Rene Meulensteen will be happy after Iraq secured a place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.
The last round of World Cup qualifiers has taken place, with the finals set to include 46 nations for the first time.
There was disappointment for Manchester United duo Rasmus Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu as Denmark lost on penalties to Czechia on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir’s Turkey booked their place at the World Cup. There was also reason for others with United connections to celebrate ahead of this summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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And how far will they make it?👀
Iraq seals historic World Cup return with Rene Meulensteen as assistant manager
Former United assistant Rene Meulensteen has been an assistant manager with the Iraq national team since last year.
Meulensteen is no stranger to high-stakes matches, but Iraq’s 2-1 win over Bolivia will go down as one of his greatest moments because it secured World Cup qualification for the first time in 40 years.
The 62-year-old, who is a strong ally of Sir Alex Ferguson, has built a strong relationship with the Iraq manager, with whom he worked for the Australia national team before linking back up in the same role with Iraq.
Iraq became the 48th team to qualify for the World Cup after winning the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein helped Iraq edge past Bolivia at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe on Tuesday.
Iraq got their perfect start with an opening goal in the 10th minute, but Bolivia equalised 28 minutes later.
Shortly after the half-time break, Hussein scored the match-winner, which led to celebrations at full-time.
“It’s just a great achievement,” Meulensteen told The National in Mexico.
“We’re very proud of the players and it’s great for Iraq as a country. Something which will give the people energy and hope and something they can be proud of.”
Qualification is now a reality for the nation.
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Zidane Iqbal is going to the World Cup
Former United academy star Zidane Iqbal was an unused substitute for Iraq against Bolivia.
At least now he has a chance to play at the World Cup for the first time.
After coming through United’s academy, Iqbal left Old Trafford in 2023 before signing for Utrecht in the Netherlands.
While Iqbal didn’t come off the bench against Bolivia, he has made 22 appearances for the Iraq national team.
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