I want first of all and on behalf of all Iraqi's to thank all of those who expressed their support for Iraqi football. Words do make a difference. I also would like to inform you that Iraq will be participating in the Olympic qualifying match against Vietnam after coming with days if not hours of being disqualified. This news comes on the heels of valuable efforts of peoplle like the German coach Bernard Stange and Loai Alsahir, a member of aliraqi.com sports forum who contacted the AFC as well as Iraq's captain Hayder Mahmood who currently plays for Al-shamal of Qatar. Iraq's road to recovery is due to start next month with a training camp in UAE and then off to Spain where their host Barcelona is providing them with a 2 week camp that includes friendly's against Barcelona and two other teams.
And let's thank the USA and the UK for making it possible for the Iraqi team to lose a match (although we all wish them the best of luck) and not be whipped and beaten and thrown into raw sewage. Maybe soccer can unite the world again. A friendly, Mr. Arena? Sven?
and lets thank USwins for turning this thread political. -------------- ausood babil, Bi ttawfeeg inshallah. Hope to see you guys in the olympics. I wouldn't be surprised if you do. You've had a strong team despite all the troubles. BTW There's this great attacking midfielder in your national team. He's short and very skillful. He played in the world cup qualifiers. What's his name? I think he wore #20?
Push for it! Jassim Mohammed Ghulam wore the No.20 in the 1st round and then Razzaq Farhan returned and wore the same number in the 2nd round. The one you are thinking of is Nashaat Akram, he currenttly is the captain of the Iraqi Olympic team and only 19 years of age. He was wanted by a Serie B club which name I can't remember!
"BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Weakened by years of neglect and intimidated by an oppressive government, Iraq is getting a soccer team back together to chase an improbable dream -- qualifying for next year's Olympics." http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-iraqsreturn&prov=ap&type=lgns
Jassim? all I know about Jassim is that he was the only Iraqi player ever to play in the K-League. He played for Pohang. He was a good player, but he got benched later on after Pohang acquired a good rookie. I believe he had to leave Pohang later on..
Don't think of Olympics. Think of the Wolrd Cup in Germany!! Iraq is no doubt a 2nd tier in Asia among Iran, Saudi Arabia and China, and since there will be now 5 spots for Asia, it's safe to say that Iraq has a chance for 2006. Since the country has been liberated, the team will be under the world's attention and investments may happen, adding a boost ahead for the WCQs.
abbs ubaid as he is known in iraq, was last heard to be in Bahrain where he was looking to get a contract with an arab gulf team! The word was that he couldn't get a contract since his original contract with pohang has not expired and he was not able to secure the release. He was a good player. Although, he was a no show in the 2002 WCQ ...the tourture and threat technique used by Udai could have contributed to his weak performance.
I don't anybody owes any thank yous. Lets just hope the Iraqi MNT can pick up the pieces and do well against Vietnam. It would be absolutely wonderful to see the Iraq MNT at the olympics. I for one would be rooting for them.