Football's Greatest Ever Underdog Story

In 2007, the Iraq national team won the Asian Cup. Their story had everything. Players in exile. A country destroyed by war, death threats, an enigmatic coach drafted in at the last minute and a talismanic striker whose goal brought a fractured nation briefly back to together.
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#AsianCup #Iraq #SaveHakeem

[@jamesclayton1412]

Who else thinks this would make a great movie??

[@jamesclayton1412]

@@gibberfish4187 And everyone who liked the comment

[@elynasyraf1532]

Make sure the movie is not made from united states, the plot will be twist, us army save the football player from the bomb and take them fly with the helicopter to the stadium

[@sidekick8983]

@@elynasyraf1532 😁😁 exactly

[@ernestod.7123]

@@gibberfish4187 jUsT yOu.

[@bvb_m7md666]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@shashankjha8851]

10 mins ago, I could bet on anything that Leicester winning the league was the biggest football miracle of all time. I have not changed my opinion so fast ever in my life. Brilliant video. As usual.

[@i-dos.]

Besides Iraq's miracle there are some other contenders. Verona 1984-1985 season and Greece European Champions 2004. Not everything has to do with English football...

[@shashankjha8851]

@@i-dos. hence, the comment

[@pogonarugeorge3504]

@@i-dos. Also Denmark 1992 (I think) winning the EURO. They did not even qualify but came from vacation because of the political problems that led Yugoslavia to be eliminated from the tournament(as far as I can remember that was the case).

[@i-dos.]

@@pogonarugeorge3504 of course! Biggest upset back in these days, especially the way it happened

[@vanmisthoven4906]

Another football miracle was FC Kaiserslautern winning the Bundesliga as a promoted team. Their coach was Otto Rehagel, Who also won the EC with Greece.

[@SPDRSLYR]

"The Lions of Mesopotamia, even if it was only briefly, reminded a fractured country that they were greater than the sum of their parts." What a line. Leaves me misty-eyed every time I hear it.

[@jakehoffmanmedia]

Misty-eyed. Accurate.

[@someonesopinion19]

@@jakehoffmanmediaظ د زج كحك ط زوز

[@someonesopinion19]

جد جدك.جدك ك دك

[@n7eet]

As a Saudi Arabian I was more happy watching the Iraqi victory over my country in the final...

[@ICEMAN-Z8]

والنعم منك انت والسعوديه على راسي

[@wissam5811]

Greet sport spirit cousin ❤🇮🇶

[@mohdib5271]

Simply because we are one

[@Sakar_]

I never heard someone wishing his country lose in final ,

[@XalipsX]

شكرا الك ولاخواننا السعوديين

[@TheMaskedArab]

Your best video yet. Beautifully done. As an Iraqi who celebrated wildly in the streets of Baghdad after the semis and the final, the way you told the story brought a tear to my eye. We have a new hope in our current squad in 18 year old Muhanad Ali.. he'll be a name to watch in the future!

[@aditanggoro8709]

yeah..great win for you from Indonesia.. I was in the stadium that night!

[@vedhanthrathod6576]

I love Iraqi people

[@zulfi8445]

@@movzfast yes. Alot better. Especially since isis is gone now.

[@zulfi8445]

@@movzfast it was bad and it made it worse that they installed iranian allies in powerfull positions such as the prime minister. Unfortunately iraqi nationalists were either communists or anti American which made the US's only allies iranian puppets or kurds. Anyways it's getting better right now and hopefully will continue so.

[@user-vc6hk8wb1v]

@@movzfast yeah the US basically handed the government to Iranian puppets before they pulled out

[@niespeludo]

Holy shit... As a Colombian I'm used to some level of violence and cruelty when looking back on outlet history (sadly) but this is seriously a next level story. Thanks for covering this story Tifo. You guys are the best.

[@hayderghazwan3100]

Saddam Hussein makes Pablo Escobar his bitch.

[@osu5inarow]

Sadly that's not even a fraction of the horrible crimes commited. Iraq who had one of the best wrestling teams in the world after the 2004 Olympics executed their entire team on a runway as they got of the plan home because Saddam felt they didn't perform well enough.

