Iraqi footballer held and questioned for seven hours upon arrival in Chicago

What seemed a dream soon became a nightmare. After securing his country's return to the World Cup with a goal against Bolivia, Iraq's Aymen Hussein was detained by American authorities upon arrival in Chicago.

According to Kora Plus, an Egyptian channel, Hussein was separated from his delegation by border officials and held for seven hours inside the airport.

The same source adds that the 30-year-old striker underwent a series of security and administrative procedures, including questioning, before he was finally released.

One of Iraq's most prominent footballers, Hussein has a troubled past associated with terrorism. In 2008, his father died while serving in the army fighting al-Qaeda. Six years later, his brother was kidnapped by the Islamic State and was never found.