Iraqi National Team

The Return to Al Shaab Stadium

Oftentimes, New Orleans and Baghdad are compared to each other for negative reasons, mainly our dangerous streets and corrupt politics. For once, however, we can both lay claim to something positive that not many other cities can understand—the return of national and international sports to our hometowns.

Yesterday marked the return of international soccer to Al Shaab Stadium in Baghdad. The last game played there took place in 2002, shortly before the invasion. Roughly 65,000 die-hard soccer, um, football, fans from various walks of life clamored, cheered, and cried as they watched their beloved Iraqi national soccer team shut out Palestine 4-0.

Saints Return to the Dome

Our Home, Our Team, Be A Saint

Watching their first goal reminded me of that magical moment of our return to the Dome and Steve Gleason’s blocked punt that resulted in the Curtis Deloach touchdown. For some who have not had to live in a war-torn or hurricane-ravaged area, it may not mean much. Yet, for those who have, it means everything. It’s those moments that can help folks get through another day of rebuilding, deal with another moment of uncertainty, and perhaps let us believe, even for a moment, that things will be all right.

And, these events show how sports can bring cities and nations together, if only for a brief respite.