Iraq stand one match away from the World Cup. One win can end a 40 year wait and send the team back to the biggest stage.
Head coach Graham Arnold understands the pressure. He says the job is one of the hardest in football because of the passion in the country.
Iraq have reached the final of the intercontinental play off. They will face Bolivia on March 31 in Monterrey. A win will take them to the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
Arnold can also make history. He can become the first Australian coach to lead two different teams to the World Cup after doing it before with Australia.
The journey has not been easy. Iraq have faced political problems, violence, economic struggles, and corruption for many years. These issues have affected football too.
Arnold said, “Before taking this job, I was told it could be one of the toughest in the world. Iraq have not qualified for the World Cup for 40 years. So managing the pressure is a huge challenge, especially in a country where 46 million people are passionate about football.”
He added, “I remember that special moment in 2005 when the Socceroos qualified for the World Cup. It had a huge impact across the country. In Iraq, people have the same passion. Football runs in their veins.”
Iraq’s long wait is linked to its past. Political instability played a big role. The situation worsened after the involvement of the United States and the execution of Saddam Hussein. Iraq later won the Asian Cup in 2007, but could not keep that progress.
Arnold has tried to keep the team focused. He has kept players away from social media and outside noise.
Last November, Iraq secured their place in the play off with a stoppage time win over the United Arab Emirates. The win brought big celebrations across the country.
Arnold said, “In my 10 months here, I have spent most of my time in Baghdad because I want to understand their culture. I cannot go anywhere or have a social life. Wherever I go, people gather around me and ask for photos.”
He added, “After the UAE match, I saw footage of people celebrating in the streets of Baghdad with flags. Their passion is huge. But after the match, I reminded the players that we have not qualified yet. They are very committed to doing that for the country.”
