Iraq celebrate World Cup return before facing France after four decades away | OneFootball

Iraq, the Lions of Mesopotamia, meet France on Monday 22 June at 23:00 in Pennsylvania, returning to the World Cup after four decades marked by war and dictatorship.

"We will have no pressure. So let us give everything and shock the world," said Iraq head coach Graham Arnold in April, speaking to Le Parisien.

Exactly 40 years after their 11 June 1986 exit in Mexico City, they revived their story in Mexico again, beating Bolivia 2-1 in March’s intercontinental play-off to clinch the 48th and final berth.

With their airspace closed after the start of an American-Iranian conflict in February, the federation first sought a postponement, then flew the squad from Amman to Lisbon and on to Monterrey.

Iraq opened their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to Norway, despite an encouraging display, and now have little to lose against France.

"It is a privilege and an honour to share the pitch with those players. But they have two arms and two legs like everyone," he said. "I will make no promises, but there are always surprising results."

Iraq’s only major trophy in nearly 40 years came in 2007, when Younis Mahmoud scored in the Asian Cup final. For Iraq, more than most, this tournament is a celebration.

Source: Nice-Matin