Iraq qualified for World Cup

Iraq clinched the final berth in the 48 nation football World Cup after edging past Bolivia 2 – 1 in the intercontinental qualification Play offs.

Iraq last qualified for the FIFA World Cup way back in 1986.

The Asian nation put up a decent performance right throughout the match. They took the lead when their ace striker Ali Al-Hamadi found the net with a superb header from a fine set piece cross.

The latin american outfit however, bounced back but that was for a brief period only.

After the breather Bolivia levelled the score through Moises Paniogua. Iraq quickly regrouped themselves thereafter and took the lead again through Aymen Hussein. They played disciplined football and maintained consistency till the final whistle blowed.

Iraq has been placed in Group I along with France, Norway and Senegal. They will be beginning their adventure on June 16 against Norway followed by France on June 22 and Senegal on June 26.

Iraq has developed a lot under their coach Graham Arnold.