Zidane Iqbal became Manchester United’s latest international player on Thursday as he made his debut for Iraq. The 18-year-old received his call-up for a 2022 World Cup qualifier as Iraq took on Iran in Tehran, having made his senior debut for United earlier this season in the Champions League.
Iqbal, who is also eligible to play for England or Pakistan, came off the bench late on as he tried to rescue a draw for the visitors, who had fallen 1-0 down earlier on in the second half after Mehdi Taremi’s strike.
But Iraq were unable to find the crucial equaliser as Iran secured their qualification for this year’s tournament in Qatar, while the visitors now face an uphill battle if they’re to join them this winter.
Nevertheless, it was a proud occasion for Iqbal, who joins the long list of current United players to have represented their country.
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