[@nosoyelrey5991]

Hombre, yo no soy de Irak pero lo que esta contando es muy exagerado

[@a.alzubaidi2461]

osu5inarow Not defending him but saddam wasn’t even in power when they got executed you cant blame that on him It was one of those crazy militias in the civil war who killed them because they didn’t like the idea of sunnis and sheas working together same could have happened for the football team But it didn’t cuz most of the players played outside iraq at the time

[@juanmanuelbarragandulcey4955]

My dude, as an another colombian I can say that watching this video and thinking about our country got me a damned tear in my eye.

[@FatAsianOfficial]

I'm crying bro

[@ryanmorgan5507]

Really nice video, but I still think you should have included Greece from the 2004 Euros as one of the honourable mentions.

[@zkingalo]

Your china ruins career mode is the best fifa series

[@danishmueen]

No joke, I don’t usually get emotional but this is the first time I’ve got tears in my eyes

[@hamidrana085]

@@danishmueen same here mate

[@Jerryboy97]

Me too

[@Marcomanexists]

I was gonna say that nothing can top Leicester City but... I think having to show up to training with a machine gun, to winning an international tournament takes the cake.

[@captainiraq3734]

THANK BRO IM FROM IRAQ IRAQ ITS A DEAD COUNTRY

[@medemo2939]

@@captainiraq3734 lmao im from iraq too but can you not capslock everything

[@user-cu2gy9fc4o]

@@medemo2939 are you assyrian Iraqi?

[@medemo2939]

@@user-cu2gy9fc4o nah my family is a muslim family

[@clikclak9627]

@@user-cu2gy9fc4o are you assyrian?

[@noviakelana]

I attended the Asian Cup 2007 final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Jakarta, Indonesia. And all the supporters in the stadium were united to support Iraq. It was one of the greatest football experience that I've ever had. Very grateful for the Iraqi team

[@El-Hilfi]

Thanks dude we have seen that and since then we love Indonesia ❤️

[@arashinhojr902]

As an Iranian, we were in war with Iraq for years and Iraq is our footballing rival but i cheered them proudly at 2007, much respect to Iraqis, shame none of our teams made it far this year, hopefully the future is bright and full of glory

[@layth9899]

Thank you, good luck in world cup qualifying it will be tough however as a big shift in iranian football will happen with queiroz leaving. The best of luck to you guys

[@lestahass8849]

We got unlucky this tournament. We arguably played the most inform team (Qatar) early on. Evn in that game they didn't do much more than us it was just a stupid free kick that went in

[@hjtghjuju9602]

Thanks you

[@ShehuStebe]

@@lestahass8849 3-0 yikes

[@lestahass8849]

@@ShehuStebe it was 1-0

[@chunkz1187]

As an Australian I'll always remember this. It was our first Asian Cup tournament and it went poorly but watching Iraq play so well was amazing, I wasn't even mad or upset that they beat us. I don't think I'll ever be as happy to see another team win a tournament as I was for Iraq

[@beatzrus3636]

As a Kurdish Iraqi, i wanna thank you for sharing this story. Much love and respect

[@blimeyjoe253]

I didn't expect to cry watching this. The bit about the mum pleading them to bury her son after they win the title hit me. I can't imagine being to imagine how much emotion it would've felt to win that tournament

[@khalidsparrow101]

Same. The pressure is unfathomable

[@SapekQ]

That moment have way too much amounts of feel. It's so surreal, can't believe this thing do actually happened

[@kalinotsofia]

I shed a tear. Brilliant video. I hope that soon everything in Iraq and the Middle East would be back to normal again and people will just appreciate life no matter the ethnicity of their neighbor.

[@winaandtimetraveler1788]

insomnia1914 wish so, but will usa and Israel let that happen

[@Notchlings]

Everyone needs to slow down and read a book before commenting I reckon

[@lestahass8849]

@@tuomassaarinen147 u r wrong bro there's hardly any Iraqis in Finland.

