Comments on: Iraq’s AFC title gives people hope for recovery

By: Johnny Centreback

Johnny Centreback — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:08:59 +0000

While there may be more villans and money in the game than ever, for me the biggest change has been tactics: the style of play. And I know that deep down tactics are driven by money and the related need to win but if only the game had more style, more openness and more of the unpredictable, then frankly I wouldn’t care about any of the other issues. In the Premiership this season I am particularly concerned by how strong Liverpool will be. If they stay healthy, I think they will prevent others not only from winning but also from playing. Few teams will be able to break them down. Benitez is great for Liverpool but not a blessing for the Beautiful Game. The Beautiful Game needs more Beautifulgamers willing to risk it all for the sake of the game alone.

By: Magic

Magic — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:59:34 +0000

I agree fantastic article. And kyle whats the point in mentioning bernd stange? He wasnt even involve in Iraqs 2007 Asian Cup success. Not to mention they didnt too well under him.

By: erikk d

erikk d — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:48:51 +0000

excellent article, and a necessary one in terms of perspective. as an american, i constantly have to deal with people asking why i watch world cup, or care about soccer…let alone why did i play it when i was younger.
the international competitions, especially the world cup and olympic (soccer being the only summer event i follow at the olympics) capture the true power of sport. When one sees countries coming to a halt at 2pm because the national team is on, you have to take notice. americans dont have that passion for our national teams…and i cant truly explain it…our soccer team, while improving and competitive is hardly noticed.
Watching the celebrations of the iraqi people during this incredible tournament for them, my coworkers were baffled at the display of excitement…and i was baffled at their inability to understand.
thanks for reminding me why i love the sport so much…

By: KyleAusGooner

KyleAusGooner — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:11:19 +0000

Well, About being Iraq coach.
Perth Glory manager for around 8 years until he quit in 2002 and steered Perth (My club, I live near there) to become one of the best teams in the old NSL.
Bernd Stanger his name, A legend in Aussie Football, he coached East Germany too for numoures years.

Around 2 Years ago, At a local ground Iraq came to play with all there players from the first team, thumping the U-21 aus side 7-3 or so, I thought they played some ofg th ebest football i’d seen better than Charlton on tele (But thats Charlton) and i never knoew that one day, they would be champions of Asia!

By: iqnadirshah

iqnadirshah — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:19:02 +0000

Nice article. Some noteworthy points:
-Saddam and his lunatic elder son used to make the football team members kick around a concrete football as punishment for failures. How ironic that the team tasted success after the death of the tyrant and his psycho son
-after the match the saudi captain said something like “we played well but it couldnt be helped, the rest of the world wanted them to win”.I honestly thought that was a really nice way of complimenting the iraqis and at the same time admitting that he too felt for them in their hour of victory
-Only two comments(including mine)? Is this because (a)no one else is interested? (b)we cant be bothered if it is not about the european heavyweights? or lastly (c) everyone agrees with every single word mentioned in the article?

By: Ahmed Bilal

Ahmed Bilal — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 06:07:31 +0000

Excellent article mate, and very true.

Don’t think Iraq will make it to South Africa though, although the Confederations Cup will make for some interesting viewing.

How does one apply to be Iraq’s manager?