Celebrations exudes confidence in team : Iraq Coach

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Bangkok, July 20: Iraq's soccer team have been inspired by images of their people celebrating qualification for the quarter-finals of the 14th Asian Cup, according to their Brazilian coach.

Jorvan Vieira, who took charge of the team only eight weeks ago, said rare scenes of jubilation in the players' war-torn homeland would motivate them to beat Vietnam tomorrow and reach the semi-finals.

''This is our target here, to bring something to the people of Iraq,'' Vieira told a news conference.

''We have seen photographs and TV pictures of how they are celebrating. This is worth more than any salary I could ever ask for.'' Iraq finished top of Group A to reach the last eight, sending rain-soaked fans in Bangkok into a frenzy and sparking joyous scenes across Baghdad.

Iraq's preparations for the tournament were far from plain sailing, with unrest in the squad, poor training facilities and clubs reluctant to release players to the national team.

But on the field they have been one of the most consistent teams, drawing with Oman and hosts Thailand and thumping pre-tournament favourites Australia 3-1.

Defender Ali Hussein Rehema said he hoped the team could make history for the people back home.

''We showed our determination against Thailand and Australia ... we have got to the quarter-finals and hopefully we will get to the semi-finals,'' he told a news conference.

''We want something new for our history and to bring happiness to the Iraqi people.''

Reuters





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