Iraq qualify for World Cup with win over Bolivia

MONTERREY, Mexico, March 31 : Iraq grabbed the last available place at the World Cup by beating Bolivia 2-1 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday, sealing their return to the finals after a 40-year absence.

Aymen Hussein steered home a second-half winner to see the Iraqis become the 48th and last team to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

Ali Al Hamadi handed Iraq a 10th-minute lead at the Monterrey Stadium but Bolivia were level at the break through Moises Paniagua.

Iraq will compete in Group I at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup along with France, Norway and Senegal.

Iraq, the ninth team from Asia to qualify, were quickly out of the blocks and Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra made a fingertip save to push Amir Al Ammari’s curling free kick onto his crossbar.

But from the resultant corner, Al Hamadi, who plays for Luton Town in League One, got ahead of the Bolivia defence to head home the opener.

Bolivia slowly recovered from the shock of the early setback and by the break were deservedly level.

Their equaliser came when Ramiro Vaca’s forward pass, which looked initially to be a shot on goal, found Paniagua, who then had time to turn and slam home the ball from close range.

Iraq went ahead again in the 53rd minute as substitute Marko Farji’s cross found Hussein, who reacted quickest and got ahead of his marker to steer home.

Mohanad Ali had a chance to score a third for Iraq and finish off the game near full time but squandered the opportunity.

Bolivia forced several late corners as they desperately bid to take the game into extra time but Iraq finished the fresher of the two sides.

“I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the