Quick Facts
Biography
Rahim Karim (Arabic: رحيم كريم , born 2 February 1952) is a coach and former international Iraqi football player, who played for Al-Minaa.
Overview of sports history
Rahim Karim is one of the best defenders Iraq has ever produced, the tall and unstoppable central defender started his career with Al-Minaa in 1965 in his birthplace of Basra in southern Iraq. He made his international debut in 1969 against Egypt lining up alongside the likes of Aliyat Al-Shourta players Abid Khadum and Douglas Aziz, Al-Fareek Al-Thalatha star Shidrak Yousef and Al-Jawia pair Sahib Ghazzal and Mejbil Fartous. After making his debut for Iraq, Rahim became an important part of the national team and went on to play in 1972 AFC Asian Cup in Thailand and 1976 AFC Asian Cup in Iran where the team finished in 4th place. He was also part of Iraq’s first ever World Cup qualification campaign in 1973 for the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany. Iraq only lost 1 game against the hosts of the qualifying tournament Australia and were only 1 point away from qualifying for the 2nd round. In 1977, Rahim won the World Military Cup, the same season his club Al-Minaa won the Iraqi league.
Honors
Local
- Al-Mina'a
- 1978 Iraqi League: Champion
International
- Iraq
- 1977 World Military Cup: Champion