Fireworks and gunfire followed the final whistle in Baghdad as the Lions of Mesopotamia sealed a 2–1 win over Bolivia last week, ending Iraq's 40-year absence from the FIFA World Cup. Across the country, people gathered wherever they could watch — streets, shopfronts and open squares — holding on through the closing minutes of the play-off final in Mexico before erupting into celebration. Days later, there were again celebrations — but this time, half a world away. As former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold's plane touched down in Australia, festivities broke out in the arrivals terminal of Sydney International Airport. Hundreds from Australia's Iraqi community had gathered along the barriers with flags in hand, waiting eagerly for his arrival. Celebratory Arabic music and rhythmic drumbeats echoed through the terminal, cutting through the usual airport din.