Iraq’s Coach Calls for Bold Performance in World Cup Return

Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold is urging his players to seize the moment as they prepare to face Norway in their first World Cup match after a lengthy 40-year absence. The Lions of Mesopotamia are set to take on Norway in Boston on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the team, which also finds itself in a challenging Group I that includes powerhouse teams like France and Senegal.

For Iraq, simply qualifying for the tournament is a remarkable achievement, given their last appearance was in 1986. However, Arnold believes that reaching the finals is just the beginning. "We've got to believe in ourselves and we've got to go out there and be brave to play," he stated, emphasizing the need for his players to aim higher. "Qualification is not enough. I want more," he added, noting that they have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

The journey to this point has not been easy; Iraq secured their spot in the tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Bolivia in March, capping off a challenging 21-match qualifying campaign that was further complicated by regional conflicts. Arnold reflected on the immense pressure the team faces, stating, "There's been a hell of a lot of travel... from 46 million obsessed football fans because that's what Iraq is." He highlighted the passion for football in Iraq, which he believes is unparalleled.

As Iraq looks to avoid repeating the fate of their debut, where they lost all three group matches, Arnold is keenly aware of the challenge presented by Norwegian star Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches. "He's an outstanding player. I actually adore the way he plays," Arnold remarked. He emphasized the importance of his players being fearless and ready for one-on-one confrontations. "I think that's one thing Iraqis do have; they've got a great fighting spirit," he concluded.