sports
21 games later: Iraq back at the World Cup after epic qualifying campaign
The Lions of Mesopotamia have waited 40 years to return to the World Cup and they have had to do it the hard way
TL;DR
- Iraq has qualified for the World Cup after a 40-year wait, defeating Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff.
- Aymen Hussein, who overcame personal tragedy and displacement, scored the winning goal.
- The qualification campaign was arduous, involving 21 games, and the team benefited from the tournament's expansion.
- New coach Graham Arnold guided the team through the playoffs, having previously achieved success with Australia.
- The team's return to the World Cup offers a moment of joy and national pride for Iraq.
- Iraq's previous World Cup appearance in 1986 was overshadowed by political turmoil.
- The current squad includes emerging talents alongside experienced players like Hussein and Jalal Hassan.