The GLADIATOR
GEWARGIS ISMAIL
Residence: Baghdad, Iraq
Gewargis Ismail Meoza was well known soccer figure in Iraq, who played from 1957 to 1959 for the (1st Div.) team of the Assyrian Sports Club, and for the (1st Div.) of the Iraqi third Division from 1959 to 1973.
During the years from 1959-1965 he was a fundamental player in the Iraqi National teams. He filled his position as a center forward and enforced himself upon his fans by his unique skills and astonishing offensive abilities.
He was fearless, strongly built, opportunist goal scorer, fast attacker and self confident. Gewargis was known to soccer fans as the spearhead hero of the team, and the surprising figure. In the field he enjoyed goal scoring more than anything else, and indeed lived the triumphal moment.
While off the field he was calm, shy, and nice character. It is worth mentioning that Gerwargis scored the WINNING goal against Syria in the historic game of the Pan Arab Championship Games of 1966.
Yes, he was the hero of that Cup final so that he was hailed by thousands of spectators along the way from scouts Ground to his home at Galani Camp, and for a distance of atleast five miles , his feet did not touch the ground.
Gewargis Ismail worked as a coach for the Employees Club (2nd Div.) team in 1973. Then from 1982 to 1985 he was assigned as a coach for the Army Corp. of Engineers team (1st Div.). He is at present coaching the reserve team of the Army Athletic Club.
Number of games played against foreign teams: 50
