Umbro have treated Iraq to a luxurious new kit ahead of the 2021 Asian Cup.
Iraq’s new 3rd shirt features a splendidly opulent black and gold pattern drawn from a collection of ancient Mesopotamian symbols.
Similar to last year’s home and away shirts, Umbro’s design draws on Iraqi culture and the country’s status as a cradle of civilisation.
We see representations of a Babylonian palm to symbolise victory, as well as the walls of the Ishtar Gate, once one of eight great entrances to the inner city of ancient Babylon, now residing in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.
It’s a credit to the design and colour scheme that Umbro’s own double-diamond taping barely looks out of place on the cuffs amid all that meaning and influence from Iraqi antiquity.
As with their home and away shirts, the back of the collar sees “Iraq” written in Kufic, a traditional Arabic script to complete the design and add another delightful detail.
Iraq’s new 3rd shirt will be worn at the 2021 Arab Cup which begins on 30th November in Qatar, with Iraq drawn to a group alongside Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
The Lions of Mesopotamia will hope for a miracle akin to their 2007 Asia Cup performance, where the unfancied side overcame all odds to lift the regional title in Jakarta.
Black and gold is a colour scheme that just works and whilst Umbro’s design may come a couple of years on from the height of the trend, this sumptuous shirt has set tongues wagging and drawn many admiring glances from across the world.
All that’s left to say is keep your eyes out for stock coming available at umbro.co.uk!
Sartorial Soccer 