[@tuomassaarinen147]

@@lestahass8849 in the last years we have had over 40,000 Iraqi refugees. It has been all over on the news here over the last few weeks

[@kalinotsofia]

@@winaandtimetraveler1788 I am not going to get into details about the political and military role of the US and Israel but the fact that Muslims hate each other (Kurds, Shia, Suni etc.) can't be really blamed on Americans or Jews.

[@mr_alien]

I was 16 years old when this happened. We all went down to the streets, we forgot the war and grief for a few days. People were crying, smiling, dancing and shouting together "With our souls, with our blood, we will sacrifice for Iraq". This day will remain in our memory for the rest of our lives, it was like a dream as I never have seen my people happy like this before. Since that day, we are still waiting for another happy day that will help us forget our sadness for a while. Pray for Iraq. Thank you for your video

[@nadiewn7]

We win the golfcup Basra 25 this year and it was amazing because we are the host also.

[@blaugranaseguidor1112]

As an Iraqi this was very emotional for me. Labik Ya Iraq🇮🇶

[@1PAC.]

لبيك يا عراق

[@ariany5424]

برو يره اسکول👎

[@kaptainkreampie1676]

I remember I was 7 years old when I watched this game with my all my relatives, I've never seen so happy in my life. Football is much more than just a game.

[@brendonutjita]

@PietreADI You're not funny.

[@hjtghjuju9602]

Me too I was 3

[@kaptainkreampie1676]

@PietreADI fuck you

[@yafetkidane5123]

Yes you are right football is life

[@medomustafa2786]

Me to, i watched it from Sudan at a coffee shop, it was by far the most exciting time I've ever had watching football. Note : don't listen to this animal @PietreADI, some of these westerners just don't have any humanity in them, he's no human, just another talking animal and he doesn't deserve a second of your time.

[@immewhoareyou4077]

Fun fact: my father was jailed for a week for being late to the national team practice because my father was a very well known professional player with the Iraq national team. He was takin in at age 14 because he was a very gifted player. My father and I we were interviewed by NBC and they wanted to know how my father felt after seeing the national team down for so long cus of Saddam and his regime. They interviewed my father and I in the backyard of our home in San Diego, CA. Great video and thank you for telling this story.

[@immewhoareyou4077]

MANCHESTER is red I have been looking for it online for a while now. I can’t find it since it was from 2003-2004. I know my dad has a vhs of it but god knows where he put it lol. As soon as I find it I’ll link it. Maybe you would know where to look cus I tried NBCs website and no luck. I searched google and same thing happened.

[@immewhoareyou4077]

MANCHESTER is red Ibrahem Alatawa. He was interview separately than his friend who was also a professional athlete but the other guy is a wrestler. His friends name is Najim Alekabi.

[@duchoang1074]

Wait, so he (your father) was also an exiled player? Well, that's sad. How old is he now? I guess he must be at the range of Buffon.

[@immewhoareyou4077]

vuong hoang we left when I was 2 years old or just about that age. My family and I were stuck in a refugee camp in the desert between south of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The saudis didn’t like Iraqis so we stayed in refugee camp for 4-5 years or so after that we came to the states. My father could have went back but they most likely would have gave him a hard time. We go to Iraq and come back to the states fine now because Saddam is gone thank God. My father is an amputee so his right leg is missing from the knee down but it’s not from the war even though it kept him out of the war it also ended his career. We have pictures of him in India wearing the red and white Iraq colored jersey. He is a very well know man in his hometown because when I went back to visit Iraq last year with him we would get stopped by all kind of people who knew him and wanted to say hi to him lo. I was kinda shocked cus I knew he was big out there but to see it firsthand was cool honestly. He is in his 50s God willing he will live longer 😀.

[@shp27493]

@@immewhoareyou4077 you can always try contacting the channel through email. Or the reporter maybe.

[@Amitbm93]

Only because my mom is sitting next to me, had I managed to stop crying. This isn't the best football story, this is probably the best sports triumph.

