Australia beats Iraq in Shepparton Nations Cup final, drawing epic event to a close

And boy, did it deliver.

Australia pipped Iraq 3-2 in a drama-soaked final, bringing a close to an epic fortnight of football contested by players within the Goulburn Valley’s cultural melting pot and beyond.

Tournament organiser Abbas Al-Najar, who found success with his earlier project ― the Iraqi Golden Cup ― was elated with how the event transpired.

“It was very good, we had 1150 people at the grand final. It was a lot bigger than I actually anticipated,” he said.

“When we did the Iraqi Cup, that was just our community and I thought that was big, but when we done this, was crazy big.”

When questioned whether he expected the Shepparton Nations Cup to reach such lofty heights, Al-Najar had a simple answer.

“No way, not in a place (like Shepparton),” he said.

“I didn’t expect that Shepparton would be this big when it comes to soccer.”

Australia and Iraq’s showdown in the final was a fitting end to an electric football foray.

Iraq took an early lead through Hassan Alhilfi before Australia restored parity through Nick Mori.

Hussain Alsharifi capitalised on a scramble to put Iraq back ahead, though the host nation refused to bow down as Jamie De Smit thundered one home from the edge of the box for 2-2.

It took a leaping header from Cody Sellwood to edge Australia ahead late on and with the final whistle blowing not long after, the home nation chants rang heavy around the grounds.

Australia captain Will Geerling was rapt with the result, praising the tournament format and occasion.

“It feels awesome to win the tournament with the boys. To win games with big crowds was something lots of us young boys haven’t experienced before, so it was pretty wicked,” Geerling said.

“The tournament was a brilliant idea from the start. As soon as it was announced I sent my submission in to captain the Australia team in the first hour.

“Lots of the lads joined my team just to get some minutes in and to have a kick, but it turned into something much bigger than that.

“I was talking with Abbas (Al-Najar) before the tournament had started, and we both predicted 1000-plus at the final.

“The tournament was really good for Shepparton. Even in tight games, the culture of it all was about respect and celebrating the different nations.

“I’ve never seen a game like it in Shepp. I’ve always known that Shepp has a massive footballing community, but to see everyone come out to support the game was awesome.”

Australia left-back Thomas Leech was named the player of the final and Congo’s Jonathan Junior was the top scorer on six goals, while Turkey goalkeeper Khan Benice was bestowed the player of the tournament award.

But as the Shepparton Nations Cup winds down, one question remains ― will it return?

Again, Al-Najar had a simple retort to please the fans.

“One hundred per cent, I’d be more than happy to do it annually.”