"We turned up to play and there was no one around, just a few kids messing about," he said.
"Then suddenly, out of nowhere, came this kitted-up football team together with a referee and two linesmen.
"The boys thought they must be the Iraqi international side or something. In truth, they thrashed us."
...
There were no jumpers for goalposts here - even the referee had a whistle and cards in his pocket, two linesmen proudly carried flags.
Hundreds of children chanted, some sporting the red shirts of Manchester United or Arsenal, carrying playing card pictures of David Beckham and David Seaman.
Behind them lay old defensive military positions, trenches used two weeks ago by the Iraqi army. On Wednesday they were dug outs, sand pits for kids to play in.
Football is their passion and, needless to say, "Mister Beckham", Manchester United's star midfielder, is their man.
"Beckham is best, Beckham is best!" shouted Mohammad, a 21-year-old spectator.
"You need him," replied his friend, pointing to the pitch. "You lose bad."
Meanwhile, the commander of the unit, Lieutenant Colonel Buster Howes, attempted to be magnanimous in defeat.
"We want a rematch," he said with a smile.
