Iraq National Football Team's First International Match After the War - 2003-08-12

The Iraq national football team will hold its first international match after the end of the war and the critical conditions prevailing in the country against Iran as part of the LG four-nation tournament. According to the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), the Asian Football Confederation stated in a report about the new conditions of the Iraqi team under its German coach, Bernd Stange, that undoubtedly, despite the presence of Uruguay and Cameroon in this tournament, Iraq will be the center of international attention, as they have now freed themselves from the fear and oppression of the era of 'Uday,' the former president of the Iraqi Football Federation, and are experiencing a new situation on the international stage. Stange, who was appointed as the head coach of the Iraqi national football team last autumn, left the country in February but returned on June 29, 2003, to complete his unfinished work. The 52-year-old German coach spoke about the conditions at that time, saying: 'When I was forced to leave Iraq, it was indeed difficult for me, just like an architect who has to leave a house for which he has only laid the foundation.' Now, the former coach of East Germany's national team has returned to Iraq and will lead his team in the Asian Cup qualifiers against Malaysia, Bahrain, and Myanmar. Stange stated that the LG four-nation tournament in Tehran is a great opportunity for the team to prepare before the Asian Cup qualifiers. 'We have a long and difficult road ahead, but tournaments like this help us to revive the national pride of Iraqi football as a balm to soothe past pains. While the importance of football is not comparable to that of children, ruined hospitals, and the poor structure of the country, we must focus on all positive events in these circumstances. In this regard, Iraqi sports must be revived to create a new future for young players, coaches, and fans.' This German coach expressed optimism about the future, saying: 'Iraqi football players are talented and skilled; they love football, and I believe they can achieve great results in upcoming events. A successful national team is at least what the people of Iraq deserve.' The LG four-nation tournament will begin on Wednesday, August 13, with the match between Cameroon and Uruguay at 17:00 Tehran time at the Azadi Stadium, and the Iraq national team will face Iran at 19:00.