Iraq’s remarkable path to their first World Cup finals in four decades involved extraordinary sacrifices that few teams have experienced. After participating in 20 qualifiers, the squad faced a crucial playoff match in Monterrey, Mexico. However, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of airspace, many players and staff had to navigate a grueling journey just to arrive.
René Meulensteen, assistant to head coach Graham Arnold, explained, “They had to make long trips from various cities to Baghdad, often by car or bus, with some journeys taking eight hours. From Baghdad, it was about another 15-hour trip on rough roads to Amman, Jordan, where limited flights were available. Other players based in Asia made their own way to Amman to ensure they could all travel together.”
Although FIFA had arranged a private charter for the team, they encountered a nine-hour delay. This was followed by an eight-hour flight to Lisbon, a two-hour layover, and then a 12-hour journey to Mexico.
Such disarray hardly constituted ideal preparation for what Meulensteen described as “the most important game of their lives.” Fortunately, the team arrived with enough time to recover and managed to secure a 2-1 victory against Bolivia, clinching the final spot in the tournament before a supportive crowd.
“All the remaining tickets were allocated to local Mexicans, which resulted in a large attendance, alongside many Iraqis living in the US,” Meulensteen noted.
The setting for this crucial match was particularly poignant. “We reminded the players of the incredible journey that brought us here and how fitting it was that the match took place in Mexico, the same country that hosted Iraq’s previous World Cup appearance,” he mentioned.
Back home, the atmosphere was electric. “It was absolute madness in Baghdad, even though it was early morning there,” Meulensteen recalled, having seen videos of the celebrations. “The entire nation has been longing for something to cheer about, and this qualification provides a significant boost of energy and hope, instilling a deep sense of national pride and joy.”
This qualification joins Iraq’s previous accomplishments, including a fourth-place finish at the 2004 Olympics, where they triumphed over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and winning the 2007 Asian Cup. That victory momentarily unified a nation torn by civil unrest, with the 1986 World Cup and the 2004 Olympics also occurring amid conflict.
Meulensteen remarked, “Iraq is still a nation grappling with the repercussions of the second Gulf war. The signs of recovery are visible in the cities, but the logistical and organizational aspects are nowhere near those of Dubai or Saudi Arabia.”
At 62, Meulensteen appreciates both the culture and the team. “The atmosphere on the bus to training and games is wonderful; they sing and enjoy music together. It’s absolutely brilliant,” he stated.
Iraq has drawn a challenging group, facing France, Senegal, and Norway. “It’s akin to Manchester United competing against Grimsby,” Meulensteen quipped, referencing the underdog’s surprising victory last August. He believes they have the potential to turn the tides, just as he and Arnold did with Australia in the last World Cup.
“We were placed with France, Denmark, and Tunisia, and few expected us to advance,” he recounted. “But our greatest strength lies in our element of surprise.” Australia managed to defeat Denmark and Tunisia and put up a strong fight against Argentina in the round of 16.
The Iraqi squad comprises players born in Iraq and those with Iraqi heritage. While not all players speak Arabic, Meulensteen has an intermediate understanding due to his coaching years in Qatar. His move to Qatar in 1993 required marrying his girlfriend, as cohabitation was not permitted.
Eight years later, Meulensteen joined Manchester United, thanks to a recommendation from Dave Mackay, who had met him while managing Qatar’s under-17 team. He began in the academy before focusing on individual training with first-team players. His role intensified in 2007 after a brief period as Brøndby’s head coach, where he closely collaborated with Ronaldo. “I conducted numerous sessions with him, both on and off the pitch, utilizing video analysis to highlight specific areas for improvement,” he said.
Meulensteen encouraged Ronaldo to prioritize efficiency over flair. “I advised him to be as unpredictable as possible and to vary his gameplay. He mastered that art over time,” he reflected.
He emphasized Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence. “At Carrington, we had a training area with rebound boards. After sessions, he often spent another 10 to 15 minutes practicing there. I introduced him to exercises using those boards to enhance his ball control, and he absolutely enjoyed it,” Meulensteen shared.
At the beginning of the 2007-08 season, Meulensteen inquired about Ronaldo’s goals after he netted 23 the previous year. Ronaldo aimed for 30, but Meulensteen challenged him to aim for 40. Ronaldo accepted and ended up scoring 42, leading the team to Premier League and Champions League glory.
In the summer of 2008, Meulensteen was elevated to first-team coach, responsible for designing and overseeing training. “Sir Alex laid out his vision for the team’s style on three flipchart sheets, which guided all our training sessions,” he explained.
“The sheets outlined defensive principles and those for maintaining possession. The final sheet, he said, was the most crucial, defining the essence of Manchester United. He insisted: ‘When we attack, I want pace, power, penetration, and unpredictability. You must incorporate those elements in every training session.’ Looking back, those characteristics were evident during our peak performances.”
After departing United in 2013, Meulensteen’s career included a stint at Fulham and coaching roles in the US, Israel, and India, eventually aiding Australia in qualifying for the World Cup. His experiences have proven invaluable in coaching, particularly in helping players manage doubts.
“When they encounter fear, I encourage them to personify it. What does that fear look like? It might stem from the pressure of losing a match. While they can’t control every thought, I motivate them to concentrate on their aspirations, like performing well, scoring, or reaching the World Cup,” he said.
In his approach to coaching, he encourages players to enhance their skills rather than alter them. Ferguson also emphasized the significance of positive reinforcement. “He would often say that the two most vital coaching words are: well done,” Meulensteen recalled, noting how Ferguson often offered that compliment as training sessions concluded.
The bond between the two grew strong. “Sir Alex is an incredible storyteller with wide-ranging interests. He reads extensively and possesses a wealth of knowledge about politics and history. His fascination with the American Civil War is particularly notable,” Meulensteen shared.
“On team buses or trains to away games, we often played trivia games on my iPad, and it’s remarkable how often we reached the end. His knowledge was astounding,” he added.
They occasionally reunite for tea. “We spend an hour and a half, sometimes two, just talking, and time flies. It’s wonderful,” Meulensteen concluded, reflecting fondly on his time at United and hoping to add another memorable chapter this summer.
