Iraq soccer returns

[Retromaniac]

For years, the Iraq national soccer team was practically nonexistent. Under Hussein, they were severely punished if they lost. Because of this, they went into hiding. One man went door to door and finally found all of them. Now, they are competing again. They just beat Portugal the other day. So let's all give them a big congratulations.

Watanun Medde Alalufqui Janaha

Warteda Majdalkadarati Wisha

Burikat Ardulfurataini Watan

Abqariyyalmajd Azmen Wa Samaha Wata ha.

Hathihil-ardu Lehibun Wa Sana

Wa Shumukhum La Tudanini Sama

Jabalun Yesmu Ala Hamil-duna

Wa Suhulun Jassadat Fina-l-iba

Babilun Fina Wa Ashourun Lena

Wa Bina-l-tarikhu Yakhdallu Dia

Nahnu Fin-nasi Jamana Wahduna

Ghadbat As-sayfi Wa Hilm Al-anbiya.

Ya Saraya Al-bathi Ya Usde-l-arin

Ya Shumukh Al-izzi Wal-majd It-talid

Izahafi Kal-hawli Lin-nasri-l-mubin

Wab Athi Fi Ardina Ahda-r-rashid

Nahnu Jeel-ul-bathli Fajru-l-kadihin

Ya Rihab Al-majd Udna Min Jadid

Ummatun Nabni Bi Azmin La Yalim

Wa Shahidun Yaqatfi Khatwa Shahid.

Shatuna-l-jabbar Zahwun Wantilaq

Wa Qila Al-izzi Yebniba Al-rifag

Dumta Lil-urbi Malathan Ya Iraq

Wa Shumusan Tajalu-l-layla Sabaha.

[ROCHitman]

Under Hussein, they were severely punished if they lost.

Not true.

The Hussein regime wouldn't allow for a national soccer team period.

[-kj]

They definitely had a national team. Saddam Hussein's son was in charge of it. ESPN.com did a story on the return of the team recently.

[ROCHitman]

What I meant was they disbanded the team.

[CaolinaJoe]

What I meant was they disbanded the team.

No, Udai ran the team. And when ever they lost, they were severly punished.

Mockba is right, about 2 weeks ago ESPN did a very good story on the rebirth and past of the national team.

[NJTank]

They didnt disband the team.

After word came out what Hussien was doing to the team they were barred from international competition.

[uncle_wiggily]

I think that is incredible that they beat Portugal. If they are as good as they appear, it is a damn shame they did not have the chance to go to the last World Cup.

[Breakwood]

They are a really good team. I witnessed highlights of many of their matches on various shows on Fox Sports World. This team plays very well even against good competition like Iran, Japan and Korea.