Vehicles Banned by Iraqi Authorities Ahead of Football Final
By Diane Smith
14:45, July 29th 2007
52 votes
Vote this story
Vehicles Banned by Iraqi Authorities Ahead of Football Final

As football fans across the country prepare for celebration, authorities in Iraq announced a ban on vehicles and the traditional celebratory gunfire in an attempt to curb violence during the event that would surely gather thousands on the streets.

Previous performances of the Iraqi national football team were celebrated by large crowds on the streets of Baghdad and other major cities, but regardless of these manifestations extremists carried out two bomb attacks in Baghdad, killing at least 50 persons.

A curfew was imposed in the embattled city of Karbala, while the vehicle ban will go into effect at 10:30 GMT.

The Asian Cup’s final will kick-off in Jakarta two hours later between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, two teams that managed to surpass any expectations and play the last match of Asia's top football tournament.

Sunnis and Shiites form the young team that fought for a common goal and ousted titled teams like Australia and South Korea to set up a standoff with the Saudis. The young men offered people across the country a motive to celebrate together, regardless of differences or ethnical appurtenance.

“We are shouldering our responsibility to bring hope to the Iraqi people. We know that by winning we can make the Iraqi people happy. Reaching the final is not enough, our ambition is to win the title,” striker Younis Mahmoud said before the match in a motivating speech.

Also, authorities made an appeal to all persons not to form large groups that could become targets for terrorist attacks and cast a shade on a national celebration.



© 2007 - 2008 - eFluxMedia
dotclear

Other News in

Tibetan exiles end meeting with call for more vigorous action

New Delhi - Tibetan exiles ended a crucial meeting on their future in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala on Saturday agreeing that a firmer stand in dealings with China was needed, delegates...

Attacks, bombing leave nine Afghan civilians, 14 insurgents dead

Kabul - US-led coalition forces killed one civilian and 14 insurgents in southern and western Afghanistan while two children were killed by a roadside bomb and six civilians died in an attack on a...

French Socialists vote - and it's Sarkozy who wins

Paris - The French Socialists just spent two days voting for a new leader, and the big winner was - President Nicolas Sarkozy. The conservative Sarkozy is certain to be strenghened by the bad...

US drone strike reportedly kills British terror suspect

Islamabad - A suspected US pilotless aircraft on Saturday targeted a militant hideout in Pakistan's restive tribal region along the border with Afghanistan, killing four people and injuring six,...

Fla. 19-Year Old Student Kills Self In Front Of Live Webcam

Abraham Biggs Jr., 19, a young college student from Florida killed himself by taking a drug overdose in front of a live webcam. He broadcasted his final hours via Justin.tv, a website which allows...

dotclear
Latest videos in World
Mass protest against arrest
Nepal protests after murders
Thai protest site blast kills...
Sailors prefer pirates to no...
EU revamps farm subsidies

dotclear
World You are here: World
» World   » Business   » U.S.   
E-mail To A Friend Print RSS Text size: Decrease font size Increase font size
dotclear
dotclear
dotclear
Most Popular in World
Pirates Anchor Sirius Star Off Somalia CoastPirates Anchor Sirius Star Off Somalia Coast

» read full story
dotclear

Interested In This Topic?

News Alert will keep you informed. Find out more.
dotclear
Photos Gallery
dotclear
Today's Latest News
Bronx Mowgli Benefits from Warm WelcomeBronx Mowgli Benefits from Warm Welcome

» read full story
dotclear