Sunday, 21 June 2009

Iraq and New Zealand draw

Iraqi defender Mohammed Ali Kareem vies with New
Zealand's Leo Bertos [AFP]
Iraq and New Zealand have both exited the Confederations Cup following a 0-0 draw in Johannesburg.
Iraq could have advanced with a multi-goal victory, but the Asian champions rarely threatened until the final minutes and had to work hard to fend off a spirited fight from the All Whites, who wore all black.
"I think tonight's another milestone for the country,''New Zealand coach Rikki Herbert said.
"The team, I thought, were magnificent. We've never come to a tournament andgained a point and we've never come to a tournament and dominated a game.''
Only 23,295 fans showed up, but many of them brought along trumpets, creating a raucous atmosphere.
In a match that featured sloppy play from both sides, Iraq attempted to run past New Zealand while the Kiwis relied on headers and set pieces.
Iraq came out determined but then settled down as New Zealand took control for much of the first half.


Finishing failures


Iraq forward Emad Mohammed bounced a header over the bar following a corner in the seventh minute, then the Asian champions had an even better chance when Younis Mahmoud strode through the Kiwis' porous defense three minutes later, but Moss charged forward to block his shot.
New Zealand also had trouble finishing.
Celtic striker Chris Killen received the ball in front of the Iraqi defence in the 15th, had time to control the ball and look at the target but still missed badly, then covered his head with his jersey.
Leo Bertos was creative on the left wing for New Zealand and provided a perfect cross for Shane Smeltz in the 30th, but the Gold Coast United forward headed wide.
New Zealand finally put a decent shot on target in the 35th, but goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid lunged to his left to catch Killen's header.
Iraq used all three of its substitutions early in the second half but still couldn't create much until the final minutes, while New Zealand substitute Andy Boyens had an opportunity with a header in the 74th that went high.

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