Iraqis ready to defy bombs to back soccer team

By Wisam Mohammed

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis, brought together in a rare moment of unity by their soccer team's success in the Asian Cup, said defiantly on Thursday that bombs would not deter them from supporting their country in Sunday's final.

Thousands of them poured onto the streets after Iraq beat South Korea on Wednesday to reach the Asian Cup final for the first time, but suicide bombings that killed 50 people in Baghdad cast a pall over their jubilation.

The bombings were a sharp reminder of Iraq's unrelenting cycle of sectarian violence between majority Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs.

But many fans, though war-weary, said they would not be cowed and would turn out to support their team in the same fashion when Iraq meet Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

"Those who carried out the explosions yesterday wanted to deprive Iraqis of rare moments of happiness. They want to kill life in Iraq," said 22-year-old Bashar Mouayad.

The streets of Baghdad and cities across Iraq erupted into spontaneous displays of joy as fans with Iraqi flags draped over their shoulders danced in the streets. Sheep were slaughtered and vendors at ice cram and juice shops gave away free treats.

Sabbah Hameed, a 47-year-old teacher, said he had been watching soccer since he was 10 and he was not going to miss the rare chance of celebrating despite the danger.

"My wife threatened to take the kids and leave home if I go celebrating outside with my friends," Hameed told Reuters.