China avoids Iran, Saudi Arabia in World Cup campaign
( 2001-06-01 17:51 ) (9 )

China avoids its arch-rival Iran in the World Cup Asian Zone second phase qualifying draw made in Bangkok on Friday.

The Chinese, who have never reached the World Cup finals, are grouped with United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Oman.

Saudi Arabia and Iran, tipped as the strongest western Asian teams which China loves to avoid, are paired in Group A with Bahrain, Thailand and Iraq.

In last World Cup qualifying tournament, Iran overcame a 0-2 deficit to beat China 4-2 in China's northeastern city of Dalian 4 years ago.