Category: Russia2018WCQ

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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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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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, News, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

“Yaser Kasim Does Not Consider Himself An Iraqi & Shouldn’t Play For The National Team”

Yaser Kasim has come under intense scrutiny following a devastating attack by international football agent Najim Mohamad. The Swindon midfielder’s attitude was put into question amid his imminent exclusion from the Iraqi squad to face UAE later this month. Najim, himself an Iraqi national, runs the UAE-based Hattrick Sports Services football agency and currently represents many of Iraq’s European-based footballers including Ali Adnan and Dhurgham Ismail. Najim … Continue reading “Yaser Kasim Does Not Consider Himself An Iraqi & Shouldn’t Play For The National Team”

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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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Ali Shekarchi, Guest Writer, Iraq, Russia2018WCQ

Player Rating: Iraq 0-2 Australia (WCQ Russia 2018)

For a more detailed match report of the Iraq 0-2 Australia match, Click Here. Player Ratings   GK – Mohammed Hameed – Made a crucial save seconds into the game. Got down well to make a few other saves. Could only look on as Australia struck bar twice and scored two other goals. . (6.5/10)   RB – Alaa Mhawi – Comfortably dealt with the Australian attack on the … Continue reading Player Rating: Iraq 0-2 Australia (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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