Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Baghdad: Despite being just 16-years-old, Mohammed Dawood has already carved out slice of Iraqi football history in a manner similar to his idol Younis Mahmoud.
In 2007, Mahmoud starred as Iraq secured a stunning AFC Asian Cup win with the iconic captain finished as the tournament’s top-scorer and best player. There was further reward for Iraq with qualification to their maiden FIFA Confederation Cup South Africa 2009. Nine years on, it was in similar fashion that young Dawood made history, as the teenager bagged identical awards and Iraq won the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 for the first time. Their reward is a coveted place at October's FIFA U-17 World Cup in India.
"Mahmoud is my idol," the striking prodigy told FIFA.com. "For me, he is a legend who has provided me with consistent inspiration as he has done for many other Iraqi youngsters. I was so happy that my team won the Asian title. And I was glad that I earned the best player and top-scorer awards. Thank God for our achievements. I am also aware that I owe thanks to our coaching staff as well as my family for their strong support.
"Being frank, I didn't expect so much heading into the tournament," he continued reflecting on the memorable campaign. "It was my first international competitive competition and I was awkward. I was concerned because I wanted so much to live up to expectations. But our coaches encouraged me throughout and gave me confidence. My team-mates were also a big help and we played well as a unit."
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/mohammed_dawood_mvp_topscorer_jpg_1.html
