From tragedy to World Cup history - Iraq scorer Hussein's story

From tragedy to World Cup history - Iraq scorer Hussein's storyTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Hussein makes it 1-1 against NorwayByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sport journalistPublished4 minutes agoThe scoreline told one story, but Aymen Hussein has another to tell.He was on the losing side as Iraq suffered a 4-1 defeat by Norway in their World Cup opener, yet the prolific striker made his mark on football's biggest stage. Hussein's superb header in the 39th minute cancelled out Erling Haaland's opener and gave the Iraq supporters a moment to cherish on the country's return to the tournament after 40 years. Though it ultimately proved only a consolation - and was later offset by his own goal - it was still just Iraq's second-ever World Cup finals goal."He's that type of player who is very difficult to control in the box and I'm very happy and proud of him," said Iraq head coach Graham Arnold. And yet Hussein's journey to the World Cup is one that could easily have taken a different turn. 'This is what the World Cup brings'Image source, ReutersImage caption, Aymen Hussein made his international debut for Iraq in 2015Hussein grew up in an Iraq where football offered moments of unity amid turmoil.The national team's 2007 Asian Cup triumph against the odds sparked celebrations across the country.The Iraqi players were semi-professionals who were forced to prepare for the tournament in Jordan because of a security crisis at home that was claiming tens of thousands of lives every year. Their shock semi-final victory over South Korea was marred by a suicide-bomb attack on celebrating supporters in Baghdad which killed dozens.The young Hussein also endured personal tragedy. He was 12 years old, in 2008, when his father - a soldier in the Iraqi army - was shot dead by al-Qaeda while out buying materials for the construction of their home.Fur...