[@kadekyudhistiras]

I'm Indonesian, I was in elementary school at that time. We are hyped by the euforia of Asian Cup, and watched every single match. Beside supporting my country, most of my friends are supported Saudi Arabia. But I am not, instead Saudi I supported Iraq. Younis' amazing, but I am more amazed by the play of Iraq goalkeeper, Noor Sabri. Damn the way he jump over, he blocked the ball, and his bravery is fascinating. I'm also watched Captain Tsubasa, for a kid like me Noor Sabri somehow feels like Ken Wakashimazu in real life :D Thanks for the video, Tifo. Now I'm 22 years old and this video brings nostalgia, reminds how happy I am when Iraq won the final. Literally against all the odds they can make it through :)

[@lraqlq5071]

❤️❤️❤️

[@abdifatahsmasha2409]

Iam from Somalia and i can relate with this. This was the best vedio i watched on youtube ever. I hope the iraqi people everlasting peace and prosperity One love❤️

[@willsi]

These stories are brilliant and presented like a freshly sharpened knife.

[@mohammedjalilhussein9482]

As Iraqi kurd I’m touched by this because i never thought that some one will ever talk or make a video about the 2007 miracle , while being in civil-war , terrorism and bombs , winning that cup gave us the joy happiness and the smile we needed. Thank you fam for the video ♥️👌🏻

[@ernisupriani9270]

I watched it live in Jakarta back then when i was 15. Indonesian basicly supporting the Iraqis and when that heading goal happened, we just erupted. It's great moment for us in the stadium especially for the Iraqis in Indonesia

[@mahatmaniggandhi2898]

as an asian i remember that cup, i was rooting for iraq in the finals and boy was it unexpected

[@irufan14]

I remember this match like yesterday. I'm from the Maldives and we were all watching and rooting for our brothers in Iraq because of the war and everything. So glad they won. InshAllah peace and prosperity will come to Iraq

[@inannastar4799]

❤

[@torchedwithfire]

As a Kurdish man from Iraq, I can confirm this story, and how despite our will to separate from Iraq, that day we proudly held the flag high and celebrated. A Kurd assisted an Arab to win the tournament for a whole nation. It was a magnificent moment for me as a football fan!

[@sersarsor]

I'm Chinese, I remember watching the cup that year at home and we were all cheering for Iraq and Younis. It was so tremendous

[@belli4933]

This was beautifull..I actually cried.This also reminded me of my country Croatia not because of the 2018 WC but the 1998 one. Reaching the semi finals and finishing third beating the Netherlands 2:1 . A country after 5 years of war able to reach the semis it was amazing.

[@KhanhTran-dp8rf]

Omg. Im a Vietnamese and the moment our team made it to the quarter final that year was the biggest football miracle for me. Until i watch this video.Never thought our loss meant so much to Iraq.

[@FajarDPutra]

“Reminded a fractured country that they were greater than the sum of their parts”. My eyes got all sweaty seeing this video, imagining what the players gone through. Thank you Tifo.

[@harithdanial141]

Yup especially if you is history lovers like me, that's so will be so emotional

[@davidsabillon5182]

The mom pleading the players to continue playing for her son was heartbreaking.

[@drapermovies]

This was an amazing video, so thank you for telling their story. I remember it happening and how absurd it felt at the time. Also, it makes me sick that the UK government felt Iraq wasn't rated high enough to justify allowing their players in the Premier League.

[@TheMaximus8319]

Yup makes me even more ashamed of our government, if that was even possible at the moment

[@winterglue274]

Craig Grassham It was a stupid decision

[@toffeeoliver]

That's common practice, work permit laws are like that.

[@ismailniyaz5167]

Makes no sense, really. The Premier League has had players from much lower-ranked nations such as Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, Cape Verde, Guyana, Oman and Seychelles get represented.

[@bigrig8539]

@@ismailniyaz5167 it's because UK was just attacking Iraq and they probably didn't want to have someone from there in their country

[@divyaakashdutta4038]

This literally made me cry 😭😭

[@yousifhanna6836]

Yeah just imagine living there I used to live there

[@hiwab41]

@@yousifhanna6836 i live there

[@prithviprakash1110]

I hold absolutely no relevance to Iraq, but boy did this video leave me misty eyed. What an incredible story. Such trauma and pain, and yet they went on to with their duty as players and brought pride to their nation. Football truly is amazing for bringing people from different parts of the world to witness such emotional moments.

