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Iraqis rejoice major football win Iraq celebrates football victory
(10 minutes later)
Thousands of Iraqis have defied a strict government curfew, spilling onto the streets to celebrate their national football squad's Asian Cup victory. Thousands of Iraqis have spilled onto the streets to celebrate their football squad's Asian Cup victory, firing guns into the air despite a government ban.
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. Iraq beat Saudi Arabia 1-0. Celebratory gunfire was heard in Baghdad, where authorities had banned vehicles and urged fans not to gather.
It was feared crowds could be targets for bombers. Some 50 people died in attacks after last week's semi-final.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.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.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 feverFootball fever
Cars, bicycles, motorcycles and carts were banned from Baghdad from 1600 (1200 GMT) on Sunday to 0600 on Monday.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". class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6921237.stm">In pictures: Iraq football fever
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 was also imposed in the northern city of Kirkuk.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.