Beyond the Headlines: Football history in the making as Arabian Gulf Cup kicks off in Iraq

The Arabian Gulf Cup is returning to Iraq for the first time since 1979.

Coming less than a month after the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, the tournament in the city of Basra represents another electrifying moment for football fans in the region.

This week on Beyond the Headlines, host Robert Tollast takes a closer look at a historic moment in sport for Iraq — and what it means for the country and the region.

Excitement and pride fill the air in Basra city during football Gulf Cup — in pictures

Iraqis mingle with fans from other countries during the Arabian Gulf Cup being held in Basra, Iraq from January 6 to 19. All photos: Sinan Mahmoud / The National

The flags of the eight countries taking part in the tournament are displayed all across the southern port city. Sinan Mahmoud / The National.

A street vendor sells flags of participating countries at Basra Corniche

Omani fan Yahya Al Hashemi, 35, poses for a selfie with an Iraqi fan at Basra Corniche

A statue of the mascot for the 25th edition of the Gulf Cup, Sinbad the Sailor – one of the region's legendary characters

Omani journalist Salah Al Saadi recording Iraqi girls singing on Basra Corniche

Football fans crowded the corniche in Basra

Basra residents are proud to host the tournament after several attempts since 2010, when the security situation started to improve

Flags of participating countries, hats, sports merchandise and souvenirs are displayed in shops and street stalls in Basra

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')

Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')

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AGL AWARDS

Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)

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