Iraq seal historic spot and boss wants to “shock the world” | OneFootball

Coach Graham Arnold challenged his players to “shock the world” after Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday.

Return to the World Cup after 40 years and a tough group

Iraq, whose preparations were disrupted by the war in the Middle East, secured its first appearance in the tournament finals in 40 years and will play in Group I against France, Senegal, and Norway.

Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein sealed a historic victory for Iraq, whose last World Cup appearance had been in Mexico in 1986.

Impact of the war on the national team’s preparation

“With everything happening in the Middle East right now, it has made things harder for the players,” said Australian Arnold, who initially tried to postpone the match because of the disruption caused by the conflict.

“Very happy for the players, great lads, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” he added.

“I hope this helps change perceptions about Iraq and football in Iraq. To do something at the World Cup that no one expects us to do.

“We’re going to shock the world.”

Exhausting journey to Mexico

Because of travel disruptions caused by the war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, most of the Iraqi squad only arrived in Mexico after an exhausting three-day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan.

But there was no sign of fatigue in Iraq’s confident start, as they took the lead in the ninth minute through Luton Town forward Al-Hamadi — the 24-year-old who moved to Liverpool as a child after the start of the Iraq War in 2003.

Iraqi midfielder Amir Al-Ammari won a corner after a spectacular free-kick was brilliantly saved by Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.

From the resulting corner, Al-Ammari delivered a precise cross onto the head of Al-Hamadi, who nodded it into the net to make it 1-0.

Iraq’s early goal paid off and the team seemed to have the match under control until Bolivia, who gradually grew into the game, equalized in the 38th minute.

Ramiro Vaca’s shot from the edge of the box was controlled first-time by Moisés Paniagua, and the Morocco-based midfielder fired the ball into the net.

The goal rattled Iraq, and Bolivia looked close to scoring a second after dominating the rest of the first half.

Iraq regained the lead eight minutes after the break, when a long ball was headed on to substitute Marko Lawk-Farji.

His cross found captain Hussein, and the veteran striker finished first-time into the bottom corner.

Bolivia pressed frantically for a goal to force extra time, but Iraq’s well-organized defense held firm through nine minutes of stoppage time.

Arnold dreams of a historic World Cup feat

Coach Arnold, 62, who led Australia to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, said: “We have two months to get fit.” “For us to achieve something at this World Cup would be a miracle.”

Bolivia coach Oscar Villegas was visibly shaken.

“Devastated, totally devastated because we believed we could be at the World Cup,” he said.

*By AFP

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