Coach Graham Arnold has urged his team to “shock the world” following Iraq’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico on Tuesday, securing their spot as the 48th and final nation to qualify for the World Cup.
Iraq, who faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have earned their first World Cup appearance in four decades and will compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
Important goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein clinched a historic win for Iraq, who last featured in the World Cup during the 1986 tournament in Mexico.
“With everything happening in the Middle East right now, it made it tougher for the players,” remarked Arnold, the Australian coach who had initially requested a postponement of the match due to the disruptions caused by the conflict.
“I’m thrilled for the players, great boys, and I’m very happy for the 46 million Iraqis,” he continued.
“Hopefully, this will help alter perceptions of Iraq and its football. We’re aiming to achieve something surprising at the World Cup that nobody expects from us.
“Let’s shock the world.“
Due to travel difficulties stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, most of the Iraqi team only arrived in Mexico after an exhausting three-day journey that began with an overland crossing into Jordan.
Nevertheless, Iraq displayed little sign of fatigue as they confidently opened the scoring just nine minutes in, thanks to Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi—who moved to Liverpool as a child after the escalation of the 2003 Iraq war.
Iraq midfielder Amir Al-Ammari forced a corner after a remarkable free-kick that was spectacularly saved by Bolivia’s goalkeeper, Guillermo Viscarra.
From the resulting corner, Al-Ammari delivered a precise cross to Al-Hamadi, who headed it home to make it 1-0.
The early goal was well-deserved, as Iraq maintained control until Bolivia equalised in the 38th minute. Ramiro Vaca’s shot from the edge of the area was expertly controlled by Moises Paniagua, who finished powerfully into the roof of the net.
The goal shocked Iraq, and Bolivia appeared poised to take the lead as they dominated the rest of the half.
Iraq, however, regained the upper hand eight minutes after the break when a long ball was nodded into the path of substitute Marko Lawk-Farji.
His cross found captain Hussein, who slotted a deft finish into the bottom corner.
Bolivia pushed hard for an equaliser to force extra time, but Iraq’s well-organised defence stood firm through nine minutes of stoppage time.
The 62-year-old Arnold, who led Australia to the Round of 16 in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, stated: “We have two months to get fit.
“Achieving something remarkable at this World Cup would be a miracle.“
Bolivia’s coach, Oscar Villegas, was visibly heartbroken.
“We are devastated, completely devastated because we truly believed we could make it to the World Cup,” he lamented.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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