LG Honors the Landmarks in Iraqi Football World
Captain Yousef Mahmoud and Nashrat Akram Receive Most Valuable Player Awards, Noor Sabri Named the Best Goalkeeper LG Underlines Commitment to sports Initiatives in the Arab World


/Football News Articles/ - AMMAN, JORDAN, February 29, 2008 - Global and regional digital leader LG Electronics recognized the contributions of Iraq's national football squad by honoring them at a glittering awards night in Dubai earlier this month LGE, the official sponsor of the Iraqi national team, also pledged to continue its commitment towards encouraging sports initiatives in the Arab world.
The LG Football Awards 2008 recognized the achievements of the people responsible for the Iraqi team's success, including Captain Younes Mahmoud, players Nashaat Akram, goalkeeper Noor Sabri, Coach Raheem Hameed, President of the Iraqi Football Association Hussain Said, and Najih Al-Hmoud, Vice President of the Iraqi Football Association. The ceremony was attended by the Iraqi national team, along with members of the Iraqi Football Association, and senior LGE officials.
The event was also a perfect opportunity for LGE and football fanatics in the region to underline their support for the team, which began its campaign for the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds on February 6th. The team took on China in the opening round in a match that ended with a 1 to 1 draw.
The spectacular Iraqi performance has been chronicled as one of the most enduring international sports successes. Playing in a bombed out stadium against the backdrop of militant insurgency and death threats, the players showed that they were determined to take their nation to the top of the football map.
In July last year, the underdogs scripted one of football's spectacular fairytale victories by outplaying the three-time champions Saudi Arabia 1-0 in their Asian Cup encounter in Jakarta and creating a rare moment of celebration in their war-torn homeland. The winning goal came from Captain Younes Mahmoud, who led by example right from the beginning of the tournament.
The Iraqi team has done the Arab world proud through their spectacular Asian Cup win last year and other regional championships," said Mr. K. W. Kim, CEO, LG Electronics - Middle East and Africa Regional Company. "I am sure most fans in the Middle East and Africa have been following their fortunes very carefully and I am sure they have become role models for many. Tonight is, therefore, the perfect opportunity for LG to show our appreciation to them for all the tremendous hard work they've put in."
Mr. Kevin Cha, General Manager of LG Electronics Branch Amman Branch said, "It was lovely to receive the Iraqi foot ball team in Jordan earlier, as it is a great pleasure to be here in the awarding ceremony. We have great trust in them and wish them all the best".
He also added, "I also would like to congratulate them for their great victory in the Asian Cup. They won the game with an extra point against South Korea 4-3".
Mr. Cha further stated that LGE will continue to support all the communities that it operates within. It will continue supporting the Dead Sea's Ultra Marathon in Jordan, featuring a large number of athletes from different age groups. The company will also continue to support all sports, humanitarian and social activities, as it believes in playing an active role in Jordan's journey towards further development.
During the glittering awards ceremony, Mahmoud and Nashart Akram were honoured as the LG Most Valuable Players; Raheem Hameed was named best coach, while goalkeeper Noor Sabri took the award for his brilliant performance throughout the year. In the Asian Cup semi-final against the much-fancied South Korea, Sabri made a crucial save to guide his team to a 4-3 victory in penalties.
In April 2004, LG signed a two-year contract to sponsor the Iraqi football team as part of its commitment to play a more active role in the country's community development. Soon after, the team reached the semi-finals of the Athens Olympics in 2004. In May 2006, LG renewed its contract with the team for another two years. This was followed by the team's spectacular performance in the Asian Cup held in Doha, Qatar, where they emerged as the runners-up.
Thanking the region's football fans, Mahmud said, "I am overwhelmed that our delight over the Asian Cup victory was shared not only by the Iraqi people but also each and everyone in the Arab world, even by people who don't follow the game. It is heartening to find that our victory has attracted solidarity from all quarters in the world. I would like to thank LG for having believed in us."

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