Iraq's historic victory at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup shocked Asia and claimed global headlines as the war-torn nation edged out Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Jakarta thanks to Younis Mahmood's iconic 73rd minute header.
After the much-heralded golden generation of 2007, coach Hakeem Shakir is well on the way to creating another Iraqi dynasty after recently winning the inaugural AFC under-22 Championship earlier this year in Muscat, in addition to achieving runners-up positions at the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship, the 2012 WAFF Championship and the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations, as well as a famous third-place finish at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
The previous two AFC Youth Player of the Year awards have also been won by members of Shakir's squad in the shape of striker Mohannad Abdulraheem and attack-minded full-back Ali Adnan, while Amjed Kalaf was named the player of the tournament at the 2013 AFC U-22 Championship.
While the likes of Saif Salman, Humam Tareeq and Ali Faez are more names on this list of emerging talents being developed under Shakir, one constant has remained in recent times in the frame of evergreen striker and captain Mahmood.
Having lifted the AFC Asian Cup trophy above his head to world acclaim in 2007, Mahmood has since remained central for Iraq with his two goals against China, and in particular his trademark opener after peeling away from the last man before producing an accomplished finish, underlining his importance.
In 2011, Iraq was defeated at the quarter-final stage in extra-time when Harry Kewell netted a late winner for eventual finalists Australia adding to the three consecutive quarter-final exits suffered at the AFC Asian Cup from 1996 to 2004.
Its best finish prior to 2007 was a run to the semi-finals in 1976 before posting its only FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986.