Kolkata: A civil war and the menace of militancy has prevented them from playing many matches in run up to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup but then Iraq have proved that they can conquer odds and perform well.
Exactly a year back, they became Asian champions after beating bitter-foes Iran here in India and qualified for the World Cup.
A FIFA imposed ban meant they could not play matches in their country till May this year. After the ban was lifted, Iraq were able to play friendlies in three cities of Basra, Karbala and Erbil.
Qahtan Chitheer, the coach of the team, is relived that they had at least three matches under their belt before arriving here.
“It’s big issue for us but during the last five months we managed to get FIFA approval to play friendly matches. We played against Syria last September in Basra city. We are much improved and better prepared now,” Chitheer told this agency.
Despite their liberation from the decades-long Saddam Hussein dictatorship in 2003, Iraq has remained strife-torn and is fighting a battle against the Islamic State. But its football that binds them all.
“Our people are passionate about football and everybody is watching matches and to be part of FIFA world Cup after winning the Asian Championship is big honour,” said Chitheer.
Their maiden appearance at the Under-17 World Cup in UAE in 2013 had ended on a sour note when they lost all their matches in the group stage to finish at the bottom in Group F.
This time around too, they have been drawn in the tricky group F, which includes European U-17 runners-up England, South American runners-up Chile and seven-time CONCACAF winners Mexico. However, Chitheer exuded confidence.
“Every participating team are eager to be the champions and we are no exception,” Chitheer asserted. “If you hope to be the best, you have to be the best.”
All eyes will be on 16-year-old Mohammed Dawood who scripted their historic feat in the Asian Championships last year after they had failed to find the net in the first two matches. He had emerged top goal-scorer and ‘Player of the Tournament’ in Goa last year.
“Mohammed is very good player also the other players are good and talented. Each match will have its own stars,” the coach signed off.
Press trust of India