When Iraq's World Cup hope Aymen Hussein talks about his life, the focus isn't on goals and titles, but on loss and suffering.
The national team striker lost his father as a child; later, his brother was kidnapped. Nevertheless, Hussein fought his way to the top of Iraqi soccer and, with the decisive goal against Bolivia, secured his country's first World Cup berth in 40 years.
Shortly before the World Cup opener against Norway tomorrow (as per BST on Wednesday 4:00 am), Hussein looks back on the worst moments of his life. "He went shopping to get building materials for our new house, which was under construction. A few hours later, we received a call with the news: Your father has been killed and his body is at the hospital," Hussein recounted in an interview with Al Jazeera.
Hussein was just twelve years old at the time. "At first, we couldn't believe it. But then we went to the hospital and found my father's body there. It was a disaster for all of us," the 30-year-old continued.
A few years later, his brother was also kidnapped. "We haven't heard from him since. I decided to quit playing soccer to take care of my family, but my mother refused. She asked me to keep playing," reported Hussein, who himself had to overcome hurdles upon entering the US and was questioned for hours by border authorities.
Despite all the setbacks, the 30-year-old is now facing the biggest tournament of his career. France and Senegal are the other group opponents.
The last time the Lions of Mesopotamia - as Iraq's national team is known - qualified for a World Cup was in 1986, a decade before Hussein was born.
Now, all eyes are on him as fans bank on his participation to take the team as far through the tournament as possible.
"Aymen is a name that needs no introduction. His performance speaks for him not only in Iraq, but in the region and Arab football," Jalal Hassan, Iraqi goalkeeper and vice-captain, tells Al Jazeera.
"He is a high-quality striker. The team will absolutely need him, and his presence will make the difference in the World Cup. We are expecting a lot from him."
Having been placed in Group 9 with France, Senegal and Norway, Iraq faces stiff competition from the off.
Hussein Saeed, the former Iraq captain and top national scorer with 78 goals under his belt, is hopeful. "Aymen's influence is clear on the team and all players. He, as a person, has a lovely and humble personality," Saeed tells Al Jazeera.
"I hope he can use this positive trait to the benefit of the team in the coming World Cup, taking the team to the post-group stage."
