http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/07/29/iraq.saudiarabia.ap/index.html
The "feel good" story for football this year, with war torn Iraq winning the Asia cup. They did not so the easy way either, and I am not talking about the situation in their home country that goes without saying. To get to the finals they had to defeat pre-tournament favorites Australia and South Korea, two of the jewels of Asian football. Iraq then defeated high powered Saudi Arabia in the finals. The path to victory for Iraq showed the best and worst of the situation in the war torn nation. Wild celebrations between Iraqis regardless of their ethnic backgrounds followed their wins over Australia, South Korea and Saudi Arabia....however terrorists took advantage to launch more suicide bombings targeting these celebrations as well.
I would hope this is a start in re-unification of a divided nation, but I am not that naive. It would appear that this is just an oasis in an otherwise brutal desert.
With this win, Iraq qualifies for the Confederations Cup.....if the football gods are awake they will draw the US and Iraqis together in group play.....
No comments:
Post a Comment