Iraq and China settle for a draw

The opening night of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying campaign was a good start for Australia, not only because of the 3-0 win over Qatar, but also because its main rivals in the group Iraq and China, slugged out a 1-1 in Dubai.

The opening night of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying campaign was a good start for Australia, not only because of the 3-0 win over Qatar, but also because its main rivals in the group Iraq and China, slugged out a 1-1 in Dubai.

Psychologically it-s a boost for Australia, with the other three teams effectively now playing catch up in the five remaining games in the group that has been labeled the ‘Group of Death-.

Australia-s first half demolition of Qatar, in which it scored all three goals, would have also sent a chilling message to both Iraq and China, as to what they can expect when they come to Australia for matches in June.

Last night-s match in Dubai, was not a great night for Iraq, the reigning Asian Champions, who relinquished the lead with 15 minutes remaining and had Younis Mahmoud replaced after just five minutes with injury and Nashat Akram was sent off in the 68th minute. Akram is now likely to miss Iraq-s next match against Qatar in Doha on March 26.

Iraq went ahead soon after the break, when they received a penalty, which Hawar dispatched with authority.

But the dismissal of Akram, for a second yellow card, sparked China and they equalized through Charlton Athletic forward Zheng Zhi with 15 minutes to go.

Australia next plays China in the western Chinese city of Kunming on March 26, a match which will be played at high altitude (1900 metres) and will be a much sterner test than the opening match against Qatar.