Asian champs Iraq draw Pakistan in qualifier

Newly crowned Asian champions Iraq will face Pakistan in the first round of regional qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup following yesterday's draw.

Iraq, who emerged as the surprise winners of last month's Asian Cup, will travel to Pakistan for the first leg on Oct. 8 before playing at a yet-to-be-determined venue in the home tie on Oct. 28.

The top five Asian countries based on performances at the 2006 World Cup in Germany - Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Iran - were all excluded from the first two knockout stages.

Of the 19 first-round winners, 11 will join the top seeds in the third round group stages while the other eight must win through a second round KO competition.