Asood Al Rafidayn Thread '12 edition - the road to Brazil continues [R]

At the game now. what was the penalty decision like?

 

Pff, I don't know where to begin. I only saw the last 20 minutes of the game; it was depressing. Absolutely no game plan, no urge (or ability) to score. The biggest fear of the Iraqi fans seems to become reality; the combination of overaged players and players who do not have any game rythm at all is killing the team. I am very sorry to say that Zico failed to select the best players and starting eleven. I thought he would play a crucial role in giving the players confidence and utilising matches against the weaker teams. I hope that the iraqi fans will realize that it's not only the fault of the players but also the management of the team that continued way too long with this group.

 

Didn't watch today's game but it sounds like a toothless performance from Iraq. Two of the easiest games in the group to begin with and no travelling to do really and we still manage to drop 4 points.

A tough trip away to Japan next then a game against Australia, and no less than 4 points will do if we are to qualify. Seems like we've blown it before this has even begun!

 

I wrote a new piece on the 3rd match day and focused a wee bit on Iraq. Hope you enjoy guys

 

So, we are supposed to play our first game in the Jarab nations cup on sunday against Lebanon. However, there are protests from our side since the referee will be an egyptian. In addition, we were given a training field that consists of artificial grass. Zico refused to train on the pitch. Bottom line: the IFA is threatening to withdraw. I am not agitated by the possibility that we are going to miss such a great and prestigious tournament but by the fact that the new players will not have a chance to prove themselves.

 

Upcoming friendlies ?

 

He dont think you will play them in August... ?
https://www.bigsoccer.com/community/...dly-matches-2012.1943308/page-5#post-26040628

 

http://www.iraqfpg.com/Docs.ArabicViewer/d47fd698-6994-4145-a68b-b66d06e7b2ce/Default.aspx

Ya settar..

 

According to the legendary Brazilian, Iraq is planning to start the training camp on August 7 and will most probably face Bolivia on August 15. The squad will leave for Japan early to play a friendly match against Thailand in Bangkok on September 1 before heading to Saitama for their third match of the final round of the qualifications.
http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/men-a-youth/fifa-world-cup/39644-Iraq-arrange-two-friendlies

 

http://www.iraqfpg.com/Docs.ArabicViewer/59b7d6c6-f6a5-43a4-bc5c-d2b79f89fd93/Default.aspx

In an exclusive interview with this website Zico reveals the mess in the IFA. It is a miracle that our national and youth teams are performing the way they are given the circumstances. I can't help but think about our potential if we had a decent football association.

Summary of the interview: Zico and his assistants haven't received their salaries for months now (That's why the assistants where absent). The IFA is not fullfilling the demands of Zico regarding everything and especially friendlies (he seems agitated about the friendlies in the Turkey camp). As a consequence Zico is threatening to leave the NT.

Embarrassing.

 

No Thailand friendly.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1276/so...n-of-thailand-denies-reports-of-iraq-friendly-

 

http://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/fa-transparency-over-zico-payments-backfires/

These idiots are representing us. The iraqi fans should realize that our presence in the world cup is mission impossible now.

 

14. August Iraq - Haiti ?

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/results/index.html

 

Friendly with Haiti cancelled because of “organisational reasons”
http://iraqsport.wordpress.com/2012...-cancelled-because-of-organisational-reasons/

 

A last minute friendly against Qatar/Lebanon will now take place while the FA line their pockets.

 

Possible Sudan friendly/friendlies
http://www.alnilin.com/news-action-show-id-48184.htm

 

If the Libyans pull out apparently.

Zico is still not back in Baghdad and the training camp is scheduled to begin on 20th August. I think Japan's preparations are going a bit more smoothly

 

We are going to lose badly to Japan. Look at their preparations ; Friendlies with Venezuela, UAE and Brazil while our team has not played a single match and they recently gathered without our Qatar based players and as usual Zico comes 1 or 2 weeks before any official match !