Category: Match Review

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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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, Match Review, Youth Football

U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 4-1 Malaysia

Iraq started their U23 Asian Cup campaign at walking pace with an easy victory over Malaysia. The Lions looked completely dominant right from kickoff, with Safaa Hadi and Amjed Atwan running the show. Bashar set up the first with a sensational cross using the outside of his boot, which was headed in by Mohammed Jaffal. Amjed Atwan extended the lead with a low driven shot … Continue reading U23 Asian Cup Match Review: Iraq 4-1 Malaysia

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Gulf Cup 23, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review

Gulf Cup 23 Review: Iraq 0-0 UAE – Iraq Crashes Out On Penalties Despite A Promising Tournament

They say insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again, but expecting to see a different outcome. By that very definition, it’s clear that everyone managing the Iraqi national team is suffering with a mental disorder to some extent. Against a poor UAE team, Iraq somehow still struggled to do the basics right despite two convincing wins in the group stages of the … Continue reading Gulf Cup 23 Review: Iraq 0-0 UAE – Iraq Crashes Out On Penalties Despite A Promising Tournament

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Basim Qasim, Corruption, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Reviews – Iraq 2-1 Thailand & Iraq 1-0 UAE

Following a catastrophic campaign in which Iraq were unable to mount any serious challange for qualification, it was left for Basim Qasim to pick up the pieces and start planning from square one. The new manager was quick to make his mark on the new squad by bringing in fresh talent and benching senior players such as Mohanned Abdul-Raheem. In came Aymen Hussain, Hussain Ali … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Reviews – Iraq 2-1 Thailand & Iraq 1-0 UAE

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Basim Qasim, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review – Iraq 1-1 Japan

Basim Qasim’s first competitive fixture as Iraqi manager ended with mixed responses as his side battled it out with a strong Japanese side. With no chance of qualification and Radhi Shenaishil no longer in charge of the national team, this was an opportunity for Basim Qasim to possibly try out new tactics or take risks he would usually be reluctant to try. A return to … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review – Iraq 1-1 Japan

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friendly, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Match Review, News

Match Review – Iraq 1-0 Jordan – Basra Hosts Home Fixture as Football Returns To Mesopotamia

Following a recent u-turn from FIFA to partially remove the ban on Iraq from hosting international home matches, the Iraqi FA were quick to celebrate this opportunity by arranging an official friendly tie with neighboring rivals Jordan. Football was well and truly coming home as the Lions of Mesopotamia took to the field on home soil for the first time since 2013. The Basra Sport … Continue reading Match Review – Iraq 1-0 Jordan – Basra Hosts Home Fixture as Football Returns To Mesopotamia

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Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Iraq

The lingering hopes of the most optimistic Iraqi fans were finally put to bed as Iraq’s World Cup qualification campaign for Russia 2018 came crushing down against bitter foes Saudi Arabia. Political and religious reasons make this fixture a tasty one, but with the most recent Saudi victory still lingering over bitter Iraqi tongues, revenge was in the air and the world watched in anticipation. … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Iraq

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