Triumphant Iraq football team set for heroes' welcome

By Wisam Mohammed and Mussab Al-Khairalla

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's mainly expat national soccer team are looking forward to returning home to celebrate winning the Asian Cup, but some are fearful for their safety and for the security of any jubilant crowds.

Iraqi Youth and Sports Minister Jasem Mohammed Jaafar said on Monday it was hoped the team, most of whose players live abroad, would arrive in Baghdad this week after their historic triumph in Jakarta on Sunday.

"They will be met at the airport by representatives of the prime minister, president and speaker of the Council of Representatives," Jaafar told Reuters.

"We are studying how to offer them the necessary security so they can enjoy the events we have for them," he said.

Suicide car bombs killed 50 people after Iraq's semi-final win over South Korea last week sent celebrating fans pouring into the streets.

Players fear they, and the large crowds expected to turn out to meet them, would be easy targets for insurgents.

"I am very happy and my wish is to be able to go to Iraq and live this moment with Iraqis," Iraqi team captain Younis Mahmoud told Reuters by telephone from Indonesia.

"Our objective was to win the Cup and we have it, but now our minds are set on where and how we can celebrate in these difficult circumstances," he said.