Iraq: War could not kill our football

Photo: Republika

That words maybe right given to Iraq. Iraq, a country that involve a war on their country, won Asian Cup 2007. They defeats Saudi Arabia in final by 1-0 victory. The final were held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, yesterday. These year, Asian Cup were held on 4 South East Asian Countries, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and also Indonesia.

These title became a wonderful gift for Iraq people, also for Iraq coach, Jorvan Viera. Viera, a Moslem Brazilian, coaching Iraq only two months to face Asian Cup. After these Asian Cup, he would resign as Iraq coach, some source says that he would coaching other Asian country.

These final also watched by Fifa president, Joseph Blatter. He was accompanied by AFC president, Chief of PSSI ( Indonesian Football Federation ) and the president of Indonesian Republic, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, at the VVIP tribune. Joseph Blatter shown his excitement watch Indonesian supporter who saw these final with an enthusiastic thing. Blatter also surprise the stadium were full by more 50000 supporter, which means more 50 % capacity of stadium.

Let's we talk about the final! On first leg, Iraq has some opportunities to score the goals. Qusay Aboudy, Iraq midfielder, has two chance by his shot on goal. Karrar Mohammed also has three opportunities to score by his lovely individual skill. But the score still 0-0 on first leg.

On second leg, Iraq still dominating the game. The captain, Younes Mahmoud has some opportunities to score the goals. Finally, from a corner kick, Iraq score the goal by Younes Mahmoud heading. Only a goal they defeats Saudi Arabia, three times champion. And for the man of the match, was given to Iraq midfielder, Nashat Ali Akram.

Yeah, this Asian Cup result shocking every body. Iraq, a country who involve a war in their country, won the title. We hope, with this title they could made a peaceful situation on their country. But, right now, it's not a mistaken if we say.....

War could not kill football