Iraq plays first home matches since invasion - July 14,2009

Iraq played its first match in Baghdad since the U.S.-led invasion, Monday, and beat visiting Palestine 4-0 in front of 50,000 spectators at Al-Shaab Stadium. It was the second home match in four days for Iraq, following a 3-0 win over Palestine in Irbil on July 10.

Huwar Mulah Mohammed opened the scoring in the 27th minute, and his goal was followed by strikes from Karar Jassim, Alan Abdul-Zahraa and Alan Abdul-Zahraa. Fans stormed the pitch in celebration after Abdul-Zahraa’s successful penalty and chanted slogans such as “Sunnis and Shiites are brothers.”

Iraq is hopeful that the occasion of the two friendly matches will close one of the most disruptive chapters in the history of both the national soccer team and the country itself. In May 2008, FIFA suspended Iraq for one year, citing government interference in soccer. However, the penalty was revoked three days later.

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