体坛英语新闻：Iraq holds S Africa to scoreless draw in Confederations Cup curtain-raiser

JOHANNESBURG, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The opening match of the 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup ended with a 0-0 draw between Asian champions Iraq and the upcoming World Cup hosts South Africa on Sunday.

    Both sides staged a defensive line-up in the curtain-raiser at the Ellis Park Stadium of South African economic hub Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon.

    In a bid to give an expected victory to home fans, South Africa's team Bafana Bafana exerted most efforts in the match. Striker Thembinkosi Fanteni was given a yellow card in the second minute for making a two-footed challenge on Iraqi midfielder Karrar Jasim.

    One striking touch of Bafana Bafana in the first half was midfielder Teko Modise's corner in the 15th minute, which however was thwarted by two Iraqi defenders.

Iraq's Fareed Majeed (L) drives the ball for a pass during the opening match against South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 14, 2009.

The hosts proved its entire prowess in the second half by making two powerful shots, one of which was launched by defender Siboniso Gaxa on the right swings over a great cross. Iraqi goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid enabled the Asian champion to survive till the last minute.

    Coach of South African team Joel Santana told a press conference after the match that Iraqis have been focused too much on defense.

    "The result is not what we had expected. We could have scored two or three goals, and one should have been sufficient. But in football, it is not always the better team that won the game," he said.

    "I was not surprised at Iraq's play, but we did not think they would defend as much as they did today," he said.

Tsepo Masilela (R) of South Africa controls the ball during the opening match against Iraq at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 14, 2009.

His famous counterpart of the Iraqi team, Bora Milutinovic, however told reporters, "I am happy with both the match result and my players' performance."

    The Serb looks forward to another excellent show from his players when they meet Spain in two days.

    "Normally, for me, it is enough to get four points to qualify for the next stage. I am happy with my players, I think we will enjoy this moment for the next two days, and it will make us positive prior to the match against Spain," he said.

    "Spain represents the world level, and we are very much aware of that. We will try everything to achieve positive result," he ended.

    The Confederation Cup is a tournament staged by FIFA, the world's football governing body. It is held every four years. The event is contested by eight teams and includes the six FIFA continental champions, as well as the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country of next World Cup.