A goalless draw with New Zealand was not enough to earn Iraq a berth in the next phase regardless of South Africa's 2-0 loss to Spain.

The two results meant that the Asian champions finish Group A in third place with two points after draws with South Africa and New Zealand and a 1-0 loss to Spain.

"I congratulate my team for their performance and efforts. They really gave it their all," The Serbian coach said.

"We didn't win the game but after these three matches in South Africa my players have shown they have talent and can play good football."

Kiwi Delight

New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert, whose team had no hopes of reaching the semis was left ecstatic after winning his country's first ever point in an international tournament.

"Tonight was another milestone for our country. The team were magnificent and we've proved the doubters wrong," Herbert told reporters.

The All Whites previously played in the 1982 World Cup and two Confederations Cups, where they lost all their group games.