Iraqi Super Cup
The Iraqi Super Cup kicks off the football season in Iraq, pitting the Iraqi Premier League champions against the Iraq FA Cup winners. This high-stakes clash captures national attention, highlighting the rivalry between the country's top clubs and setting the tone for the campaign ahead.
History and foundation
Launched in 1972, the competition has faced interruptions from wars and instability. The inaugural match saw Al-Zawraa defeat Al-Sinaa. The 1980s brought stars like Ahmed Rahman, but Gulf Wars and sanctions disrupted play. Revived in the 2000s, memorable moments include Duhok's 2-1 win over Al-Talaba in 2010 amid Baghdad tensions. A quirky fact: the 1991 edition was scrapped due to the Gulf War, and 2003 chaos post-US invasion halted it again. Now, it's a unifying event post-ISIS, drawing crowds to stadiums like Al-Shaab.
Tournament format
It's a single-match affair on neutral ground, often in Baghdad, or occasionally a two-legged tie. If one team wins both league and cup, the cup finalist faces the league runners-up. Played over 90 minutes with extra time and penalties if needed. Governed by the Iraq Football Association, matches are broadcast locally and regionally.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.5, reflecting Iraq's tactical, defensive approach. Top scorers include Youssef Karim (3 goals in 2015 for Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya) and Ahmed Yassin (2020). Standout players: Humam Tariq of Al-Quwa, national team captain with Portuguese league stints; Amjad Hussein from Al-Shorta; legend Saad Saleh of Al-Zawraa with goals in five finals. Emerging talents like Zaid Tahseen bring flair.