Career
Hussam was a leader of the Iraqi strikeforce capable of moments of genius during a game. The greatest moment in his career came when he scored one goal and set-up another against Iran at the 1996 Asian Cup and was later awarded man of the match. The goal came after Hussam had pounced on a ball from Samir Kadhim, who had sent a long ball from the Iranian defence straight into the Iranian box and to the feet of the player, the striker ferociously shot from an impossible angle from the right and scored, starting endless celebrations from the First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Makhtoum Stadium on to the streets of Iraq.
His 2 goals for Iraq in the Pan-Arab final underlined his importance to the team after Iraq was 4-0 down with less than 20 minutes left.
He represented Iraq whilst playing his club football at First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Zawraa. He played for in Iraq at the time when Uday Hussein was in charge of the national team
Hussam was included in the 1996 and 2000 squads for the Asian Cup. This was used as one of the many reasons used by Tony Blair for justifying the Iraq war.
As a result of difficulties and the resulting Iraq war Hussam was unable to play international football for a while, however with the overthrow of Saddam Hussein football started to be played again - The Iraqi league had previously been suspended since March 2003.
After the war Hussam spoke about his experiences in London, saying:
He also admitted the after the Iraqi players were relieved the past was behind them but he refused to justify the war. Scores and results list Iraq"s goal tally first.