BAGHDAD (AP) -Iraq's national soccer team resumed training in Baghdad for the first time since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
The team is coached by Brazilian Jorvan Viera, who led Iraq to the Asian Cup title last year. His contract has been extended a year.
Iraq sports adviser Bassam al-Husseini said the government has promised to not interfere in selecting players for the team. He said the Viera's presence in Baghdad was a ``sign of the improved security situation in the country.''
Iraq has not played a home game in nearly two decades because of wars and sanctions. Since the invasion, the national squad has been training mostly in neighboring Jordan, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.
Nearly three months ago, the Iraqi Football Association dissolved the previous squad and dismissed the coach after a loss to Qatar ended the country's hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Viera oversaw Sunday's two-hour workout in which 30 players practiced at Shaab Stadium.
``Pass the ball as quick as you can, shabab,'' Viera shouted, using the Arabic term for young men.
Viera stepped down after Iraq won the Asian Cup by beating Saudi Arabia 1-0. His replacement, Adnan Hamad, was fired in June after the defeat by Qatar.
Viera plans to choose new players for the Gulf Cup championship at Oman in January. He said violence in Iraq, which has dropped sharply since last year, had not deterred him.
``I have not come here only to collect money,'' he said. ``I come here to win. If I had fears, I would have stayed in my house under my bed.''
Iraq last reached the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.
``We hope that Viera will bring a smile again to the faces of the Iraqi people, who trust him,'' al-Husseini said.
