Iraq makes new start
2003-08-13 20:38
Teheran, Iran - Iraq beat Iran 1-0 on Wednesday in its first match since the toppling of the regime of Saddam Hussein by a US-led military invasion.
Abdul Fayaz scored in the 52nd minute of the LG Peace Cup match played at Azadi Stadium in front of a crowd of 15 000. Iraq fielded several rookies and a handful of seasoned national team players. It was Iraq's first win over its regional rival in years.
Iran defeated Iraq in World Cup qualifiers in Teheran and Baghdad in 2001, the last time the two countries met.
Iraq trained in Germany, the homeland of its coach Bernd Stange, before travelling to Iran for the four-nation tournament.
In an earlier match, Uruguay's Under-23 team beat Cameroon 4-0 to set up the final against Iraq on Friday.
- AP