Iraq’s Mahdi Karim, in green, attempts to score during a friendly soccer match in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 13, 2009. Iraq defeated Palestine by 4-0 in a friendly football match in Baghdad, triggering wild celebrations among Iraqis who were unable to watch their national sports teams during years of war.
Iraq hopes to convince FIFA the country is safe enough to host official soccer matches again.
It looks like there couldn’t have been a better day to open. Lots of pics and details from the opening after the jump (more…)
While his resume looks like the who’s who of “Where’s Waldo”, Bora Milutinovic has had a knack for taking teams that realistically shouldn’t have a chance, instilling belief and getting the most out of his players in high stress situations.
Now with training camp set up in Doha, Qatar, the 64 year old might be in for his toughest test yet as he guides Iraq into the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup next month.
“A member of the US-Iraqi military team celebrates as his team wins 4-0 against a local Iraqi soccer team at the Shaab Stadium in Baghdad, on May 22, 2009.”
Remember that guy? His name is Muntadhar al-Zeidi and he’s the guy who thought it was a good idea to throw a shoe at the President of the United States of America. Yeah well, its all fun and games until you get sentenced to three years in Iraqi prison!!! from FoxNews:
BAGHDAD — A court convicted an Iraqi journalist of assault Thursday for hurling his shoes at George W. Bush and sentenced him to three years in prison, prompting an outburst from his family and calls for his release from Iraqis who consider him an icon for a nation decimated by war.
throw back footage of Bush as Neo from the Matrix after the jump (more…)
From the NY Times:
BAGHDAD — Thousands of soldiers, police officers, hospital patients and prisoners cast ballots on Wednesday as part of early voting in Iraq’s provincial elections.
At least one act of violence accompanied the voting. Two police officers guarding a polling center south of Kirkuk were killed by gunmen who fired at them from a passing car, according to an official from the Ministry of Interior who spoke on condition of anonymity. The gunmen escaped, the official said.
Overall, however, the voting appeared to go smoothly, Iraqi election officials said.
more pics and stories after the jump
American Airlines is charging troops for their extra baggage, a practice that forces soldiers heading for a war zone in Iraq to try to get reimbursement from the military. AA recently charged two soldiers from Texas $100 and $300 for their extra duffel bags.
Not classy…
Image via Myfriendscallmenikkos
Whether you agree with the war or not, this story is AMAZING.
ESPN’s Outside The Lines did an amazing story about Private First Class Nick Madaras and how his love for the game is continuing to impact lives, even after his death.
It’s absolutely unbelievable how this game called Soccer can influence and change soo many lives without us ever realizing it day to day.
