Iraq 1, Australia 0

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

in Olympic soccer...this means that Iraq are through to the semifinals!!! Admittedly it was not Iraq's best game (except for goalkeeper Sabri) but the fact of the matter is, the Aussies couldn't score.

All is well in Athens...GO IRAQ!!!

:yourock:

[Cheswick2.0]

1. Yay

Good news

[JudgeSmales]

2. I could care less about soccer

[Damn Hippie]

5. Then why post on this thread?

I couldn't care less about people who, "...could care less about soccer".

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

10. Kick!

I agree Damn Hippie...soccer fans unite!! And if you're not one, get off this thread!

:kick:

[realisticphish]

19. I'd like to become a soccer fan

and we have a pro team in my city...but i cant stand watching it on tv. maybe if i started going to live games, it would be different

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[Damn Hippie]

20. I understand what you are saying

Soccer is hard to enjoy on TV and your intuition serves you well in that you must learn to follow the game live first.

You don't need to go to a pro game, but that will work.

Most fans in the USA learn by watching their kids play soccer. When their kids stop, they fill the void left in their heart by watching other teams play.

Once you learn to enjoy the finer points of the game you can deal with int on TV. I can even listen to webcasts of games in Europe and enjoy them quite a bit.

[realisticphish]

21. well

im 18, so im a wys from having kids who play soccer :). but i've recently become a hockey fan, and there is a lot of similarity, aside from the physical contact; the maneuvering, and lower scores. the latter is one thing i love about hockey, and probly the same for soccer... all the tension and excitement builds up and explodes when that goal finally comes; not at all like basketball

:hippie: The Incorrigible Democrat

[madrchsod]

3. when did these guys have time to

practice? the best sports story of the year so far...

[Dying Eagle]

6. Was this the same team that played for Saddam?

If so they got real good, real fast. Guns are a motivational tool!

[Damn Hippie]

7. Training camp was in Jordan.

[Dying Eagle]

4. All for for the Iraq soccer team but

If they Metal, they will be on a plane to the US in a matter of minutes to be paraded around before the press in the Rose Garden. Bush will milk there hard work for his political gain!!

[minkyboodle]

8. I think they'd try to kick bush's ass if given the opportunity

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/olympics/2004/writers/08/19/iraq/index.html?cnn=yes#

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

11. Bush will try anything

but if he tries to use this soccer team for political gain, I think most people will realize what a slimy, conniving opportunist Bush is.

btw I just gave up on a thread full of conspiracy theories about this team...do you remember that one?

[Damn Hippie]

9. Goalkeeper was the man of the match.

I am now a fan of the Iraqi team, my love for Costa Rica aside.

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

12. I've been an Iraq fan from the start

since my national team didn't even make it in. (not talking about USA.) Besides, I love a good underdog.
You're right, Sabri is the best goalkeeper in the world!! I loved that diving save he made in the second half...
Regarding my other two favorite players, Younis Mahmoud was basically useless for what I saw (most of the game) and Mahdi Karim had the worst luck, getting injured right after coming into play. Am now also a fan of Emad Mohammed for that spectacular goal.

[Damn Hippie]

14. That save was thrilling

and his whole game was superb.

I really like his style and enthusiam. This is a keeper who could really go places if given the opportunity.

I am curious where he plays for club. I want to follow this guys career.

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

17. so do I

or maybe I'll just marry him. Just kidding, just kidding!

One comment: while watching the match I suddenly thought "oh no, what if all these players get sold to Real Madrid and Chelsea?!" Not only would they not get any playing time but it would completely destroy the tremendous atmosphere of comrades-in-arms that the Iraqi team has.

[rooboy]

13. Goalkeeper for man of the match, 2 or 3 others should get Oscars. n/t

[Damn Hippie]

18. What are you trying to say?

That they are doubling as the Iraqi Olympic diving team?

[Krasnaya Lastochka]

15. hey guys...I'm dumb....

but I can't remember: who else is in the semifinals???

[Damn Hippie]

16. I think that depends on the outcome

of the game comming up in the next few minutes