October 29, 2007	Monday	Shawwal 16, 1428

LAHORE, Oct 28: Pakistan showed some fighting spirit, managing to hold Asian champions Iraq to a goalless draw in the 19th World football Cup qualifiers in Damascus, Syria on Sunday.

Despite a drawn game, Iraq have qualified for the third round of the qualifiers as their 7-0 win against Pakistan in Lahore made it possible on goal average.

Following the victory in Lahore, Iraq were in a better position to earn an easy victory in the home tie played at a neutral venue, due to security concerns in Iraq.

“It was a morale boosting match for Pakistan as we are 114 places below Iraq in the world rankings, while in the World Cup seedings for Asian teams Pakistan are in the 35th spot as compared to 12th of Iraq,” Pakistan coach Akhtar Mohiuddin said in a press statement from Syria.

Iraqi’s coach Egil Olsen of Norway also praised the spirit and commitment shown by Pakistan throughout the 90 minutes play and for managing a draw game against his side, for the first time since 1969.