The last time Iraq showed up at the Asian Cup (Lebanon 2000), the level of football seemed to evaporate from the players’ mindsets in the Mediterranean heat, and left Iraqi fans worldwide turning their heads away in disgust. However, in the last four years since the Japanese put on a clinical display on the pitches of Beirut, things have changed dramatically in a country where football has been systematically underdeveloped and mismanaged.

Long gone are the days of the Soccer Sultanate run by Uday Saddam Hussein and his thugs. For the first time in decades, players can kick the ball around without the fear of senseless reprisal and punishment. The end of the old Olympic Committee reenergized the hopes of success for Iraqi footballers, who now feel they can elevate their game on the pitch under the improved conditions, to say the least.

Coaches, as well as football administrators, can now focus on football rather than on appeasing the sadistic tendencies of a person whose knowledge of the beautiful game is zero to none. People that can offer something to the development of the sport in Iraq can now work diligently in their fields in a constructive manner and under the comfort of the fact that the potential of their work can be reached without having their plans spoiled by a single phone call.

Having said all that, it must also be said that the conditions for football are terrible at the moment. The absence of a national stadium means that Iraq is forced to play all their home games away. A non existent domestic league takes away the opportunity for players to play at a competitive level all year round. Currently, those who don’t play their club football outside Iraq are forced to make due with sporadic training sessions using terrible facilities and in war like conditions. The lack of play for these players puts them at a disadvantage to their Asian counterparts, who enjoy football all year round at professional world class venues. Furthermore, another problem facing the Iraqi squad is the lack of a determined and insightful football administration. Misplaced trust and the lack of seriousness in their approach have exemplified this fact in the short time that they have been handed over the delicate task of balancing football and real life in the war torn country.

With regards to coaching, the long overdue of Bernd Stange should fire to the burning desire of footballers to exceed. His dull and ineffective brand of football coupled with the ill advised choices he has made for the national squad is not going to be missed in Iraq’s training camps prior to the Asian showdown in China starting July 17.

It can be seen, therefore, that the challenges facing the Iraqi team are mixed and matched with certain positive indicators. However, in a situation where the path awaiting Iraqi football is unclear, the brand of football is usually of the same color: unstable. That is why, in order for Iraq to succeed, the Shanghai Dozen must be formed. Thirteen strong, but backed by millions.

In addition to the starting eleven, Hussain Saeed, the newly elected head of Football Iraq, and Adnan Hamad, the spiritual coaching sensation, must pull their sleeves up and work relentlessly at reversing the ill fortunes of the Iraqis at the Asian Cup. Saeed must create a professional and competitive atmosphere by using his position to lobby the government to provide for all the necessities of a world class team prior to the tournament. In short, Hussain Saeed should revolve the workings of the Association around the player and not towards gaining points in the world media. Players in Iraq have shown courage and adversity through apocalyptic conditions. Nothing should be spared.

With regards to Adnan Hamad, all that can be said is that he has been the most successful Iraqi coach during the most tumultuous of conditions for Iraqi football. Hamad has brought in trophies at times when most players and Iraqis in generally were grateful to be alive. His intimate knowledge of the players, their capabilities, and potential combined with his offensive minded football should provide the right mix for success in China this summer.

Eleven players, plus one FA director, and one Manager equals thirteen, also known as the Shanghai Dozen.