More than just a soccer win

Never underestimate the relationship between team sports and national self-esteem.

Members of the Iraqi soccer team don't have any more real relationship to the political and sectarian divisions in that nation than the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team had to the Cold War. And yet, it would be foolish to deny that the 1980 gold medal was a boost to American morale during a period of malaise, and it would be equally foolish to understate what Iraq's win in the Asian Cup has meant for the residents of Iraq.

Perhaps most importantly, the post-game celebrations have shown even Iraqis that they do have a sense of national identity. That sense has been muddied, mutilated and crushed with regularity by the forces whose aim is to destroy the fledgling republic and replace it with something draconian. The daily reports of violence have made it seem as if all Iraqis are angrily pulling in separate directions.

But that was not the message sent by the enormous turnout during national elections, and it was not the message sent Sunday in the wake of the 1-0 overtime win against Saudi Arabia.

Fans celebrated openly with people from other sects and ethnic groups. Sunnis and Shiites danced together and raised flags. One man said the victory was a "lesson to politicians" that Iraq can be unified.

Can a game really do all that?

Probably not, but don't discount its power, either.

One soccer win doesn't suddenly make everyone unite and live happily ever after. Iraq's problems remain enormous and its enemies determined. Just as certainly, the 1980 Olympics didn't cure all U.S. ills or bring home the hostages in Iran. But nations are built in part on a widespread sense of identity, and that sense is bolstered by traditions, achievements and moments of national pride. This win is a brick along that road.