Former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold has ended Iraq’s 40-year wait to play in a FIFA World Cup after a 2-1 qualifying victory over Bolivia.
Arnold’s men had to battle a challenging preparation that involved various buses and flights due to war in in the Middle East.
In the lead up to the match, the Iraq coach also had to tell supporters outside his side’s hotel in Monterrey, Mexico to stop beating their drums so the players could sleep.
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Graham Arnold celebrates with players and staff. FIFA+
Ali Al-Hamadi scored first for Iraq in the 10th minute off the back of a corner.
Hearts were then in mouths when Bolivia’s Moisés Paniagua equalised before half-time. The winner for Iraq would come through Aymen Hussein in the 53rd minute before the Middle Eastern nation held off various attacks to book their spot in the World Cup.
Arnold was hoisted into the air by his players, displaying an Iraq flag with the fans as tears came from both sides.
“I’ve got to give so much thanks to the players, their work ethic, they showed the real Iraqi mentality of fighting and putting their body on the line and that’s why we won the game,” he said on FIFA+.
“… I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy, especially with what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment, I’m so happy for them.”
Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil celebrates. Getty
Iraq is the last of the 48 teams to book a spot in the FIFA World Cup.
It’s a remarkable achievement for Arnold, who arrived with Iraq in the third round of qualifying after resigning from his role at the Socceroos.
Iraq ended the match with only 33 per cent of the possession, with 12 per cent in contest and Bolivia holding 55 per cent.
Arnold’s men had just three shots on target but made the most of their chances, while Bolivia had an incredible 16 corners to Iraq’s two.
Iraq will be in Group I of the World Cup with France, Senegal and Norway.