Iraq coach would like to party in Baghdad

BANGKOK, July 16 (Reuters) Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira said he would love to be partying in Baghdad after steering Iraq to their fourth successive Asian Cup quarter-finals.

The Brazilian, whose team train in Jordan because of the war in Iraq, said he would risk a night out in the war-torn city to see how Iraqis were celebrating following their team's 0-0 draw with Oman roday.

''This was very important for the Iraqi people. Right now I would love to be in Baghdad to know how they will celebrate this,'' Vieira told a news conference, drowned out by the sound of jubilant Iraqi fans singing outside the stadium.

''I can try to imagine their happiness. It's always better to be at the party than to be watching it.'' Iraq topped Group A with five points after holding off a determined Oman team. They will play Group B runners-up Vietnam in the quarter-finals in Bangkok on Saturday.

''No one is easy, Vietnam has very fast players, but our advantage is they are playing here and not in their country,'' Vieira added.

REUTERS AM KN2305>