SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/ SOCCER: Asian soccer champions Iraq arrive in South Africa to participate in the Confederations Cup

Record ID: 453126

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL/ SOCCER: Asian soccer champions Iraq arrive in South Africa to participate in the Confederations Cup
  • Date: 7th June 2009
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) IRAQ FOOTBALL TEAM COACH, BORA MILUTINOVIC, SAYING: "Everything is important. We have THREE opponents, all are very good teams but also we believe in ourselves" FANS CHEERING ALONGSIDE PLAYERS IN BUS PLAYERS DEPART IN BUS
  • Embargoed: 22nd June 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAJS71WR78IT1Q9IFFRPKJLS8R
  • Story Text: Asian soccer champions Iraq arrived in Cape Town on Saturday (June 6) to prepare for their FIFA Confederations Cup debut and opener against South Africa's Bafana Bafana on June 14 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
    With memories of their fairy tale 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph still fresh, the Iraqis will be hoping to build on the continental success with a creditable performance on the global stage.
    Team coach Bora Milutinovic said everything is important and that they believe in themselves.
    The Iraqi front line is arguably the strongest part of the team, with captain Mahmoud and Emad Mohammed offering a threat to even the toughest opponents. A creative and hard-working midfield is based around the talents of Nashat Akram, while Bassim Abbas is the rock on which a solid defence has been built. In Bora Milutinovic, to whom the country turned in April, Iraq also boasts a coach with massive international experience.
    Having guided five different teams at FIFA World Cup finals, Milutinovic's experience suggests he has the necessary pedigree to take the team to a level where they can compete against the world's best.
    But Iraq can be frustratingly inconsistent. The team failed to progress to Asia's final round of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cupâ„¢, leaving the FIFA Confederations Cup as their sole opportunity to show the rest of the world what they have to offer. Yet if Iraq's majestic run to gold at the proved anything, it is that they are more than capable of causing an upset or two. That fate could befall the world's elite in South Africa if they underestimate the Iraqi challenge.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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