Iraq has been waiting for this for forty years. After 1986, the Lions of Mesopotamia validated their qualification for their second World Cup on Tuesday evening by beating Bolivia in the last play-off match. The Iraqis managed to overcome the heavy context of the war in the Middle East, which greatly complicated their journey to Mexico, which began by road from Baghdad around ten days ago.
The Iraqis were able to count on the vocal support of members of the diaspora from the United States and Canada. The supporters, mostly in white, were able to vibrate thanks to their two attackers, decisive in their green jerseys. First Ali Al-Hamadi, a player for Luton Town in the English third division, who grew up in Liverpool after fleeing the 2003 war in the arms of his parents, scored with a header from a corner in the 10th minute.
Iraq, second match for the Blues at the World Cup
The strong captain Aymen Hussein scored the 2-1 goal with a nice shot from the right to the heart of the area upon receiving a cross (53rd). In the meantime, Bolivia had dominated the end of the first period thanks to its ball handlers and equalized by the young Moises Paniagua (18 years old). La Verde, who played in white on Tuesday, hoped to see a first world championship since 1994.
With this qualification of Iraq, the Blues now know all their opponents for this World Cup. The Blues will face Iraq in Philadelphia on June 22, after opening their tournament against Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey, and before concluding the group stage against Norway in Boston on June 26. The Blues are not familiar with the Lions of Mesopotamia, who play either in the local championship or in minor leagues.
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