China's World Cup Dreams Over As Iraq Win

After five games in Group One, China are adrift on three points. Iraq, after a poor start, are now level on seven points with Qatar and Australia who meet later in the evening.

China, looking to qualify for only a second ever World Cup, started well and took the lead in fine style just past the half-hour.

Zhou Haibin fired home a spectacular free-kick to send the home fans wild with delight. It didn’t last long as Iraq drew level after 40 minutes with a header from Emad Mohamed.

It was the player’s second goal in successive games after his spectacular winner against Australia seven days previously.

Midway through the second half, Nashat Akram scored what proved to be the winner.

Iraq face Qatar in the final game with a place in the final round of qualification at stake.