٠٠:٠٤:١٩Iraq: 'We needed to win' - Euphoria in Basra as national team crowned Arabian Gulf Cup champions
The Iraqi national football team secured a sensational 3-2 victory over Oman on Thursday, winning the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 1988.
Jubilant fans were seen jumping for joy after the final whistle blew, ending a tense game which saw Oman miss a crucial penalty during extra time.
"This win is dedicated to the fans who were the benchmark in this tournament and motivated the players to give 100 per cent of their physical and technical potential,” said Youssef Fa'al, Head of Media of the Iraqi Football Association.
“We deserved to win, and we needed to win the Gulf Cup title for Iraqi football to return to the Arab and regional arena,” he added.
The final match of the Arabian Gulf Cup went ahead despite a deadly stampede at the Basra stadium a few hours before the game.
Four people were confirmed dead and local media reports suggested around 80 people were 'critical' following the incident ahead of the football match.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is held every four years. Bahrain won the last tournament in 2019, and Oman won twice, in 2009 and 2017. Iraq also won in 1979, 1984 and 1988. The tournament, held in Basra, is the first major soccer tournament hosted by Iraq in more than 40 years.
٠٠:٠٤:١٩The Iraqi national football team secured a sensational 3-2 victory over Oman on Thursday, winning the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time since 1988.
Jubilant fans were seen jumping for joy after the final whistle blew, ending a tense game which saw Oman miss a crucial penalty during extra time.
"This win is dedicated to the fans who were the benchmark in this tournament and motivated the players to give 100 per cent of their physical and technical potential,” said Youssef Fa'al, Head of Media of the Iraqi Football Association.
“We deserved to win, and we needed to win the Gulf Cup title for Iraqi football to return to the Arab and regional arena,” he added.
The final match of the Arabian Gulf Cup went ahead despite a deadly stampede at the Basra stadium a few hours before the game.
Four people were confirmed dead and local media reports suggested around 80 people were 'critical' following the incident ahead of the football match.
The Arabian Gulf Cup is held every four years. Bahrain won the last tournament in 2019, and Oman won twice, in 2009 and 2017. Iraq also won in 1979, 1984 and 1988. The tournament, held in Basra, is the first major soccer tournament hosted by Iraq in more than 40 years.