[@yandrifadli]

We were all surprised in jakarta when they came for the final match to face saudi arabia. No one expected them to go that far. They displayed some good passing & aggressive performance and deservedly won the final 1-0. Truly a magnificent moment in football history. I can't believe my eyes. The brave Iraqi lions roar so loud that night in the GBK stadium

[@tehkt86]

The feeling of this video give is so huge. Never imagine a 30 year old guy will shed tears over a football video. I still remember that tournament though.

[@016dineshkumar9]

Listening to the story gave me chills😢 .. besides everything they went through they managed to win the cup 💥⚽💯

[@MaherLucifer]

Younis Mahmoud became my Favorite iraqi player since then till now

[@ahmedalsiraj5014]

I still remember that day. I was 13 years old riding a bicycle, wearing an Iraqi flag as a cape, everyone was happy and that felt strange since 2006 was a very sad and rough year for us. But when we won that tournament, happiness was all over. 11 players brought joy and happiness to 30 million Iraqi and we are still very thankful for them and for the couch. Thanks for such a great video

[@chinmaywagh1135]

Great respect for Jorvan Vieira🙏🙏

[@Weesa4]

This country never dies. Thank you for this video TIFO. It was as always very thorough and detailed but in the same time simple enough to convey your point. And I'm surly greatful for the explanation of the situation that was back then. Now it is much much better and many believe this team back in 2007 is the turning point in this country.

[@duchoang1074]

My national team Vietnam played versus Iraq in the quarterfinal, we lost, but later we knew that they(Iraq) became the champion in that year. In group stage, we've beaten UAE 2-0 and managed to draw Qatar 1-1 and only lost Japan 1-4 unfortunately. Iraq was really strong back then.

[@duchoang1074]

Well, history was a hall of war back then. I don't know those Iraqi dictators of Iraq, I mean, where were they originated? I thought it was only the US' responsibility. And the Iraq - Iran war, both countries were under the control of the US? (That's pretty weird because they were all Persian).

[@mohammadothman5287]

L

[@tareqalkhafaji374]

I watch ur videos always since long time, i didn't expect that u will talk about my country achievement someday.. I want to say that your information is 100% correct and thank you so much for the video.. Proud to be Iraqi

[@hjtghjuju9602]

tareq alkhafaji too me I’m always proud to be Iraqi

[@meesammir35]

Much love to the Iraqi brothers out there from India

[@leohdh9850]

I was at Iraq's opening game in Thailand, and all three of their knock out games (all played in differerent countries, the quarter-final in Thailand, semi in Malaysia an final in Indonesia). Thanks for reminding me of a enjoyable month

[@turboboy94]

I’m iranian even this was narrated so perfectly. Well done to Iraq on such a triumph

[@eronabcj1693]

What a great video. All these matches, statistics and numbers you can look up on wikipedia but I never knew there was so much suffering and humanity behind it. They should make a film about it

[@immewhoareyou4077]

Eron ABCJ my father was a pro for the Iraqi national team in the 80s. He even met udday who put him in jail a week for being late to a practice.

[@rickyrick2330]

this is why history is an important subject

[@devoted_eater567]

ImMeWhoAreYou? Who was your dad? No, I’m not a weirdo, I want to research the team and your father

[@iq_thepunisher3767]

@@immewhoareyou4077 you didn’t mention your dads name?

[@immewhoareyou4077]

@@iq_thepunisher3767 Ibrahem Alatawa

[@M24o1n]

I am Saudi and I was so sad after we lost that final but after watching this video I am relieved and happy that we lost cuz Iraq needed to win not just for the achievement but for even bigger and more important reasons

[@Ezzioq1]

Mohammad Mwa respect brother :)

[@dionsubiantoro4110]

this is not a greatest underdog story, this is the greatest story in football

[@aliyahya1638]

As an Iraqi I felt it more because I lived it.Thanks a lot for the great reporting.

