats and Imprisonment – How Uday Saddam Hussein Destroyed Iraqi Football

Unlike the current state of Iraq’s national team, the 60’s signaled the start of an extraordinary era for Iraqi football. By far the greatest team in the Arab world, Iraq was among the best teams in all of the Continent. The national team contained an array of talented footballers who went on to achieve fantastic successes over the next few decades, winning the Arab Cup … Continue reading Torture, Threats and Imprisonment – How Uday Saddam Hussein Destroyed Iraqi Football

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Corruption, english, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Rio2016, Youth Football

Rio 2016 – 7 Things We Learnt About Iraq In The Olympics Men’s Football

Following Iraq’s exit from the Olympics Men’s football, we look back at the many talking points of the tournament. Elimination from the tournament may feel like a crushing blow as of now – especially given that our wounds are still sore and blistered. Therefore, following extensive reflection, we have settled for 7 worthy points to discuss in the hope that we can at least appreciate some of … Continue reading Rio 2016 – 7 Things We Learnt About Iraq In The Olympics Men’s Football

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Rio2016, Youth Football

Rio 2016 Match Review: Iraq 1-1 South Africa

Football can often be a force that unites an entire nation when all else has failed. However, there are times when football can crush a country’s spirit after a disappointing result. Having produced two memorable performances in the first two group games – against Denmark and then Brazil – all eyes were on Iraq to take on Bafana Bafana. The Lions of Mesopotamia were expected to put the … Continue reading Rio 2016 Match Review: Iraq 1-1 South Africa

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Corruption, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football, Rio2016

Feature: “Iraq’s 2004 Olympics Respite”

The following article is a direct translation of extracts taken from French sports website SoFoot.com, featuring IraqFootball.me’s Hassanane Balal and IraqSports’ Hassanin Mubarak. Both individuals were interviewed by journalist William Vénétitay, whose article can be read in full here. This article remains the property of SoFoot.com and has been solely translated for Iraqi football fans who do not speak French – this article is not the … Continue reading Feature: “Iraq’s 2004 Olympics Respite”

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Rio2016, Youth Football

RIO 2016 Match Review: Iraq 0:0 Brazil

Following an impressive draw against Denmark in the group opener, where Iraq dominated possession and had the greater of the chances throughout the game, it was interesting to see how the Lions of Mesopotamia will fare against much tougher opposition in the form of Neymar’s Brazil. Going into the game, it was widely expected that Iraq would be humbled against a star-studded Brazilian side with the … Continue reading RIO 2016 Match Review: Iraq 0:0 Brazil

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english, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Rio2016, Youth Football

RIO 2016 Match Review: Iraq 0:0 Denmark

The Lions of Mesopotamia kicked off proceedings in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 by taking on Denmark in an entertaining first game that somehow failed to record any goals. Prior to kick off, Iraq were seen as major underdogs by both pundits and bookies. 90 minutes later and the team in green had left the Estadio Nacional field with their pride intact following a positive performance. … Continue reading RIO 2016 Match Review: Iraq 0:0 Denmark

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