"Iraq became the 48th and final team to qualify for the World Cup, defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in Mexico to seal their first appearance at the finals in 40 years."
"Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured a famous win for Iraq, whose last appearance at the World Cup came at the 1986 finals in Mexico."
"Most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a gruelling three-day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan."
"Iraq regained the lead eight minutes into the second half, when a long ball forward was n."
Iraq secured their first World Cup appearance in 40 years by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff. The match took place in Mexico, where Iraq faced significant challenges due to regional conflict. Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein led to the victory. Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, had initially requested a postponement due to the war's impact on preparations. Despite a difficult journey to Mexico, Iraq started confidently, taking an early lead before Bolivia equalized. Iraq regained control in the second half to secure the win.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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