World Cup
Iraq Qualify For World Cup With Win Over Bolivia
Iraq grabbed the last available place at the World Cup by beating Bolivia 2-1 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday, sealing their return to the finals after a 40-year absence.
Aymen Hussein steered home a second-half winner to see the Iraqis become the 48th and last team to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
Ali Al Hamadi handed Iraq a 10th-minute lead at the Monterrey Stadium, but Bolivia were level at the break through Moises Paniagua.
Iraq will compete in Group I at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup along with France, Norway and Senegal.
Iraq, the ninth team from Asia to qualify, were quickly out of the blocks and Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a fingertip save to push Amir Al Ammari’s curling free kick onto his crossbar.
But from the resultant corner, Al Hamadi, who plays for Luton Town in League One, got ahead of the Bolivia defence to head home the opener.
Bolivia slowly recovered from the shock of the early setback and by the break were deservedly level.
Their equaliser came when Ramiro Vaca’s forward pass, which looked initially to be a shot on goal, found Paniagua, who then had time to turn and slam home the ball from close range.
Iraq went ahead again in the 53rd minute as substitute Marko Farji’s cross found Hussein, who reacted quickest and got ahead of his marker to steer home.
Mohanad Ali had a chance to score a third for Iraq and finish off the game near full time but squandered the opportunity.
Bolivia forced several late corners as they desperately bid to take the game into extra time but Iraq finished the fresher of the two sides.
“I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the line , and that’s why we won the game,” said Iraq coach Graham Arnold.
“You’ve got to give full credit to Bolivia, because they played well. And it was just through the great defending from our players, who put their bodies on the line, as I said, and we defended the crosses really well. That’s why we won the game.
“I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy, and especially with what’s going on in the Middle East at the moment,” added Arnold, who took his native Australia to the round of 16 at the last World Cup in Qatar.
The Iraqis were seeded straight into the playoff decider, while Bolivia first had to get past Suriname in Monterrey last Thursday.
Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in Mexico in 1986, where they lost all three group games.
–REUTERS
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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