Iraqi Soccer winners

From the Los Angeles Times Iraq salutes its Asian Cup soccer finalist Despite violence, the country's first berth in the regional soccer title game stirs united celebration and a brief respite from war. By Alexandra Zavis Times Staff Writer July 28, 2007 BAGHDAD — They're stocking up on fuel for their generators, snapping up flags and team T-shirts, and decorating their cars with flowers. Soccer fever has reached new heights in Iraq ahead of the national squad's first-ever Asian Cup final. In a few short weeks, the 15 young players have achieved what Iraq's political and religious leaders have struggled to accomplish in four years of war: uniting their country and restoring a sense of national pride. "We wish these players sat in the chairs of those politicians," said Ali Mohsin, a Baghdad civil servant. "They did a marvel for us ... making us happy together." Each improbable Iraq soccer victory has been met with an outpouring of joy, a rare feeling in this bloodied country. Thousands poured into the streets Wednesday when Iraq's team edged South Korea to clinch a coveted spot in Sunday's final against Saudi Arabia. "From the north to the south and the east to the west, everyone was celebrating and chanting, 'one Iraq,' " said Mohammed Khalaf, a former team captain and popular TV commentator who now directs the coverage of the state-run Iraqiya Sports Channel. Shiite and Sunni Muslim friends who can no longer visit each other's neighborhoods, for fear of being shot, found ...