BAGHDAD, July 24 - Iraqi fans have been stocking up on petrol and ammunition in preparation for their national soccer team's Asian Cup semi-final against South Korea on Wednesday.

Ibrahim al-Musawi said he had already brought 20 litres of petrol to make sure he could fuel his small generator to watch the whole match as Iraq's national power grid provides electricity for only a few hours a day.

"This is one of the strongest Iraqi sides ever and they fill us with pride," Musawi told Reuters.

"We are tired of the sadness that always surrounds us. I sometimes wish we are always playing in international tournaments so we can remain happy."

A convincing 3-1 victory over pre-tournament favourites Australia helped Iraq top Group A before a 2-0 victory knocked out Vietnam, one of the four co-hosts, in the quarter-finals.

Each time Iraq have played the streets back home have almost emptied with a scattering of pedestrians left outside standing to watch at the nearest shop displaying the game on small televisions. Each time the final whistle has triggered euphoric, ear-shattering celebrations.

Youths drape themselves and their cars in large Iraqi flags and parade around the streets to loud music and dancing.

Others prefer the tribal tradition of firing their weapons into the air in deafening, often deadly barrages.

Three people died and about 50 were wounded when bullets fired in celebration of Iraq's victory over Vietnam on Saturday came back down at lethal speed.

【体坛资讯：Iraqi fans stock up on petrol and ammunition】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Katie says Tom is a great husband

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan From Superheroes To Alice In Wonderland

★ 体坛英语资讯：China beat Bullets in the last of Basketball Series

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Lindsay Lohan to be caught on tape

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hilton happy to be role model for girls

★ 体坛资讯：China race into Sudirman Cup final

★ 体坛资讯：Liu gets another shot at Robles in 110 hurdles

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Wood plans to cover up Beatles tattoo

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Miss Serbia, Kosovo bury politics

★ 娱乐资讯：Germany bans Cruise film from military sites