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Iraqi curfew for football final Iraqis rejoice major football win
(about 2 hours later)
Security in Baghdad has been stepped up as Iraqi football fans watch their national team play Saudi Arabia in the Asian cup final in Indonesia. Thousands of Iraqis have defied a strict government curfew, spilling onto the streets to celebrate their national football squad's Asian Cup victory.
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. Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0. A barrage of celebratory gunfire was heard in the capital, where authorities had banned vehicles and urged fans not to gather.
The authorities have banned vehicles from the capital during and after the final and urged fans not to congregate. It was feared crowds could be targets for bombers. Some 50 people died in attacks after last week's semi-final.
Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.Correspondents say Iraq's progress has temporarily united the divided country.
The team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims.
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.
Football fever
Cars, bicycles, motorcycles and carts were banned from Baghdad from 1600 (1200 GMT) on Sunday to 0600 on Monday.
Iraqis were jubilant following their team's victoryMilitary 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 was also imposed in the northern city of Kirkuk.
Iraq surprised the football world by beating tournament favourites Australia, and then former winners South Korea in Wednesday's semi-final.Iraq 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 fever
Cars, bicycles, motorcycles and carts have been banned from Baghdad from 1600 (1200 GMT) on Sunday to 0600 on Monday.
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.
The BBC's Andy Gallacher in Baghdad says football fever has gripped the nation.
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.
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!"
Gunfire banned
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.
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.