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New Zealand claimed their first point from nine Confederations Cup matches in a goalless draw against Group A rivals Iraq at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

A sparse collection of opportunities were mustered in the first half, with New Zealand having the better of the chances, before a turgid second half in which neither side could find the quality required to win the match.

Horns droned persistently from the stands as a good atmosphere was generated inside the stadium, but even the most ardent of supporters were left disappointed by the quality of the football on display.

New Zealand did not look overawed despite having lost their previous eight matches in the competition and enjoyed a wealth of possession in the first half.

Kiwi coach Ricki Herbert was left to rue the fact that his side did not take their chances to win the game, with forwards Chris Killen and Shane Smeltz frequently profligate in front of goal.

It was Iraq had the first chance of the match when in the seventh minute, as a whipped cross from Hawar Mulla Mohammed was met with a downward header by Emad Mohammed at the back post, but his effort bounced agonisingly over the bar.

New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss was dominant for his side and marshalled his defence with confidence and certainty throughout, making a string of fine stops.

Emad then slipped in his captain Younus Mahmoud, who was through on goal but saw his shot blocked superbly by Moss, who spread himself well to make the crucial block.

Killen had a glorious chance for New Zealand in the 14th minute, but sliced his shot wide from inside the Iraq penalty area with little pressure put on him.

Herbert flailed his arms in the air in disbelief on the halfhour as Smeltz skewed his shot wide form ten yards out, having collected Leo Bertos's pass in his stride.

Indeed, Bertos was the brightest player on the pitch, frequently skipping down the left wing and delivering devilish crosses for Smeltz and Killen.

At the start of the second half, it was Killen who stole in at the back post completely unmarked, but headed high and wide after mistiming his leap.

Karrar Jasim almost broke New Zealand hearts with an attempted chip in the 72nd minute, but Moss was again sharply off his line to make a fine block.

A final block off the line from Tony Lochhead from Younus's tight-angled shot salvaged the point for New Zealand which they thoroughly deserved.

Spain and South Africa advance from Group A into the semi-finals, while New Zealand and Iraq are eliminated at the first stage.

Dan Quarrell / Eurosport