China shun Iraq at Doha

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-11-27 08:52

China U-23 Olympic football team has avoided a big clash with strong rival Iraq at the group stage in Doha Asiad following a draw ceremony in Doha on Sunday.

Related readings:
Previews to the 2006 Asian Games Doha
China appears set to extend dominationWomen basketball: China beat Australia in Asian Games warm-up
China stun Australia in warm-up
Doha Sport City Tower
China sends rookies to Doha
China had ever been grouped with Iraq, Oman and Malaysia in Group E of the Doha Games, and had been scheduled to take on Iraq on Nov. 29 in the first match. But things changed after Iran's withdrawal from the Games'soccer competitions due to FIFA's suspension, and Yemen and Turkmenistan's pull-out, and a new round of draw concerning five teams Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Syria were arranged on Sunday.

After the fresh draw, Iraq moved to Group D to take Iran's place and Syria filled Iraq's booth in Group E.

Although China could take advantage of the change, they are likely to meet Iraq in the quarter-finals. The newly-signed head coach of the Chinese U-23 team, Ratomir Dujkovic from Serbia, is ambitious to lead the squad to the final at the Doha Games.

The Chinese national team ground out a loss and a draw with Iraq at the two-legged Asian Cup qualifiers this year.




Top Sports News  
Today's Top News  
Most Commented/Read Stories in 48 Hours