The scenario would have been totally unimaginable to me some time in my past: Iraq just played against Pakistan for the 2010 World Cup Soccer Qualifiers in Lahore. One judge hailed from Jordan and another from Kyrgyzstan and the head coach of Iraq hails from Norway. Coverage of fans’ reactions was filmed in Qatar, Syria, Pakistan and Norway.
It was, in fact, a slow game with very little drama. Iraq easily crushed Pakistan 7-0 with a mere 3 minutes of overtime. As soccer goes, this was really a boring match. Sponsorship was a bizarre mix of Pakistani and Norwegian companies. Al-Falah Bank ads were next to Bohus Furniture and the ubiquitous Coca-Cola. Despite the crazy and unlikely internationality of it all, would it be unpatriotic of me if I cheer for Iraq? But then again, would Norway see me as a passive supporter of arranged marriages if I cheer for Pakistan? Hmmmmm… now this is a dilemma. :D
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