Ali Kazem threatens Hassan and Basel's throne in the Iraqi national team!

In a special press reading, the outstanding goalkeeper Ali Kazem, the guardian of Newroz's goal, has become one of the most prominent and strongest names expected to be included in the list of the Iraqi national team for the upcoming international four-nation tournament in Basra, which is part of the Lions of Mesopotamia's intensive preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.

The Basra Quadrangular Championship will take place from November 10 to 17, featuring the Semi-Final clashes of Iraq against Lebanon and Iran against Palestine. The winners will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place.

Sources indicate that Graham Arnold's squad will undergo significant changes in several positions as it is the last opportunity to test new elements and assess readiness ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, which may represent the final scene for Arnold at the helm of the coaching staff of the Socceroos.

Kazem, 29, has caught the eye this season with his exceptional performances, helping Newroz secure a place in the top four of the Iraq Stars League.

The numbers highlight a dominant performance from the goalkeeper, as he managed to keep a "clean sheet" in 8 out of 11 matches played, while only conceding 5 goals. This makes him the toughest figure in local defenses this season.

These alarming figures enhance his chances of securing an official spot, especially given the recent decline in the performances of the first-choice goalkeepers Ahmed Basel and Jalal Hassan. This situation is pushing the coaching staff to look for solutions and refresh the blood in this sensitive position.

All eyes are on the expected fierce competition between Ali Kazem and Duhok's young goalkeeper Kamil Saad Al-Rakabi, who is highly regarded by Arnold, having previously called him up for the Gulf Cup 27 before injury prevented him from appearing.

Despite his previous international career with the youth and Olympic teams in 12 official matches, Ali Kazem is still chasing his dream of making his debut with the senior national team.

Recently, there has been a sense of discontent from Ali Kazem regarding his non-selection, as he has shown his protest through his famous gesture of placing his hand over his eye after each miraculous save, symbolically questioning: Does the coach not see this brilliance?