[@salihalash4111]

And iraq went on to become an established team in asia, till today no team other than iraq has won every competiton in asia be it youth, first, u-20, u-17 u name it

[@BoqPrecision]

Iraq had a previous golden age in the 1980s and even qualified to the 1986 world cup.

[@layth9899]

How ever some of those teams of ours have had some age fraud especially in recent times, they now finally limited the amount of it after an incident that happened this year causing our squad to not participate in the asian games

[@salihalash4111]

The 2007 asian cup team eclispsed the 1986

[@mikey630]

@Uruguay y Nigeria uh of course? Iraq doesn't even qualify to be called a country. It's pretty much a murder zone. What we did was a miracle and the fact that we still have a football team despite all that's been happening is even more of a miracle. If we never went through all the wars and corruption, best believe we'd be the best team in Asia.

[@MrSuccess]

I still remember that day, the final was the very first football game I've ever watched, I was 10 at the time, and I remember Dad made us watch the match, I remember after the game the country went crazy, what a memory.

[@bahaakadhem5887]

I still remember my mother warning me not to go out celebrating after that semi-final win because of that suicidal attacks. but after winning the tournament it was so emotional that nobody even cared for the threats and the streets were fulled with celebrating people.

[@kaustubhgupta46]

What a brilliant video... Haunting, but at the same time so inspiring... This is a great example where football united a war torn country Thank you for making this brilliant content TIFO and please keep up the good work.

[@colesandick446]

Wow. So heartbreaking. What a profound story. I'm truly, for once in my life, speechless. It just goes to show you can always help the humans around you, no matter how powerless you are. Joy and kindness are infinite. Hearing of the Iraq War brings shame to me as an American. It's now universally seen as one of our greatest mistakes.

[@lolipedofin]

That final match was actually hosted in my city, Jakarta. I also watched 3 of the group stage matches when Indonesia played.... I swear to God, I hate no idea this tournament was such importance to Iraq.

[@HB00964]

I’m honestly crying rn. I remember every single thing you mentioned in the video, all the tears and celebrations, I was 13 years old and it was and maybe still the happiest I’ve been. Thank you for making this video ❤️

[@mariamahmad2271]

I'm Iraqi and I was just 6 when they won , I will never forget that tital ❤

[@iraqihero1038]

I don't know what to say .. but im in tears after watching this video .. i wish we back to the good side of the world soon

[@luishernandezblonde]

I used to watch the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. Japanese women's team fought against very powerful American side at the time, and they shocked the world by becoming world champions despite background of a very traumatic natural disaster and humanitarian crisis back home. During that time I have an opportunity to meet a former Iraq vet (Poland participated in Iraq War), he told that, the celebration of Japanese people reminded greatly what happened back in 2007 Iraq. I think this deserved to be a movie. Both Iraq and Japan surprisingly produced incredible people. This story you told, truly warm the hearts of everyone.

[@Tumford]

That mom in the story was the key to Iraq's victory. In other words, she was telling the Iraqi players: *You better win!!!*

[@dariogutierrez6716]

Another little story: Cobresal, from Chile, won the league in 2015. Why is it impressive? Cobresal is a team from the mining town of El Salvador (only 8500 inhabitants) and they went on to win and left the Capital's teams in shame with their bigger budgets.

[@kaychikumbi2289]

Zambia winning the African cup in 2012 .. we still celebrating 🇿🇲🇿🇲

[@Chiyenworkout]

Is it similar to Iraq situation too?

[@Yanzdorloph]

National team plane crashed everybody dead, new coach new very young players win the african cup, for the fist time ever, or smtg like that, but irak's story is on anothher lvl of feels @@Chiyenworkout

[@TheSandFlake]

This is about Iraq under occupation not about Zambia, Brazil or Spain

[@abasabasabas8584]

@@TheSandFlake the guy already said Iraq's story is on another level.. why be so hostile.. now go win another u17 tournament with a bunch of 22 year olds

[@lebophaladi5258]

This video made me cry. Thank you so much. I am not Iraqi but as a human being I am moved by this story and your compelling and humane storytelling.

