Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Iraqi left-back Ali Adnan has enjoyed a renaissance in Italy lately, finding a new lease of life after a difficult start to life at Serie A club Udinese. As he celebrates his 24th birthday, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at his change of fortunes.
It was considered as a giant step for Iraqi football when Adnan moved to one of the world’s top leagues in July 2015, carrying with him the hopes of millions of fans back home. The transfer to Udinese from Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor had made the left-back the first Iraqi player to sign for an Italian club.
However, despite a positive start, Adnan looked set to leave Udine last summer after he found his first team opportunities limited under coach Luigi Delneri.
The defender admitted that remaining in the Italian league was “very difficult” but after he turned down several offers including a return to Turkey, Adnan eventually stayed put.
Yet, breaking into the first team continued to be a challenging task for the 23-year-old. It would take until late October for Adnan to start a league game. Although Udinese would be beaten convincingly by champions Juventus 6-2 in that game, it would be prove to be a turning point in Adnan's season.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_adnan_iraq_-_fifa_world_cup_asian_qualifiers_1.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_adnan_iraq_-_fifa_world_cup_asian_qualifiers_3.html
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ali_adnan_iraq_-_fifa_world_cup_asian_qualifiers_2.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: There are few images more iconic in Asian football: with his mouth wide open in a celebratory roar, Younis Mahmoud hoists the AFC Asian Cup trophy high into the Jakarta night sky as Iraq complete a remarkable triumph over Saudi Arabia in the final of the 2007 championship.
Mahmoud’s towering header – his fourth goal of the tournament – secured Iraq’s first-ever AFC Asian Cup title and it remains a totemic moment in the history not only of the striker’s career or in the pantheon of his own nation, but of the Asian game. A moment truly befitting an Asian Icon.
Age: 34
Clubs: Kirkuk, Al Talaba, Al Khor, Al Gharafa, Al Arabi, Al Wakrah, Al Sadd, Al Ahli
International appearances (Goals): 148 (57)
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Jeddah: Ahmed Yasin was on target on Matchday Six of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Asian Qualifiers when he slid in at the back post for a deserved equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Australia at PAS Tehran Stadium to keep Iraq’s slim hopes of a place at Russia 2018 alive.
The 25-year-old moved from his native Iraq to Sweden as an infant, but the winger has become an important member of Radhi Swadi’s team on and off the field.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since Iraq stunned the world to lift the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in one of the most heartwarming football stories ever to be told.