Iraq defeated Singapore 2-0 and Syria pulled down a 4-1 victory over Indonesia here in the second round of soccer tournament in 15th Doha Asian Games.

Muaad Saleem (front) of Iraq fights for the ball with Mohammad Shahril Ishak of Singapore during the 15th Asian Games 2006 Men's Group B first round soccer match in Doha November 21, 2006. [Reuters]

Iraq's first goal came in the fourth minute of the first half when Mostafa Abdalla slid home after receiving a cross from the left side of the box. Two minutes later, Youslf Khalef, Iraqi's captain, sealed the win with another goal.

Syria scored three within 16 minute in the first half to claim an overwhelming victory and it looked even more likely when Indonesian defender Fandy Mochtar was sent off in the 32nd minute.

However, 10-member Indonesian squad reversed the situation after the break and was awarded with a goal to break its scoreless record in the 50th minute. Syria reclaimed 3-goal lead by a Mohammad short-range shot in the 86th minute.

Iraq's victory took them to top in group B with six points while Syria with four points. The two side are due to clash on November 24th.

In group A, Tajikistan beat Macao of China 5-1 and Jordan drew with Kyrgyzstan 0-0. Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan had 4 points from two rounds, Jordan having two and Macao none.

According to a new rule issued by the organizer, the top finishers of each group and the best runners-up would qualify for the next stage.

The eight teams must play this preliminary round because they had not competed in the 2002 Asian Games soccer tournament.