Iraq Wins The Asian Cup - 29th Jul 2007 4:14pm
Originally Posted by BBC Sport
Thousands of Iraqis have spilled onto the streets to celebrate their football squad's Asian Cup victory, firing guns into the air despite a government ban.
Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0. Celebratory gunfire was heard in Baghdad, where authorities had banned vehicles and urged fans not to gather.
It was feared crowds could be targets for bombers. Some 50 people died in attacks after last week's semi-final.
Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.
The team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as Kurds.
Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0. Celebratory gunfire was heard in Baghdad, where authorities had banned vehicles and urged fans not to gather.
It was feared crowds could be targets for bombers. Some 50 people died in attacks after last week's semi-final.
Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.
The team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as Kurds.
I was hoping they would win, maybe achievements like this will go some little way towards showing the people of Iraq that by uniting as one nation instead of being divided into different religions can bring success and happiness.
Well done Iraq, for a country in such ruins and with such little funds they have for me been the ultimate symbol of unity, knocking out pre-tournament favourites like Australia en-route to the final.
On BBC News 24 last night, they said that even with all the religious divisions in the country, local grass roots teams manage to unite people from all different religions every Sunday all over the country to take part in Sunday league football, and this has been one of the keys to their success.
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BBC Sport Report