MONTERREY, Mexico, April 1 — Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo booked places at the FIFA World Cup finals on Tuesday after playoff wins over Bolivia and Jamaica.
Aymen Hussein scored a second-half winner as Iraq secured a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in Monterrey to end a 40-year wait to return to the tournament.
Luton Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi put the Asian team ahead by heading in from a corner before Moises Paniagua equalized with a powerful effort from 12 yards following Ramiro Vaca’s defense-splitting pass.
Hussein restored his side’s advantage in the 53rd minute, timing his run to perfection to meet Marko Farji’s cross with a low first-time volley from eight yards.
Bolivia, bidding for its first finals berth since 1994, pushed for a late goal in a tense finish, but Iraq defended resolutely to secure the last of the 48 World Cup spots.
“I’ve got to give so much thanks to the players,” Iraq head coach Graham Arnold said. “Their work ethic, they showed the real Iraqi mentality of fighting and putting their bodies on the line, that’s why we won the game.”
The 62-year-old, who was Australia’s head coach at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, praised his team’s South American rivals.
“It was a very tough match. Full credit to Bolivia, they played well. Just through the great defending from our players, we defended the crosses really well. Thats why we won the game.”
Iraq, which last appeared at football’s showpiece event in 1986, will compete in Group I alongside Norway, France and Senegal.
Earlier, Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra-time as DR Congo qualified for its first World Cup in 52 years with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their playoff final.
Tuanzebe broke the deadlock in the 100th minute by volleying in with his knee following a corner at Estadio Guadalajara.
It was enough to secure a first World Cup place for the African nation since 1974 when it was known as Zaire.
“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” said Tuanzebe, who represented Manchester United and England at youth level and now plays for Burnley.
“It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country.”
DR Congo, 46th in the FIFA rankings, will play in Group K at the finals with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
