Graham Arnold, the coach of the Iraqi national team, confirmed that the project of the return of the "Lions of Mesopotamia" to the World Cup finals has been in his mind for many years, emphasizing that he carries a dream that has lasted for 4 decades and will fight for Iraq.

In statements to the FIFA website, Arnold said: "The belief in the Iraqi national team actually began in 2004 with that generation that later won the Asian Cup, when it became clear what they could do. But I always felt that they did not achieve what they deserved in the World Cup qualifiers. It has been 40 years since Iraq's last participation in the World Cup, and this challenge was one of the reasons that attracted me to take on the task of coaching the Lions of Mesopotamia last year."

He added: "I know from my experience with Australia, where we did not qualify for a long time before 2006, what that means. Returning to the World Cup with a country that loves football can change the entire nation. And now the focus is entirely on the readiness of my team, away from the calculations of competitors."

Arnold stressed that Iraq will not enter the match with a defensive mentality, adding: "We will not go there to avoid losing. When we enter the field, we will give our utmost for 95 or 120 minutes or however long it takes to win."

Arnold spoke about his personal experience in Iraq, confirming that the reality is different from the image circulated externally, as he explained: "There is a stereotype about Iraq that I see as completely incorrect. I have lived here for most of my career, traveled to different parts of the country, and there are many beautiful places."

Arnold pointed to the noticeable development in the players' performance, saying: "Technically, the players have everything they need, and I was impressed by their quick tactical adaptation. We have become more cohesive, disciplined, and organized, so we have worked a lot on the physical and mental aspects."

He concluded his statements with an enthusiastic message: "Some may say that the World Cup group including France, Norway, and Senegal is the group of death. I say let's go. All the pressure is on France to win, and on Norway and Senegal to qualify, not on Iraq. I don't care what anyone says, nothing compares to participating in the World Cup. When we get there, we will have nothing to lose, we will play without fear, and we will shock the world and enjoy it, and everyone will remember us."