The opening match of the 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup ended with a 0-0 draw between Asian champions Iraq and the upcoming World Cup hosts South Africa on Sunday. Both sides staged a defensive line-up in the curtain-raiser at the Ellis Park Stadium of South African economic hub Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon.

In a bid to give an expected victory to home fans, South Africa's team Bafana Bafana exerted most efforts in the match. Striker Thembinkosi Fanteni was given a yellow card in the second minute for making a two-footed challenge on Iraqi midfielder Karrar Jasim.

One striking touch of Bafana Bafana in the first half was midfielder Teko Modise's corner in the 15th minute, which however was thwarted by two Iraqi defenders.

Iraq's Fareed Majeed (L) drives the ball for a pass during the opening match against South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 14, 2009.

The hosts proved its entire prowess in the second half by making two powerful shots, one of which was launched by defender Siboniso Gaxa on the right swings over a great cross. Iraqi goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid enabled the Asian champion to survive till the last minute. Coach of South African team Joel Santana told a press conference after the match that Iraqis have been focused too much on defense.

"The result is not what we had expected. We could have scored two or three goals, and one should have been sufficient. But in football, it is not always the better team that won the game," he said.

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