Iraq’s Mahdi Karim, in green, attempts to score during a friendly soccer match in Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 13, 2009. Iraq defeated Palestine by 4-0 in a friendly football match in Baghdad, triggering wild celebrations among Iraqis who were unable to watch their national sports teams during years of war.

Iraq hopes to convince FIFA the country is safe enough to host official soccer matches again.

Security personnel walk in formation on the field before the friendly soccer match between Iraq and Palestine at Shaab stadium in Baghdad July 13, 2009.

Baghdad’s Shaab stadium, which seats about 45,000 people, was full to bursting point with jubilant Iraqis waving flags and cheering on their national side, although few Palestinians made it to the game.

Iraqi supporters cheer for their team Monday as it played its first international match in Baghdad since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion

Emad Mohammed of Iraq (7) challenges Palestine’s Hussam Wadi

Mann Jamal of Palestine (18) challenges Iraq’s Bassim Abbas

Iraqi player Emad Mohammed (7) controls the ball

Emad Mohammed scores past Palestine goalkeeper Abdullah Alaidawi

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