Chinese national football team were held by Iraq to a 1-1 draw in Changsha at the Helong Stadium on Wednesday and advance to next year's Asian Cup finals as Group E runners-up.

"I'm very happy with the result. It was very difficult for us to get prepared for this match as four of our best players couldn't come to China," said Iraq coach Akram Salman.

"China played very well in the first half. But we made some tactical changes after the break and put big pressure on them."

"We had a good run of play in the first half, especially in the opening 15 minutes. If we continued that kind of performance and seized more opportunities, we could have won the match," said China's coach Zhu Guanghu.

"After the break the players felt tired and lost control of the game." Zhu said.

Striker Han Peng opened the scoring for the hosts five minutes before the break, tapping in from close range off Du Zhenyu's accurate low cross.

Iraq levelled in the 65th minute when substitute striker Alwan Ahmad headed home a fine corner.

China dominated the first half with fierce attacks from the wings. Du Zhenyu and Wang Dong ran the roost, making several sharp forays and keeping the Iraqi defence occupied with good crosses.

Hitman Li Jinyu produced two threatening headers before Wang Dong missed a one-to-one drive on 38 minutes. Li gave a shining solo performance before the break, only to find his acrobatic volley denied by a focused Abbas Noor.

Iraq pushed forward in the second half, shutting out the Chinese in midfield. Midfielder Ali Nashat smashed a thunderbolt from 40 meters, which left goalkeeper Li Leilei flailing but hit the crossbar.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2006)