Unsung hero Iltaf Ahmed claimed a World Cup clean sheet on his international debut for Pakistan.

The Bradford-based goalkeeper was plucked from obscurity after being recommended by Farsley midfielder Amjad Iqbal.

Ahmed's registration was hurried through by Pakistan officials to play against Iraq because first-choice stopper Jaffar Khan had been posted in the Congo with the army.

And the 6ft 4in debutant, who drifted away from the pro game after unsuccessful trials at Plymouth and Rangers, displayed few nerves as he kept the much-fancied Iraqis at bay in a 0-0 draw in Syria.

Amjad also played in the match, which restored Pakistani morale after they were thumped 7-0 by the same opponents in Karachi a week earlier.

That result effectively settled the Asian qualifying second-round tie and Iraq used the opportunity to rest several first-teamers for the return game.

But it was still a notable result for a squad containing only seven foreign-based players.