[@jamesbarker9819]

I remember randomly walking into a sports club, and seeing the final being shown on TV. The place was full of the Iraqi diaspora, and it was so nice that there were people of every age and caliber cheering for their team! There were some women with hijabs and some without. Some had dark hair and dark skin, while some were light tan with light brown hair, and everyone was standing and cheering together, not based on background, but as one people United under one flag! It was beautiful!

[@639Rahul]

This is indeed the greatest underdog story. One of best videos by TiFo. Kudos!!

[@FPLBanger-Siva]

I watched their semi final victory in Malaysia live. I jumped up and down celebrating, even though the stadium was mostly empty. Amazing story

[@ys-if8mk]

might sound crazy but this was was my first ever memory, I was 3-4 years. I don't remember the game but I will never forget the joy and celebrations after the game. I'm a Chaldean Iraqi, thx for this wonderful video.

[@krusher181]

This is extremely beautiful and sad at the same time... I can’t believe how tough it is to live over there as an athlete. Respect to them. Tough people.

[@varizza]

The final was in my country! I watched it and nearly cried when I saw them lifted the trophy.

[@inannastar4799]

We love your country ❤

[@phiIiplahm]

I've watched almost all videos from you guys, but hands down this the best of them all. Football can leave such a huge impact and can't argue about their passion. God bless you guys!

[@skepticjordanianarab3067]

We in Jordan was deeply saddened that we failed horribly in our quest during the tournament qualification, Jordan took third behind UAE and Oman and thus didn't qualify. Of course, we all know how horrible UAE and Oman were aftermath. But Iraq made us feel emotional. They are our best brothers, cousins whom share a lot of commons. We were happy when Iraq won the 2007 Asian Cup, it really felt like the victory also belonged to us 🇯🇴🇮🇶👍🏻

[@user-yy2mg8et9e]

والنعم بل اردن

[@user-yy2mg8et9e]

احنا كلنا اخوة 🇮🇶♥️🇯🇴

[@rasanhessen211]

This was absolutely amazing as a 15 year old kurdish teenager who is training everyday just to go pro in a European club this made me very inspired and hopeful thank you very much

[@nazimbehcet4469]

What football club do you play for now?!

[@alithefogman]

Good luck bro i hope you become a pro and play for iraq 😊

[@montzeral-aqili7018]

*Oh, it wasn't just a win. He brought us back to life.*

[@garretthembree9096]

as an american i’m so sorry i am so happy for u guys

[@muntyal-bazaz2663]

As an iraqi I'm devastated to hear the amount of torture our players went through, but Iraqis are thought to be strong and never give up. Beautiful story

[@naelkifah2871]

The goal Younis Mohamed scored in the 2007 Asian cup final was more than just a goal , it united the Iraqi people and people were celebrating togather all over the country , the goal kind of ended a sectarian war and brought joy to the sad Iraqi people and demonstrated that football was more than just a game for the Iraqi people.

[@FirebrickFoxx]

This was the best story told yet. This made me subscribe after watching many videos because it highlighted such a small team that had to go through something no football team should go through and still managed to triumph. I had to pull my car over to write this because I was truly touched as a lover of football and how the aspects of war and carnage can be converted to unity and happiness on a green pitch. A profound and deep deep respect for the boys in the Iraqi team who didn't quit and went against odds that threatened their lives and lives of others to prove that negative circumstances should never defeat your dreams. Respect to the Brazilian coach for taking them on. I love football not only because of the type of game it is, but because we All partake in it and give something beautiful every once in a while that changes our overall perception in life in the world we live in and all the people in it. Thank you.

[@TheOfficialRamVenkatakrishnan]

Im not even Iraqi and I cried a little at the end, you guys are MARVELOUS story tellers

[@xLibyanox]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm Libyan and i remember the emotions here cheering for Iraq and screaming when Younis Mahmoud scored that goal. That squad was so inspiring. Thank you for telling their story so eloquently!

[@Th3Sensei808]

You’re ability to present calmly and relatively unbiased even during heinous content continues to amaze me. I appreciate that you still manage to put your content out with the same level of professionalism no matter what the content of the story is but I’m often left wondering how difficult it must be as essentially a sports journalist, to report on these stories. Love your stuff so good to see someone that gets into the influences that drive football today

[@bahesh4442]

I'm tearing while watching this. These vids are why your channel is my favourite football channel.

