Iraq plot ‘shock’ as famous win seals World Cup return after 40 years

MONTERREY (Agencies): 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 nerve-shredding 2-1 win over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday. Iraq, whose preparations were disrupted by the war in the Middle East, sealed their first appearance at the finals in 40 years and will play in Group `I` against France, Senegal and Norway. Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured a famous win for Iraq, whose last appearance at the World Cup came at Mexico in 1986. “With everything going on in the Middle East at the moment it made it harder for the players,” said the Australian Arnold, who had initially sought to have the fixture postponed due to the disruption caused by the conflict. “Delighted for the players, very good boys, very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” he added. “Hopefully it will help change the perception of Iraq and the football in Iraq. Doing something in the World Cup nobody expects us to do. Let`s shock the world.” Because of travel disruption caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a gruelling three-day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan. But there was little sign of weariness during a confident start by Iraq, who took the lead after nine minutes through Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi the 24-yearold who moved to Liverpool as a toddler following the outbreak of the 2003 Iraq war. Iraq were well worth the early goal and looked in control until Bolivia, who had gradually grown into the game, equalised after 38 minutes. Ramiro Vaca’s shot from the edge of the area was controlled with one touch by Moises Paniagua and the Morocco-based central midfielder swept into the roof of the net. The goal stunned Iraq and Bolivia looked likely to grab a second after dominating the remainder of the half.

Iraq regained the lead eight minutes after the break, when captain Hussein clipped a first-time finish into the bottom corner. Bolivia pressed frantically for a goal to force extra-time, but Iraq`s well-marshalled defence held firm during nine minutes of stoppage time. The 62-year-old Arnold, who took Australia to the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup in 2022, said: “We have two months to get fit. “For us to do something at this World Cup would be a miracle.” Oscar Villegas, the Bolivia coach, was visibly distraught. “Devastated, totally devastated because we believed we could be at the World Cup,” he said.

TUANZEBE SHINES AS DR CONGO QUALIFY:

Earlier on Tuesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in the other playoff to seal their first World Cup appearance in 52 years. Axel Tuanzebe goal in the extratime ensured the progress for one of Africa`s largest nations as former England U-21 international basked in the adulation. The centre back kneed the ball home in their inter-confederation playoff final to book a first World Cup place for the Congolese since they appeared at the 1974 tournament when the country was still known as Zaire. “To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” said Tuanzebe. “It`s happened for me, and I am so very happy. I`m so proud of what I could do for my country.” Delirious football fans took to thesoaked streets of the capital Kinshasa and danced into the night in the rain after their country`s triumph. “We gave it our all, right here in the rain!” shouted BeniIle, a fan in Kinshasa whose shoulders were draped in a soaked DRC flag. “We won`t be working on Wednesday! It`s going to be a national holiday. We’re going to celebrate and party all night long. We`ve been waiting 50 years for this. We`re staying out until dawn.”