Category: Rio2016

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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