“Iraq, whose preparations for Tuesday's playoff had been disrupted by the war in the Middle East, will play in World Cup Group I against France, Senegal and Norway.”

“Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured a famous win for Iraq, whose last appearance at the World Cup came at the 1986 finals in Mexico.”

“The win marked a triumph for Iraq's Australian coach Graham Arnold, who had initially sought to have Tuesday's fixture postponed due to the disruption caused by the regional conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.”

“Most of the Iraqi squad only reached Mexico after a gruelling three-day journey from Baghdad that began with an overland crossing into Jordan.”

“But there was little sign of weariness during a confident start by Iraq, who took the lead after nine minutes through Luton Town striker Al-Hamadi – the 24-year-old who moved to Liverpool as a toddler following the outbreak of the 2003 Iraq war.”

“Iraq midfielder Amir Al-Ammari won a corner after a superb free-kick that was saved at full stretch from Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra.”

“From the subsequent set piece Al-Ammari curled a pinpoint corner on to the head of Al-Hamadi who nodded home for 1-0.”