March 27 – Iraq defeated Syria 2-1 on Tuesday at the Shaab stadium in Baghdad in only the second time the stadium had been able to host an international fixture since the invasion in 2003.
As both countries struggle with sectarian conflict, the stadium was filled to its 40,000 capacity, with supporters chanting, “Sunni, Shiite, brothers!”
Many Sunnis have left Baghdad due to sectarian violence, whilst both countries are suffering from sectarian insurgencies.
Last Thursday FIFA lifted the ban on Baghdad hosting international matches, in place since a World Cup qualifier against Jordan in the Kurdish city of Irbil in September 2, 2011 which was poorly organised, with a power cut and overcrowded stadium.
This match passed off peacefully, with tough security measures in place. It is unclear whether Iraq will be allowed to play its World Cup qualifiers in Baghdad, but for the team, which had been playing its home friendlies in Qatar, this match marks an important milestone.
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