Charlton midfielder Zheng Zhi grabbed a crucial equalizer as
China fought out a 1-1 draw with Asian Cup holder Iraq in a 2010
World Cup Asian qualifier here on Wednesday.
Left winger Taher Hawar put Iraq ahead with a cunning penalty in
the 51st minute before Zheng levelled the score on 74 minutes when
he headed home a corner kick from substitute midfielder Wang
Dong.
China's midfielder Zheng Zhi (third from
left) celebrates his goal with teammates during a 2010 World Cup
Asian qualifier against Asian champion Iraq in Dubai February 6,
2008. China drew with Iraq 1-1.
Iraq captain Khalef Younes suffered an injury while shooting and
was substituted. Then the newly-crowned Asian champion seemed to
have lost momentum and made a lot of mistakes in the first
half.
The visitors wasted a clear chance on 23 minutes when forward Qu
Bo jumped to blast a sharp volley following defender Sun Xiang's
pass inside the box, but a concentrated Hassan Noor parried the
shot with a diving save.
The hosts got further blow as midfielder Nashat Akram received
his marching order in the 70th minute. China dominated the rest of
the match, but wasted several good chances.
Australia trounced Qatar 3-0 earlier in the game of Group A,
dubbed "the Group of Death".
Zheng Zhi (R) of China tries to tackle Haider
Hussain (L) of Iraq during their round three 2010 World Cup
qualifying soccer match at the Al Ahli Club stadium, Dubai,
February 6, 2008. China drew with Iraq 1-1.
Liu Jian (L) of China tries to challenge
Basem Gatea of Iraq during their third round 2010 World Cup
qualifying soccer match at the Al Ahli Club stadium in Dubai
February 6, 2008. China drew with Iraq 1-1.
Zhang Shuai (L) of China is challenged by
Ahmad Mohammad (R) of Iraq during their third round 2010 World Cup
qualifying soccer match at the Al Ahli Club stadium in Dubai
February 6, 2008. China drew with Iraq 1-1.
Zheng Zhi (L) of China and Karrar Muhamed (R)
of Iraq challenge for the ball during their third round 2010 World
Cup qualifying soccer match at the Al Ahli Club stadium in Dubai
February 6, 2008. China drew with Iraq 1-1.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2008)
