Long wait over
©IMAGO
This text first appeared at 6:16 am and was revised after the second game.
Iraq has qualified for a World Cup for the first time in 40 years. The team won the decisive playoff game against Bolivia in the World Cup stadium in Monterrey in Mexico 2-1 (1-1). With the success of the Iraqis, the field of participants in the largest World Cup in history in the USA, Canada and Mexico is complete. All 48 nations are now determined.
The goals for Iraq were scored by Ali Al-Hamadi (10th) and Aymen Hussein (53rd), while Moises Paniagua scored for Bolivia (38th). In a long added time, the Iraqis had to survive a final offensive from the Bolivians, and when the final whistle blew, Australian coach Graham Arnold’s team erupted in great celebration. The Iraqi team had to prepare under difficult conditions because of the Iran war. Because Iraqi airspace has been closed for weeks, arrival was only possible via lengthy detours. Iraq last took part in a World Cup in 1986.
At the World Cup next summer, the Iraqis will face Norway in Group I in Boston, followed by World Cup co-favorites France in Philadelphia. Finally, Iraq plays in Canada in Toronto against Senegal. Meanwhile, the waiting period continues for Bolivia. The South Americans last took part in a World Cup in 1994 in the USA. At that time, Bolivia played its opening game against the then defending champions from Germany and lost 0-1. Jürgen Klinsmann scored the only goal.
DR Congo at a World Cup for the first time since 1974
The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for a World Cup for the first time since the 1974 tournament in Germany. The 1-0 (0-0, 0-0) after extra time in the playoffs against Jamaica secured the team from Africa the penultimate ticket for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA. In Group K the country will face Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia. In 1974 they still competed as Zaire.
The last ticket for the World Cup, which begins on June 11th with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, will go to either Iraq or Bolivia on the German night. The two teams will face each other in the World Cup stadium in Monterrey from 5 a.m. German time. In front of 39,983 spectators in the World Cup stadium in Guadalajara, Axel Tuanzebe scored 1-0 for DR Congo in the 100th minute. The Burnley FC professional redeemed the fans after numerous missed opportunities and goals disallowed due to offside in regular time.
An injury to referee Facundo Tello in the second half of extra time caused an unusual delay. The Argentine grabbed his left calf and left the pitch after a few minutes. Dario Herrera, who had previously been the fourth official on the sidelines, was responsible for the remaining game time.
DR Congo had the better chances in the first half but couldn’t capitalize on any of them. Even after the break, coach Sebastien Desabre’s team was quickly back in good positions, but without taking the lead. Jamaica, led by ex-Bundesliga professional Leon Bailey, was the team with significantly less ball possession this time after the 1-0 win in the previous round against New Caledonia. Bailey had a good header chance in the 67th minute, but didn’t put the attempt on target. After taking the lead, DR Congo missed two great opportunities to make it 2-0 and therefore had to tremble until the final whistle. Afterwards there was great cheering on the lawn and in the stands.
