Mohannad Ali Kadhim looked to the heavens and screamed for joy, while emotion overcame goalkeeper Ahmed Basil Al-Fadhli as he slumped, facedown, to the turf. Coach Graham Arnold was enveloped on the touchline, before being hoisted onto his players' shoulders and, Iraq flag held aloft in his hand, presented to the euphoric fans in the stands.
I feel this is the most important game of the three-year span that I've been here. I think there are about seven variables that are crucial for this game. This was the only time in three years I didn't watch the film and wouldn't watch it and will never watch it.
Rassie Erasmus has described Ireland's rugby system as "precision farming" and the last year has shown how delicate the ecosystem is. All the analysis that followed the alarming defeats to France, New Zealand and South Africa remains valid and the issues that cropped up remain worthy of attention. Yet it all feels a little less alarming after a weekend where the senior side issued a stunning riposte to those who believed they are a beaten docket and the U-20s showed there's life in the pathways yet.
Continuous learning, adaptability, and strong support networks are the foundations for thriving teams, Matthew Card mentioned in his presentation about inclusive leadership at Qcon London. Trust is built through consistent, fair leadership and addressing toxic behaviour, bias, and microaggressions early. By fostering growth, psychological safety, and accountability, people-first leadership drives resilience, collaboration, and performance. Building an organisation where people can truly thrive starts with intention, Card said.
It's humble pie, but we're willing to eat it. I think everyone knows there's still everything to play for, so we're not that down to be fair. But I think we can't just pretend like we didn't just lose 4-0. We got to recognise that and understand how we can grow from that and learn from it and keep moving forward.
I thought we were terrific. I thought it was an unbelievable performance. We have got six or seven first team players missing which would obviously help contribute a lot, tonight we made eight changes, we lose the keeper in the warm-up and lose Dan Kelly after 20 minutes, it's certainly been challenging.
Chris Woakes is preparing to return despite a serious shoulder injury, indicating the camaraderie and determination among teammates during the Test series against India.
Spain continues its quest for a first European title, overcoming tough competition from Switzerland with key plays, including Aitana Bonmati's inspiring assist for Athenea del Castillo's goal.
It's always a difficult place to come with the travel, I thought we should have scored a few more in the first half and we conceded a sloppy one, but to show the character to see the game out that's all that matters at this point.
