Tag: soccer

ahmed yasin, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Preview, World Cup Qualifiers

Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

In 2011, Osama Rashid was selected to represent the Iraqi national team in a friendly match against Kuwait. The midfielder, a surprise call-up and one of the first so called ‘expat’ players to feature for Iraq, looked on as Iraq’s iconic captain Younis Mahmoud felt a pain in his hamstring. After receiving treatment, the physio indicates Younis will have to be replaced. The German coach, Wolfgang Sidka, has a word … Continue reading Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

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english, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, News

Feature: Iraqi Footballers Soon To Flood Europe?

Over the past week, a plethora of young Iraqi talent have signed up with Persian Stars Ltd, a football agency run by none other than Behrooz Dezhbod. We had the pleasure of meeting Behrooz a few months ago, where he discussed his interest in working with Iraqi footballers. The football agent was the former representative of Iraqi superstar Nashat Akram as well as current international … Continue reading Feature: Iraqi Footballers Soon To Flood Europe?

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Corruption, english, Expat, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, Nashat Akram, nashat akram interview

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Childhood, Manchester City, FC Twente & Iraq – Part 2

Part 2 from our exclusive interview with Iraqi footballing legend Nashat Akram. Click here for ‘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 … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Childhood, Manchester City, FC Twente & Iraq – Part 2

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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

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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

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Expat, interview, Iraq, Midfielder, SC Farense

INTERVIEW WITH OSAMA RASHID

Ten games and two goals into the season and Osama Rashid, 23, is already making waves across the Portuguese Segunda Liga. The midfielder has settled in well at Sporting Clube Farense following his departure from Dutch side Alphense Boys last summer. As is the case with many Iraqi expat players, his story is a long and arduous one. Born in Kirkuk and raised in Holland before his move to Portugal, Osama offered a rare insight into his journey as we spoke. His humility and laidback demeanour were noticeably contrasting with his explosiveness on the pitch. Although shy and polite, the Iraqi international held nothing back in this exclusive interview. Continue reading INTERVIEW WITH OSAMA RASHID

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