CHINA was held to a goalless draw against Asian powerhouse Iran during a World Cup qualifying match in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, last night.

    China’s goalkeeper Zeng Cheng was stretchered off due to injury after being tackled by Iran’s forward Vahid Amiri in the 12th minute.

    It was China’s second match in the final round of Asian qualification. China lost to South Korea 3-2 last week in its opening match.

    China was trailing South Korea 0-3 with 20 minutes remaining but goals from Yu Hai and Hao Junmin forced the 2002 World Cup semifinalists to hang on for the final whistle.

    The comeback last Thursday against South Korea — a team that China has a poor record against with one win in 31 meetings — has boosted confidence and has fans and the domestic media optimistic of better times ahead.

    “The result was a defeat but we saw that this Chinese team never gives up,” Yu Hongchen, Chinese Football Association vice chairman, said. “Never give up, never admit defeat is a feeling that is part of this team.”

    China has only qualified for the World Cup once — in 2002.

    The Iranians, coached by former Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz, were coming off a 2-0 win over Qatar that was only sealed with two injury-time goals.(SD News)