Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Exile over for Asian champions Iraq


Asian champions Iraq will play their first home match since 2002 when they face Palestine in a double header.

Iraq last played a home game on 22 July 2002, when they beat Syria 2-1 in Baghdad, but the Iraq Football Association have confirmed Friday's meeting with Palestine in Arbil and Monday's match in Baghdad.

Iraq sensationally won the Asian Cup in 2007 but have struggled since and failed to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa, while they recently represented Asia at the Confederations Cup but failed to advance out of the group stage after recording draws against hosts South Africa and New Zealand while losing to Spain.

"We have agreed with Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub to have two friendly matches in Iraq," said Iraq Football Association president Hussain Saeed. "The first game will be on Friday, July 10 in Arbil while the second match will be in Baghdad three days later.

"We will have all the logistic preparations ready for the games and we have discussed with FIFA and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) the possibility of having international referees from neighbouring countries so that the matches will be official A matches."

Temporary coach Nathem Shaker will take charge of Iraq against Palestine after Bora Milutinovic's temporary contract expired at the end of the Confederations Cup, while French-Algerian coach Mousa Bazzaz will take charge of Palestine for the first time.

"The match will be important for us as it will be good preparations for next campaigns," said Palestine Football Association president Jibril Rajoub. "After playing in Iraq, we will go to China to play another friendly on July 18."

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