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Iraqi curfew for football final Iraqi curfew for football final
(10 minutes later)
Security in Baghdad is being stepped up as Iraqi football fans prepare to watch their national team play Saudi Arabia in the Asian cup final in Indonesia.Security in Baghdad is being stepped up as Iraqi football fans prepare to watch their national team play Saudi Arabia in the Asian cup final in Indonesia.
Authorities fear fans gathering in groups may be targets for bombers. About 50 people were killed in attacks after Iraq's victory in the semi-final.Authorities fear fans gathering in groups may be targets for bombers. About 50 people were killed in attacks after Iraq's victory in the semi-final.
The authorities have banned vehicles from the capital during and after the final and urged fans not to congregate.The authorities have banned vehicles from the capital during and after the final and urged fans not to congregate.
Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.
Iraq have surprised the football world by beating tournament favourites Australia, and then former winners South Korea in Wednesday's semi-final.Iraq have surprised the football world by beating tournament favourites Australia, and then former winners South Korea in Wednesday's semi-final.
Wild celebrations followed that victory, with crowds dancing in the streets and waving the national flag.Wild celebrations followed that victory, with crowds dancing in the streets and waving the national flag.
But the party was brought to a bloody end as insurgents detonated bombs in two parts of Baghdad, killing about 50 people.But the party was brought to a bloody end as insurgents detonated bombs in two parts of Baghdad, killing about 50 people.
Football feverFootball fever
Ahead of the final, authorities announced that cars, bicycles, motorcycles and carts would be banned from Baghdad from 1600 (1200 GMT) on Sunday to 0600 on Monday.Ahead of the final, authorities announced that cars, bicycles, motorcycles and carts would be banned from Baghdad from 1600 (1200 GMT) on Sunday to 0600 on Monday.
The match kicks off at 1635 Iraqi time. The match kicks off at 1635 Iraqi time (1235 GMT).
Military spokesman Brigadier General Qassim al-Moussawi said they wanted to stop "terrorists, Sunni extremists and criminals from targeting the joy of the people over the achievements of the Iraqi national team".Military spokesman Brigadier General Qassim al-Moussawi said they wanted to stop "terrorists, Sunni extremists and criminals from targeting the joy of the people over the achievements of the Iraqi national team".
A similar vehicle ban is being imposed in the northern city of Kirkuk.A similar vehicle ban is being imposed in the northern city of Kirkuk.
The BBC's Andy Gallacher in Baghdad says football fever has gripped the nation.The BBC's Andy Gallacher in Baghdad says football fever has gripped the nation.
Iraq's progress has united a divided country Iraq's progress has united a divided countryShops selling Iraqi flags, baseball caps and T-shirts are reporting brisk business, and Iraqis have stocked up on fuel to make sure that generators can run their televisions.
Shops selling Iraqi flags, baseball caps and T-shirts are reporting brisk business, and Iraqis have stocked up on fuel to make sure that generators can run their televisions.
One fan, Amir Wali, said: "I call upon all Iraqi communities - Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, Arabs, Yazidis and Christians - to adopt one stance today and encourage the Iraqi football team, because this team carries the name of Iraq."One fan, Amir Wali, said: "I call upon all Iraqi communities - Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds, Arabs, Yazidis and Christians - to adopt one stance today and encourage the Iraqi football team, because this team carries the name of Iraq."
Ali al-Shakarchi added: "I'd like to warmly greet this team who make the people happy, our wounded people who are in need of joy and pleasure. God willing, we will win!"Ali al-Shakarchi added: "I'd like to warmly greet this team who make the people happy, our wounded people who are in need of joy and pleasure. God willing, we will win!"
Gunfire bannedGunfire banned
A number of people have been killed by celebratory gunfire after Iraq's previous victories.A number of people have been killed by celebratory gunfire after Iraq's previous victories.
The authorities have warned that anyone caught firing guns into the air will be punished.The authorities have warned that anyone caught firing guns into the air will be punished.
Our correspondent says it is doubtful whether any of security measures will quell celebrations if Iraq win.Our correspondent says it is doubtful whether any of security measures will quell celebrations if Iraq win.
The team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims, and it could, he says, be a rare moment for Iraq to celebrate with one voice.The team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims, and it could, he says, be a rare moment for Iraq to celebrate with one voice.