BASRA: It was almost the perfect tournament for Iraq, a dream on and off the pitch. Perhaps it was too good to be true. On Thursday night, as the nation prepared for the Arabian Gulf Cup final against Oman in Basra — a game Iraq eventually won 3-2 in sensational circumstances — reality crashed the party.
A crush outside the stadium, hours before kickoff, led to at least two people being killed and dozens more injured. Tragedy cast a shadow over the joyous celebrations, and who was to blame has yet to be determined.
It is a shame. Because while such an event cannot be ignored — and is not — Basra had put on a welcoming, sporting and culturally wonderful tournament up to that point.
After months of preparation and two weeks of intense football the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup came to an end with Iraq crowned champions.