Category: Match Review

Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq 1-1 Australia

One of the many tragedies behind Iraq’s current security worries is one that is often overlooked. In a country that lives and breathes football, especially with the national team being the only source of happiness for many in a war torn nation, to be unable to watch your national team compete in front of the iraqi jumhoor (fanbase) really does put things into perspective. Every football player will tell … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq 1-1 Australia

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english, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review, Radhi Shenaishil

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq 0-2 UAE

On the back of a 4-0 victory over Thailand, Iraq were in high spirits as they took to the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Beating UAE was the bare minimum needed in order to keep qualification for Russia 2018 alive. However, Iraq’s recent form against their Gulf rivals has been poor to say the least, with their most recent match coming in the … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq 0-2 UAE

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english, Guest Writer, Iraq, Match Review, Player Ratings, Russia2018WCQ

Player Rating: Iraq 1-2 Saudi Arabia (WCQ Russia 2018)

Player Ratings GK – Mohammed Hameed – A relatively quiet evening for our keeper. However, even though he wasn’t tested much, Hameed maintained his focus and comfortably saved long-range efforts, punched away corners and came out to gather through balls when needed. Also, he has to be credited for his excellent distribution across the pitch. He guessed the correct way for both penalties but wasn’t able … Continue reading Player Rating: Iraq 1-2 Saudi Arabia (WCQ Russia 2018)

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english, Iraq, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq vs. Australia

Iraq kicked off their final 2018 World Cup qualification campaign with a whimper. The first match saw Iraq take on reigning Asian Cup champions Australia, in a sold out Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth. On the back off an early exit in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Iraq were hoping to kick start their campaign with a positive result but a win was going to be a tough … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review: Iraq vs. Australia

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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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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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english, Iraq, Match Review, News, World Cup Qualifiers

Iraq vs. Vietnam Review – A Late Penalty Rescues Iraq Following Another Abysmal Performance

What should have been a routine win turned up to be a near disaster for Iraq as they pulled one back in the dying stages of their World Cup qualifier with Vietnam. The manager fielded a full strength team and still struggled to see any sort of progression following the three nil loss against Jordan last Saturday. The so-called ‘expats’ featured heavily in the team … Continue reading Iraq vs. Vietnam Review – A Late Penalty Rescues Iraq Following Another Abysmal Performance

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