[@MrHamzoke]

My name is hamza and I am from iraq and I remember this events by moment and now i'm crying

[@whereeveritgoes]

I always wondered why Younis Mahmoud never got to Europe, because he played very well. Now I know.

[@haider_546]

I am from Iraq and that generation were real heroes. They were more than just football players. Many believe that this achievement was achieved by chance or that this team is lucky, but in fact they were very talented and challenged the circumstances of ther country.They rejoiced a people torn by war and united them with the joy of winning a victory that was more than just football. 🇮🇶💚

[@hayderghazwan3100]

Thank you ❤❤ Your fan from Iraq. What a great video ❤

[@vedhanthrathod6576]

Hello from India your team has achieved something big

[@Chiyenworkout]

I am Indonesian who watch your team victory. That day are so beautiful.

[@hayderghazwan3100]

@@vedhanthrathod6576 thanks man ❤ I wish your team make the same achievement in the future.

[@hayderghazwan3100]

@@Chiyenworkout we've seen the Indonesian fans celebrating our win in the stadium. Our player said that Indonesia is a nice country and its people are very nice people. ❤❤

[@Chiyenworkout]

I wish some of them go to Europe, and build football foundation for Iraq. So you can have player like Salah. I heard that, Trump want to pull troops from Middle East. Because he don't have money for the wall. But antiwall congressman reject it. But i do hope, US pulls troops from Iraq. @@hayderghazwan3100

[@secretsri]

Indeed, the greatest underdog story in the history of organised sports. This video moved me, gave me a lump in my throat. Thank you Tifo.

[@cuban_brick]

as a iraqi this is one of our proudest moments 🇮🇶💪🏽

[@user-lp3rj5zw9g]

شونك

[@AshwaniKumar-xj9bq]

Attacking formation takes a whole new meaning. This a far greater than just sports.

[@saurabhchandrakar8507]

the most incredible footballing story ever & the way you people described & presented it, made it even more incredible

[@FCD844]

Sat having me lunch at me desk at work, with a tear in my eye. Please someone make this into a film. Not an american/british nor with american/british actors though.

[@muking4944]

I’m proud of my country ❤️🇮🇶

[@tommytomaye2087]

I’m from IRAQ and I won’t forget the moment when our team won the Asian cup. I was about to cry when I saw this video.

[@MarkWTK]

personally, i think this is your best video yet, so beautifully and emotionally retold. why must leaders of nations not think about the future of their country? also, politics and sports should not be mixed!

[@hakam2743]

As an Iraqi I saw the video with tears on my eyes that someone from outside has revealed our story to the world thank you very much 😊

[@muntadar-albahadily]

I was 7 yrs at the time and I remember the joy in the streets after the greatest goal of all time from younis head.. I remember seeing my country as a one piece when the our lives were so cheap. My father was threatened by killing him and all the family so the fear was highly sensible... The best hit in the vedio was Um Haider she's a typical iraqi mother and her words made cry. One day this will be repeated and the lions of mesopotamia will be champions again 🏆

[@3li7amza]

Good informative video, greetings to all our Iraqi brothers from Syria.

[@joshr3327]

Hey tifo, i just wanted to say that your Channel has helped me learn things I never knew thanks and keep up the good work

[@BadirASalih]

I'm writing this with my eyes full of tears sir but I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart.. As an Iraqi that was one of the most important moments in my life and I can't express my gratitude for reminding me how great it was and for sharing it with the rest of the world to see

[@Chainedown]

The last 5~10 minutes of the final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia was one of the worst game I've ever seen at a final in terms of techniques and tactics, but none of that mattered, it was also the most emotional final I have ever seen to this day. I'm not an Iraqi but I teared up so much for the way Iraqis gave their all. I still watch those final moments on KZbin from time to time and it's totally worth a watch if you haven't seen it before.

[@athramaroo3187]

The first time I saw happy Iraqis, I was ten years old. I will never forget those moments