Category: World Cup Qualifiers

english, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, World Cup Qualifiers

FEATURE: Younis Mahmoud – What next for Iraq’s beleaguered captain?

The Lion Heart PELÉ OF DIBBIS Iraq’s national side is known to its loyal supporters as the Lions of Mesopotamia – a term first coined during the team’s heroics at the 2004 Olympic Games. Their talismanic No.10, Younis Mahmoud, was one of those young lions in Athens, and twelve years on, the Iraqi captain is the only remaining Lion, standing amongst a fledgling pride of cubs, eyeing … Continue reading FEATURE: Younis Mahmoud – What next for Iraq’s beleaguered captain?

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal6 Comments
english, Features, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, Nashat Akram, nashat akram interview, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Iraq, Goals, Career & World Cup Qualification – Part 1

Among the hoards of tourists and city workers wandering around central London walks a figure unrecognisable to many, yet still idolised by millions across the world. After bombarding him with requests for an interview, Nashat Akram kindly invited me to join him for a coffee at his favourite spot in the capital. They say, “you should never meet your heroes” as the experience is often a disappointment, leaving … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Iraq, Goals, Career & World Cup Qualification – Part 1

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal15 Comments
ahmed yasin, ali adnan, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, News, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

Ali Adnan has attacked the Iraqi Football Federation in a scintillating rant, where he claimed that Iraqi fans are unaware of what the players and the coaching staff of the national team have been put through during recent times. Iraq’s young wingback has started in Iraq’s last three World Cup qualifiers under current manager Yahya Alwan, featuring in a slightly more attacking position than his … Continue reading Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal5 Comments
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

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal3 Comments
Expat, Features, Iraq, Midfielder, News, World Cup Qualifiers

The Rise Of Justin Meram

A tough start to his international career saw Columbus Crew’s Justin Meram on the brink of the first team for Iraq. His form for his club has been excellent, with him scoring regularly and putting in match-winning performances. Sadly, that form was absent during the Asian Cup 2015, where he featured frequently but failed to make his mark. However, sixteen games into his international career and things … Continue reading The Rise Of Justin Meram

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal4 Comments
friendly, Iraq, Jordan, News, Preview, World Cup Qualifiers

Iraq vs. Jordan – Match Preview – 03/10/2015

With 79 minutes to go and Iraq comfortably leading two goals to nil against a hapless Thailand, few people would have betted against the Lions of Mesopotamia to walk away with all three points. However, as is the case with football, all it took was one lapse of concentration and Senamuang’s men were back in the game. Such was the turnaround in fortune for both … Continue reading Iraq vs. Jordan – Match Preview – 03/10/2015

Unknown's avatarHassanane Balal1 Comment