This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/6182371.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Iraqis pin hopes on football team Iraqis pin hopes on football team
(20 minutes later)
Millions of Iraqis are hoping for a rare bit of good news as the national football team prepares to play Qatar in the final of the Asian Games.Millions of Iraqis are hoping for a rare bit of good news as the national football team prepares to play Qatar in the final of the Asian Games.
When they got through earlier this week, people poured onto Iraq's streets to celebrate despite a huge Baghdad suicide bomb attack earlier that day.When they got through earlier this week, people poured onto Iraq's streets to celebrate despite a huge Baghdad suicide bomb attack earlier that day.
This is the first final the national football team have reached in 24 years, uniting Iraqis across the country.This is the first final the national football team have reached in 24 years, uniting Iraqis across the country.
The US military has wished the team success as well.The US military has wished the team success as well.
Jubilant crowds took to the streets of Baghdad and other towns and cities after the team secured its place with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. "If we win it will be the beginning of a new Iraq," a 25-year-old doctor, Amer al-Harky told the BBC News website.
He plans to watch the match, which kicks off at 1300 GMT, at his home in the northern city of Irbil.
"I think Iraq's chance to win it is 50%. They are a good team and have a chance, but Qatar has better opportunities, because it is playing in its own country."
Jubilant crowds took to the streets of Baghdad and other towns and cities after the team secured its place with a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Tuesday.
Only hours earlier there had been a massive suicide bomb in the capital that had killed 70 people.Only hours earlier there had been a massive suicide bomb in the capital that had killed 70 people.
But for once people forgot the violence and worsening sectarian divisions.But for once people forgot the violence and worsening sectarian divisions.
Death threatsDeath threats
The team has not been able to escape the situation, though.The team has not been able to escape the situation, though.
A football federation official was murdered, the coach received death threats, and because of the deteriorating security, the players had to train outside Iraq.A football federation official was murdered, the coach received death threats, and because of the deteriorating security, the players had to train outside Iraq.
And when the team turns out on the pitch for the final, their opponents Qatar have the home advantage - they are hosting the Asian Games. Qatar have never got beyond the quarter-finals before, but as hosts of the Asian Games they have the home advantage.
The Iraqis are also without their best player, Younis Mahmoud, who was suspended for time-wasting in the semi-final.The Iraqis are also without their best player, Younis Mahmoud, who was suspended for time-wasting in the semi-final.
But as one football coach in Baghdad said, "In the run-up to this game, we're praying for good news. Iraq needs it."But as one football coach in Baghdad said, "In the run-up to this game, we're praying for good news. Iraq needs it."