Iraq beat Singapore

Iraq beat Singapore 2-0 in their Asian World Cup qualifier Tuesday but wasted several chances in a foul-tempered match.

Iraq's persistence finally paid off in the 49th minute when forward Ala'a Abdulzehra put them ahead, heading an inswinging cross to the left corner of Singapore's goal and beating keeper Lionel Lewis. And Iraq put the game away in the 85th minute after a seemingly innocuous chip by Iraqi striker Younus Mahmood sailed past a rooted Lewis and bounced into the goal.

Singapore team manager Eugene Loo said his team would continue to vie for advancement into the next round of the World Cup qualifiers. SINGAPORE, AFP