US v. Iraq

What do you guys think of this idea?

Congressman suggests soccer matches between U.S. and Iraq

By ROBERT GEHRKE
.c The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - An Arizona congressman is suggesting a series of soccer matches between the United States and Iraq in an effort to build goodwill between the countries.

Rep. J.D. Hayworth sent a letter Tuesday to U.S. Soccer Federation president Bob Contiguglia suggesting a series of games in the United States, and Iraq once the Iraqi national team is re-established.

The Republican from Maricopa County said proceeds should be used for relief work in Iraq.

``It hasn't been something that is immediately on our radar because our 2003 schedule is set, but we're always looking to play games against countries from all over the world and we're definitely not opposed to using soccer to unite people,'' said Jim Moorhouse, spokesman for the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The United States and Iran received a sportsmanship award from the international soccer federation for matches they played in 1998. The teams played again in 2000.

But with the schedule set, it's unlikely the games could be squeezed in this year, Moorhouse said.

Hayworth said the Iraqi soccer team was a symbol of all Iraqi people under Saddam Hussein's regime. There have been reports that Hussein's son, Uday, who was in charge of Iraq's sporting teams, jailed and tortured players who failed to perform to his standards.

But Hayworth was inspired by stories of a game in Najif between a local soccer team and U.S. Marines. The Marines lost 7-0.

``The goal of the Marines was to help win the hearts and minds of the locals,'' Hayworth said in his letter. ``It apparently worked. By the end of the match, 600 Iraqi fans were cheering on the overmatched Americans who played in fatigues and combat boots.''