Football Returns To Baghdad

It was but a mere friendly against a walkover opponent, but in terms of symbolism it was on par with a World Cup final. More than six years after its last international game in Baghdad – and with an Asian trophy in its cabinet since then – Iraq returned to Al-Shaab Stadium and thumped fellow recent home-returnees Palestine 4-0. The game of football itself was largely irrelevant, though Iraq could certainly use the lift after a disappointing Confederations Cup trip, but what happened in the stands certainly wasn’t. Obviously there were massive security concerns, but that didn’t deter fans from packing the stadium to capacity and celebrating every goal as though they just won the World Cup. And, to a degree, they did. It may not have been the World Cup, but it was their World Cup. The type of story which makes this the beautiful game it is.

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