"Iraq hasn't qualified for a World Cup for 40 years, it's a big challenge with a lot of pressure and they are a nation of 46 million that are obsessed with football."
"I remember how great it was when we qualified in 2005 with the Socceroos, and the impact it can have on the country."
"Over the years that I've coached or played against Iraq, they've always been a bloody hard team and you're thinking, why haven't they qualified for 40 years?"
"Conflict is one obvious answer to explain Iraq's absence from the World Cup, as is the interference of Saddam Hussein's son Uday, who was president of the country's Olympic committee and was accused of torturing footballers."
Graham Arnold is tasked with leading Iraq to their first World Cup in 40 years, a challenge he acknowledges as one of the toughest in coaching. Despite not speaking Arabic, he understands the immense pressure and passion surrounding football in Iraq. Arnold reflects on the joy of qualifying for the World Cup with Australia in 2005 and recognizes the historical struggles Iraq has faced, including conflict and past leadership issues. His goal is to inspire a nation of 46 million football enthusiasts.
Read at ESPN.com
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