Shock, joy, and elation have erupted across Iraq as its national team beat Bolivia in a nail-biting match on Tuesday to secure its place at this year’s World Cup – its first appearance at the competition in 40 years.
The last match of the intercontinental play-off, played in the Mexican city of Guadalupe, was set to determine the 48th and final team to qualify for the competition, due to be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
Goals from Ali Al-Ahmadi and Aymen Hussein secured the win for Iraq, who put up a strong fight against a hardworking Bolivian side, which was also determined to make history on Tuesday.