Iraq

Iraq are out, finishing at the bottom of Group I with 0 points, on their first World Cup in 40 years.

After waiting since 1986, they squeezed in as the very last team to qualify, through a nerve-shredding intercontinental playoff.

The draw was unkind, landing them in a group with a flawless France, and the gap in quality showed.

They fought hard but could not turn it into points, and 3 defeats left them at the bottom.

Up front they had Amir Al-Ammari and the tricky Ali Jasim, with veteran striker Aymen Hussein leading the attack.

On the bench was Graham Arnold, who took Australia to the World Cup, so the group had serious know-how guiding it.

For a country that has been through so much, simply reaching the finals after 40 years was already a unifying national moment.

Reaching the knockouts would have been historic, but that target proved a step too far this time.

The mood is pride above all, because just being back on the biggest stage meant the world, even without a point to show for it.