Iraq clinched their first Asian Cup title

[reverse_swing]

Absolutely fantastic news for all the football lovers! With the limited resources, the constant aura of death and destruction, and the inexorable news that comes out of this country daily, Iraqis have showed the world what combination of hardwork and doggedness, teamwork and belief in themselves can do.Something to learn from them.

Nzherald:Gunfire, tears as Iraqis celebrate soccer win>>

Aljazeera:Iraq in historic Asian Cup win>>

BBC:In Pictures>>

[Hatebreed]

It's amazing how a game of football can unite the Iraqis of different sects and forget about the misery they are going through. Congrats Iraq, for making football fans all over the world proud!

[jabbar]

Hopefully this win will bring some unity in Iraq. There's nothing like sporting success to lift the spirits of people...

[ialbd]

great news for Iraq, congrats

[Lord AK]

There would be a lot of celebrating in Iraq and probably 50 people would die because of the havoc in the country.
What a shame!

[Puck]

i was so pleased for iraq last night. football is a great leveller and it was lovely to see the religious divisions forgotten during the process of this tournament. this sporting victory will reignite a much needed passion in the country for sports and fighting sectarianism through the goodwill of sport.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/6921078.stm

as a passing note, i recall one of saddam hussain's sons beating up the iraqi football team of his era after they performed badly in a tournament. the players were in no harm from such kickings and slappings this time had they performed badly. perhaps, this alone relaxed the players into playing as a unit and defeating the mighty saudis?

does anyone remember nasser hajizi, an iraqi player who later coached one of the bangladeshi teams?

[Sohel]

Couple of reports from Al Jazeera: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exer...9017BEC162.htm

And

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exer...8A3F82E67D.htm

[Tigers_eye]

chok beshey jai joley.

"eyes flood with tears."

[MohammedC]

Congrats to all Iraqis. They deserve it for what they have gone through for more than a decade

[Dhruvo]

First of all congrats to Iraq,Saudi arabia football is like bangladesh cricket they climb high then drop down very quickly.

[Puck]

if they can create a viable football league based on this and raise national interest, i am sure it could play a cohesive part in binding communities.

[Rabz]

Such a massive achievement!
What a triumph by the Iraqi team.

My hats off to them.

Good on ya brothers. You have made ur country proud.

[shaad]

Originally Posted by Dhrubo
First of all congrats to Iraq,Saudi arabia football is like bangladesh cricket they climb high then drop down very quickly.

Dhrubo, I wouldn't say that -- the Saudis are one of the better Asian teams, being knocked out in the last few semi-finals by their traditional nemesis, Japan.

[Sohel]

Originally Posted by shaad
Dhrubo, I wouldn't say that -- the Saudis are one of the better Asian teams, being knocked out in the last few semi-finals by their traditional nemesis, Japan.

Saudis play well against Asian and Arab teams. They continue to fare miserably when it comes to Latin American, European, and West African teams ... an annoying mental block. Japan, Korea, Iraq and Iran on the other hand, give those teams a good run for their money. China and Bahrain will join them before long. BD or any other South and Southeast Asian team? Never.

[Banglatiger84]

Funny part was Aussie players whining when they got kicked out. Some of the Aussies played like thugs elbowing, cursing and kicking opponents. When they lost in spite of that, one or 2 players complained that Asian teams are cheats didnt show the Australian team enough "respect"

[Xavier]

Great victory by Iraq, after that they reached semifinals at 2004 olympics in Athens.
At least there's some brief joy for them in these tragic days!

[Puck]

the next stage is the world cup!

[Dhruvo]

Originally Posted by Puck
the next stage is the world cup!

not yet it will take them a few more years to to even go to the finals.

[Puck]

i didn't mean an outright victory but more a case of performing well to distinguish themselves.

[Dhruvo]

Originally Posted by Puck
i didn't mean an outright victory but more a case of performing well to distinguish themselves.

o to etai na bolba.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by Dhrubo
o to etai na bolba.

i don't quite understand what you are trying to say there.

[Dhruvo]

Originally Posted by Puck
i don't quite understand what you are trying to say there.

I meant to say that "oh so you should had said this"

[cricman]

It be almost surreal if they get placed in the same group with the U.S in the confederations cup.

[Miraz]

Welcome back cricman after one month holiday.

[cricman]

was MIA, happy I missed the Lanka debacle