Soccer match,Iraq 0-0 New Zealand

Iraq 0-0 New Zealand

Glen Moss

Highlights - NZ hold Iraq for shock point (UK only)

Iraq missed the opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup after a 0-0 draw against New Zealand.

With Spain beating South Africa 2-0, Iraq just needed to beat their opponents on Saturday to progress.

Both sides had chances to win with New Zealand keeper Glen Moss saving from Karrar Jassim and later Salih Sadir.

New Zealand defender Tony Lochhead also cleared off the line while striker Chris Killen missed several chances.

Iraq started brightly with Emad Mohammed's downwards header bouncing up and over the bar while Younis Mahmoud should have done better when finding himself one-on-one with Moss.

Mahmoud fired straight at the legs of Moss as chances continued to come and go.

At the other end, Killen's strength was causing Iraq problems and the New Zealand striker blazed over from inside the box when finding himself free.

Defender Ben Sigmund had a similarly decent chance but headed wide from close range.

Killen later forced a fine save off Mohammed Kassid in the Iraq goal as New Zealand ended the half brightly.

The second half saw Iraq dominate possession, without creating a clear-cut chance with the final pass so often letting them down.

But as news filtered through of the score in the Spain-South Africa match, Iraq threw caution to the wind.

That left them vulnerable on the break and Killen was just wide with a neat turn and shot.

The game burst into life in the final minutes with Moss saving brilliantly at the feet of Jassim.

At the other end Shane Smeltz missed with a late volley while Sadir's 20-yard strike was turned around the post by Moss.

As the game entered its final stages Lochhead also cleared off the line from Salam Shaker as New Zealand held on for the draw.


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