Baghdad erupts in joy as Iraq qualifies for World Cup

Early on Wednesday, Iraq's capital, Baghdad, was filled with music, fireworks, and sporadic gunshots as the country's national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time in decades.

The "Lions of Mesopotamia" defeated Bolivia 2-1 on Tuesday to secure the nation's first World Cup appearance since the championship in Mexico in 1986.

The start of the Middle East war in late February, when the US and Israel invaded Iran and then dragged Iraq into the fight, cast a shadow over the match's preparation.

Since the start of the conflict, over 100 individuals have died in Iraq.
The war was not far from people’s minds on Wednesday, but supporters still thronged one of Baghdad’s main shopping streets to cheer on their team as the sun rose.

“This victory is incredibly precious to us, despite the war raging,” Ahmed, 22, told AFP outside a cafe in the central Karrada district.

“The Iraqi people are united across all sects,” he said, adding that the win reminded Iraqis of their victory in the 2007 Asian Cup when sectarian violence was at its peak.

Thousands of men stood on cars and trucks to cheer, some of them in tears, as the busy roadway came to a halt as they waved Iraqi flags.

Along Baghdad's uneven pavements, street tea vendors who barely make ends meet shouted, "tea for free! "Free tea!" they said as their enthusiasm took over.
“Despite the dire economic situation and the war, our national team won,” Ali al-Muhandis told AFP.

“We in Iraq excel in exceptional circumstances,” he said, his voice hoarse from shouting.

“We are living through a war that has nothing to do with us, because it’s between Iran, America and Israel.”

Attacks on pro-Iranian armed organizations in the nation as well as attacks on US interests in Iraq have drawn his nation into the fight.

After decades of violent insecurity, Iraqis were enjoying a time of relative tranquility, which has been shattered by the war.

A national holiday

The Iraqi squad made it to Mexico last week after a difficult three-day trek, during which some of them had to travel overland because Iraq had banned air travel owing to the conflict.

Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein both scored goals, but the team still seemed energized as they swept to victory.
State TV showed celebrations across the country, and the government congratulated the team. Authorities had promised to pay them bonuses if they won and also announced a two-day holiday after the match.

Iraq will now play in World Cup Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.