Baghdad – IA – Ali Al-Maliki
The Second Vice President of the Iraqi Football Association, Younis Mahmoud, praised the important victory achieved by the national team over its Omani counterpart in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, describing it as “historic” in light of the difficulty of the confrontation and its context.
Mahmoud said in a statement to the (INA): “Our team played a difficult and sensitive match, especially with the long history that has not witnessed a victory in Oman since the 1980s. Despite the state of pessimism that preceded the match, I was confident of achieving victory, and I declared that I took responsibility.” Full information about the result.
Mahmoud explained that “giving away points in the Jordanian match in Basra aroused the anger of the fans, and it is a legitimate anger that reflects the fans’ love for the national team and their confidence in our ability to achieve the World Cup dream.”
He pointed out that “match conditions may sometimes impose themselves on the results, but the team has strong elements and distinguished substitutes, in addition to a high-level technical and administrative staff.”
Mahmoud stressed the importance of the fans’ support for the national team at this crucial stage, saying: “Players are the basic tools for achieving victories, and they are in dire need of the fans’ support, not only with criticism, but with actual support.”
Mahmoud concluded his message by saying: “The road is still long, but we reassure the fans that the dream of climbing to the World Cup is in safe hands. We promise them to continue working hard to achieve this great national goal.”
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Younis Mahmoud, Second Vice President of the Iraqi Football Association
Time.news Editor: Good evening, Younis. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. I want to start by congratulating you and the Iraqi national football team on their recent victory. Can you tell us what this win means for the team and the fans?
Younis Mahmoud: Thank you for having me. This victory is not just a score on the board; it symbolizes hope and unity for our country. Football has an incredible ability to bring people together, and in Iraq, this win serves as a reminder of our shared passion for the game. The team worked tirelessly, and the support from our fans was phenomenal.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring to hear. What aspects of the team’s performance stood out to you during this match?
Younis Mahmoud: The resilience and determination displayed were truly remarkable. The players showed great teamwork and strategy, focusing on our strengths while adapting to the challenges the opponents presented. It was a collective effort, and each player contributed to our success.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of teamwork. In your experience, how crucial is team chemistry in achieving success on the field?
Younis Mahmoud: Team chemistry is vital. It goes beyond just having talented players; it’s about understanding each other on and off the field. The connection between the players leads to better communication during the game, which is essential for executing strategies and adapting to different situations quickly. Our recent success is a testament to the hard work we’ve put into building that chemistry.
Time.news Editor: Looking forward, what are your goals for the Iraqi Football Association and the national team?
Younis Mahmoud: Our primary goal is to continuously develop football in Iraq from grassroots to the national level. We want to see our young talents flourish and compete on international stages. Additionally, we aim to improve our league systems and create more opportunities for players domestically. Ultimately, we aspire to participate in major tournaments, bringing pride to our nation.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you have a comprehensive vision for the future. How do you see the role of football in fostering national identity and pride?
Younis Mahmoud: Football is a universal language that transcends barriers. In Iraq, it instills a sense of national pride and serves as a unifying force. When our team plays, it ignites passion among fans, regardless of their backgrounds. It creates memories that define moments in our history. Promoting football effectively can also highlight positive aspects of our country on the global stage.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Before we wrap up, is there a message you’d like to share with your fans and the youth aspiring to be part of the football community?
Younis Mahmoud: I encourage everyone to believe in their dreams and work hard. Football requires dedication, discipline, and resilience. For the youth, pursuing sports is not just about playing; it’s about developing character and teamwork skills that are essential in life. The Iraqi football community is strong, and with passion and perseverance, we can achieve great things together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Younis, for sharing your insights and your passion for football. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of the sport in Iraq and wish you all the best in your endeavors!
Younis Mahmoud: Thank you! It was a pleasure talking with you. Let’s keep the momentum going!