When Iraq scripted a fairy tale in 2007

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

When Iraq scripted a fairy tale in 2007

Doha: When Younis Mahmoud rose high and headed the ball home from a corner kick on a balmy Jakarta evening on July 29, 2007, the largely Indonesian crowd inside the imposing Gelora Bung Karno Stadium erupted in joy. 

It was no secret that their sympathies lay with Iraq, who had overcome great hurdles just to compete in the 2007 AFC Asian Cup.

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Iraq primed to excel, says Katanec

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iraq primed to excel, says Katanec

Doha: It has been only four months that Srecko Katanec has taken charge of the Iraqi football team. But within such a short time the Slovenian has managed to forge such a strong bond with the players and turn them into a fighting fit unit that he believes they will give their all to excel at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. 

Katanec represented Yugoslavia at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games besides the European Championship in 1984 and the FIFA World Cup in 1990. He is considered one of the greatest players from Yugoslavia and among the new nations to emerge after its break-up. He has also played for Slovenia, besides coaching them for more than eight years in two stints.

In this exclusive chat with the-AFC.com, the former defensive midfielder talks about Iraq’s chances in the AFC Asian Cup.

Iraq win as China PR, Jordan settle for draw while UAE suffer defeat

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Iraq win as China PR, Jordan settle for draw while UAE suffer defeat

Kuala Lumpur: United Arab Emirates suffered a setback in their preparations for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup after losing 2-0 to Kuwait in an international friendly, while China PR and Jordan played to a 1-1 draw and Iraq scored a 1-0 win over Palestine on Friday.

UAE 0-2 KUWAIT

Dubai: UAE, preparing to host the AFC Asian Cup 2019, fell to a surprise 2-0 to Kuwait.

Kuwait claimed victory through Bader Al Mutawa and Omar Beitar's goals in the 45th and 86th minutes respectively.

Obaid: Good preparation vital for Iraq success

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Obaid: Good preparation vital for Iraq success

Baghdad: Former Iraq captain Abbas Obaid believes the 2007 champions are in for a tough test at AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and will need to make the most of their 20-day training camp in Qatar.

"The Iraqi league is now on a break for 40 days, 20 days for the training camp in Qatar and 20 days for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 - this is a vital time for the national side," says the man who skippered the side at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon.

"Because our domestic league is not at its strongest level in recent times, I feel the players may find it difficult to raise their game to match the standard of the Asian Cup."

10 of the Best: Group stage match-ups

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

10 of the Best: Group stage match-ups

Kuala Lumpur: There are just seven days until the big kick-off of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, with teams and fans beginning to descend on the United Arab Emirates. 

As ever, the group stage will throw up a number of intriguing clashes between the nations, so, next in the '10 of the Best' series, the-AFC.com has picked out 10 standout fixtures to keep an eye out for.

Al Jaber: 1996 triumph a game changer for Saudi Arabia

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Jaber: 1996 triumph a game changer for Saudi Arabia

Kuala Lumpur: The last time the AFC Asian Cup was played in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia arrived in Abu Dhabi with their chances being written off. 

A disappointing Gulf Cup performance saw head coach Ze Mario replaced with Nelo Vingada as expectations plummeted. Three weeks later, the trophy was heading back to Riyadh.

The mood was downbeat and the hopes low when Nelo Vingada led his team off the flight from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi in the days leading up to start of the 11th edition of the AFC Asian Cup.

Complete guide to official UAE 2019 squads

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Complete guide to official UAE 2019 squads

Abu Dhabi: With just nine days to go to the greatest AFC Asian Cup in history, the largest-ever cast of 24 teams have announced their final list of 23 players as the attention of the footballing world shifts to the United Arab Emirates.

Football fans from across the globe will feast their eyes on the abundance of talent from the 552 players selected and leading the way is none other than Uzbekistan’s Ignatiy Nesterov who is in line to join an exclusive elite group to feature in a record fifth AFC Asian Cup tournament.