Salman Ghuloom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Salman Isa Ghuloom, known to many as just Salman Isa, is a Bahraini footballer that plays as a winger or a wingback . He is currently contracted by Al Arabi of Qatar, although there are many speculations about his future. It is most probable that he will return to Bahrain with his former Club Al Riffa.
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[edit] World Cup Qualifiers
Salman Isa is most famous for scoring for Bahrain in the Asia-Concacaf playoff qualifier for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany against Trinidad and Tobago. In doing so he gave Bahrain the lead, playing away at Port of Spain in the first leg. That gave Bahrain the advantage to qualify for the World Cup, but Trinidad's Christopher Birchall equalised to end the match. In the 2nd Leg in Bahrain Dennis Lawrence scored to give Trinidad and Tobago the win and help them qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, for the first time in their history.
[edit] Club Career
Salman Isa has played for a number of clubs during his footballing career. At 28 he is a very experienced footballer. Salman started his career at small first division (the 2nd tier of bahraini football) club Isa Town or Madinat Isa. This club produced former Bahrain national team captain and Salman Isa's teammate Talal Yousif. Salman's excellent performance for the club prompted one of the three big Bahraini clubs , Al Riffa to sign him along with Isa Town teammate Talal Yousef. After siging for Al Riffa he made a hudge impact helping them to the Bahraini Premiership tittle in 2002-2003.During his time at Al Riffa he played under legendary Bahraini Manager Riyadh Al Thawadi who would go on to manage the Bahrain national team.
[edit] Asian Cup 2004
In 2004 Bahrain qualified for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China. Although Salman Isa missed the many games of the tournament through injury he still managed to play a few matches in Bahrain's run to the Semi Finals. Although the world hadn't yet seen the best of Salman Isa. After the Asian Cup most of the members of the national team were signed by big Qatari clubs such as Al Gharaffa , Al Arabi , and Al Rayyan. Team players such as Mohamed Ahmed Salmeen and Alaa Hubail moved on to Qatar. While others like Talal Yousif for instance decided to move to Kuwait. After this The Bahraini Premiership appeared to have lost some of its most important players. Although the loss of many national team members meant the rise of Salman Isa.
[edit] Glory Days
Salman Isa is known for his hardworking and tireless displays on the wing, but as Talal Yousif who was deployed as a more offensive player for Al Riffa left for Kuwait SC, Riyadh Al Thawadi decided to push Salman Isa up field and play him as a Forward. This decision proved to be vital as Salman Isa scored 15 goals leaving him as the league top scorer. Salman Isa's amazing form also helped Al Riffa to the 2004-2005 league championship and the Crown Prince Cup. In which Salman Isa scored in the final. Salman Isa's best for the national team came in the 2004 Gulf Arabian Cup in Qatar. Salman Isa scored and amazing goal in the historic 3-0 win over Bahrain's fierce rivals and neighbors the more famous Saudi Arabia. Salman Isa's hardworking ethics paid off as Bahrain again qualified for the Semi fianls although they were sadly knocked out by Oman. Nevertheless Bahrain still finished in third place. After the 2004-2005 season Salman Isa's amazing displays prompted Al Arabi of Qatar where fellow National team player and Captain Mohamed Salmeen plays, to sign Salman Isa from then Bahraini champions AL Riffa. At Al Riffa Salman Isa was a cult hero and fans referred to him as "AL JANAH AL TAER" which means the flying wing, for his speady runs through the wings. At Al Arabi Salman Isa continued to display good form although there he was being used mostly as a defender or wing back. As the season ended there were speculations as to where Salman Isa Ghuloom would be playing next season. Till now nothing has been decided.
