2007 Asian Cup news - More joy for Iraq thanks to soccer

The country of Iraq doesn't have much to bring it joy these days, however their national soccer team is trying hard to change all that. The Iraqi squad beat Vietnam 2-0 in first knockout round of the Asian Cup to advance to the semi-finals for the first time since 1976.

Hundreds of Iraqis swarmed out of their houses after the victory, waving their country's flag and honking horns as men and boys jumped on top of minibuses and other vehicles. Those without flags took off their shirts and waved them.

An outcome of a soccer match means little long term for people suffering through everything that is happening in Iraq, however, even if just for a few moments, the game of soccer has been able to give them something of which to be proud.

Sadly, even in these moments, tragedy surfaces as two people were killed and 15 injured during due to celebratory gunfire.

In other Asian Cup action, the big game between Australia and Japan lived up to the billing as the sides were tied at 1 after extra time. In penalty kicks, Japan came out on top 4-3 thus earning some revenge for the 3-1 defeat in last year's World Cup.

Soccer brings joy to Iraq

Earlier today, the Iraqi soccer team pulled off a great upset when they trashed Australia 3-1 in the Asian Cup. This surprise victory sent people to the streets of Iraq in joy. They honked horns, waved flags an all around enjoyed the moment.

"Despite all of what is happening, the most important thing for us is Iraq. Soccer unites Iraq. Long live Iraq," a man shouted from inside his car before driving away.

For a country that lives with a daily threat of death just about anywhere, this was a welcome reprieve. However, with all that has happened to Iraq, the politics of this win cannot be removed.

"The game today was some kind of a challenge because we were playing with a country that has military presence here and at the same time a country known to have a strong team" said lawyer Mohammed al-Kharasani, 52. "Regrettably, the Australian team played looking down to us since they are an occupying country."

I'm not sure if the played down to them because of the occupation but that is just about as good as any other excuse for Australia's horrible play so far in the Asian Cup. With one more group game to go, they must get a win if they hope to advance. The Socceroos play hosts Thailand on Monday in a must win game. Meanwhile, Iraq will play Oman needing only a tie to guarantee a spot in the second round.