Baghdadis revel in first big football final in years

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BAGHDAD (AFP) — For two hours on a clear, hot summer evening, Baghdadis forgot the bloodshed and hatred that has divided their city and shared their delight for Iraq's national passion -- football.

For the first time since the US-led invasion of 2003, nearly 50,000 people crowded the national football stadium on Sunday to watch the league championship decider between hometown favourites Iraq Zawra and Arbil, from the northern Kurdish region.

Fans chanted, banged tambourines and blew trumpets amid a sea of white flags -- Zawra's colours.

Even Arbil's extra time winner failed to dent the home fans' mood.

"I've come to see Iraqis feel happy. It's wonderful to see people smile," said Latif Jabbour, a retired 58-year-old, who drove 270 kilometres (170...