Category: Iraq

Asian Cup 2019, friendly, Iraq, Match Review

Match Review: Iraq 0-4 Argentina & Iraq 1-1 Saudi Arabia

The first of two friendlies, Iraq took on a second-string Argentina side that still possessed enormous quality. It was a tough game for Kalanic to start his reign as Iraqi manager, but it did not stop him from experimenting with the side, bringing in the likes of Osama, Yasin, Justin, Bashar, Mohanad Ali and Mohammed Dawood. The game went exactly as expected, with Argentina completely … Continue reading Match Review: Iraq 0-4 Argentina & Iraq 1-1 Saudi Arabia

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Expat, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, transfers

Exclusive: Humam Tariq, Safaa Hadi and Muhanad Ali Kadhim All Linked With Turkish Clubs

With the transfer window open in Europe, there has been a surge of Iraqi players linked with several clubs in the region. Humam Tariq was recently in Turkey undergoing negotiations with second-tier club Elazığspor. The midfielder was previously set to sign with the club in January, but the transfer fell through in the last moment when Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya demanded a hefty transfer fee, which the … Continue reading Exclusive: Humam Tariq, Safaa Hadi and Muhanad Ali Kadhim All Linked With Turkish Clubs

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Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA

‪The Unveiling Of Najaf’s 30,000 Capacity Stadium To Signal A New Chapter For Iraqi Football‬

Now that FIFA have finally lifted their ban on Iraq hosting international matches, both the Iraqi FA and Ministry of Youth and Sport have been keen on arranging several friendlies for their eager fans. Monday will see Iraq take on Palestine in yet another home game for Iraq, where the FA can showcase their ability to successfully welcome international teams on Iraqi soil. The Basra … Continue reading ‪The Unveiling Of Najaf’s 30,000 Capacity Stadium To Signal A New Chapter For Iraqi Football‬

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Club Football, Expat, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, transfers

Introducing A-League’s Mario Shabow – Iraq’s Potential Midfield Prodigy

Australia has a long-standing history with Iraqi football and Mario Shabow is the latest player caught in the crossways between the two nations. Soon to be 20 years old, the youngster has settled down in Australia and has represented their U20 national team 13 times with 5 goals to his name. He was born in Baghdad, Iraq, to Assyrian parents and moved to Australia at … Continue reading Introducing A-League’s Mario Shabow – Iraq’s Potential Midfield Prodigy

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Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, News

FIFA Finally Lifts The Ban On Iraq Hosting International Football

Decades of torment and instability have left football as a final glimmer of hope that continues to unify Iraqis against all odds. FIFA’s decision to sanction Saddam Hussain following his invasion of Kuwait in 1990 resulted in Iraq being banned from hosting international matches. Nearly three decades on from the initial ban, Iraqis will be delighted to see FIFA finally lift that ban on their homeland. … Continue reading FIFA Finally Lifts The Ban On Iraq Hosting International Football

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Abdulla Al-Kalisy, ahmed yasin, Corruption, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Youth Football

5 Reasons Why Iraqi Expats Are Suffering Under The Current FA & National Team

Ahmed Yasin was the first Iraqi player to feature regularly in the national team despite playing in a foreign country his entire career. Thanks to the excellent work of Iraqi Professional Players, an organisations that scouts the world for Iraqi expat footballers, Yasin was able to make his first team debut for Iraq and has continued to feature for his country since. There have been … Continue reading 5 Reasons Why Iraqi Expats Are Suffering Under The Current FA & National Team

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Corruption, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, Youth Football

Feature: The Lack Of Planning In Iraq’s Youth Team Is Ruining The National Team’s Future

There has been a noticeable level of success achieved by the Iraqi national team at the youth level over the previous two decades. Iraq has previously finish 4th in Athens 2004 Olympics, 4th in the U23 World Cup 2013, amongst other successes with the U20 and U17 sides, both on a continental and international level. Contrastingly, the results of Iraq’s senior national team have failed … Continue reading Feature: The Lack Of Planning In Iraq’s Youth Team Is Ruining The National Team’s Future

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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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Basim Kasim, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, News

Exclusive – Iraq Looking To Appoint Experienced Aussie To Replace Basim Qasim

Ongoing uncertainty regarding Basim Qasim’s future has resulted in the Iraqi FA contacting various foreign managers in search of a replacement for the Asian Cup 2019. The national team has an atrocious record with manager selection, where Hakim Shakir, Akram Salman, Yahya Alwan, Radhi Shenaishil and Basim Qasim have all taken charge since the last Asian cup in 2015. There are claims that the FA … Continue reading Exclusive – Iraq Looking To Appoint Experienced Aussie To Replace Basim Qasim

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