Sanctions fire Iraqi World Cup bid

Coach Adnan says Iraq have extra difficulties to qualify for the World Cup

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraq is gearing up for a World Cup qualifier against one of its former enemies on the battlefield.

It will be the first time Iraq has played Iran in Baghdad since the eight-year war between the two countries which ended in 1988.

But Iraqi players say the sanctions imposed on Baghdad since the Gulf War in the early 1990s is hardening their will to win against the odds.

For years, sanctions have prevented Iraqis from air travel forcing the team to drive 10 hours just to board a plane.

Coach Adnan Hamad told CNN Iraq has plenty of young talent, but cannot develop it due to lack of resources, as local teams have no money to buy the right equipment or keep playing fields in good condition.

Iraq's top side, the Al-Zawra club, sometimes share the practice pitch with three other teams, he said.

But the situation in Iraq has not always been quite so desperate.

In 1986 the national team qualified for the World Cup in Mexico.

Players used to be showered with luxuries such as cars for winning international matches but now they are only paid $35 a month.

Leith Hussein has evaded Iraqi sanctions by playing for a Lebanese club. But he says he still suffers from widespread prejudice due to his nationality.

At one Arab country's airport he was held for 24 hours while his Lebanese team-mates went through customs without delay.