Has anyone heard anything on the Iraqi national team touring the US? I remember there was talk of it after the war "ended". it was supposed to be a benifit to show support for what Iraqi players had endured under Sadaam and gain money for the Iraqi Football Association. (They were gonna play the US among others)
Who was that moron in Congress that suggested our Nats play Iraq? If you ask me, if that ever happens, because it would be somewhat newsworthy, I say it should be played in a large stadium on network television in primetime. Would make it worthwhile in terms of exposure for everyone involved.
I agree. One of the highlights for me of the '98 WC was the USA/Iran match. It was great to see the exchange of pendants before the match where it almost turned into a contest between the 2 captains to see who could give the most pendants and other gifts. I think the Iranian's won by a short head. It rather reminded me of the match between England and Argentina only 4-5 years after the Falklands in that it was, in some respects, a cathartic exercise - both for the side that had lost the military conflict and the side that won it. Have a look at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2915451.stm , particularly the picture about halfway down entitled 'At times the action on the pitch was fierce' and tell me the Iraqi player didn't feel better after the game - although I also tend to think his play may not have been fully in accordance with current FIFA rulings.
1) Because it's likely to never happen. 2) It was suggested to advance a political end IMO, and not necessarily advance the sport.