Iraq’s national football team were given a heroes' welcome upon their return to Baghdad on Friday, a day after winning the Arabian Gulf Cup in the southern city of Basra.
Thousands of Iraqis packed the main streets of the capital, mainly along the motorway linking Baghdad International Airport to the city centre, to greet the Lions of Mesopotamia.
After their plane landed, the team were received on a red carpet as the Iraq National Band for Musical Heritage danced and sang, waving Iraqi flags.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani returned to Baghdad late on Thursday and held a meeting to discuss bolstering security for the victory celebrations after Iraq's 3-2 victory against Oman in the final.
The team, along with the Minister of Youth, the head of Iraqi Football Federation and the governor of Basra, were greeted with bouquets of flowers.
Security forces flanked the team bus which moved slowly due to crowds, which at points forced it to stop.
Security forces cordoned off the main roads leading to Grand Celebrations Square, which is part of the heavily fortified Green Zone, home to key government offices, foreign embassies and politicians' residences.
Fans were searched twice before entering the square. Many were draped in the Iraqi flag or carried them. Some children had Iraqi flags painted on their cheeks.
Traditional bands entertained fans who danced to songs praising Iraq and the national team.
“This joy is not only for the cup itself, but it is about a bigger achievement amid the exceptional situation we are living in,” Jawad Mohammed Jawad, 35, told The National.
Mr Jawad joined thousands of fellow Iraqis at square with his wife and two children.
“The tournament and the efforts exerted to make it a success have changed the image of Iraq in the eyes of the whole world,” he said, waving an Iraqi flag.
“It has sent a message to our brothers in the Gulf and to the whole world that we are peaceful and generous people who love life and other people.
“It also underlined our openness to the whole world and that Iraq is safe and capable to host major events.”
Sitting on a folding stool, Najat Abdul Zahra Hassan, 57, could not hold back the tears.
“I love Iraq,” Ms Hassan told The National. “I prayed and prayed during all the matches and was about to collapse in the final out of stress.
“It’s hard to describe the joy and happiness we are feeling now. We have suffered a lot and lost loved ones and that we need to be happy even for a short period of time.”
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Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
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MATCH INFO
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Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')
Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont
Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950
Engine 3.6-litre V6
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm
Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Mohammed Al Attas
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue
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The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
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