© Reuters Limited 2001

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Aug 2 - United Arab Emirates fought back from two goals down to hold Iraq to a 2-2 draw in a friendly international on Thursday.

Both teams are preparing for the final round of the World Cup Asia zone qualifiers.

Iraq, enjoying midfield superiority for most of the game, tested the UAE goal with long rage shots in the first half before opening their account in the 44th minute.

Hisham Mohammed found the far side of the net after Rzaka Farhan had beaten the defence with a low left foot cross.

Iraq consolidated their lead in the 57th minute when Imad Mohammed headed home a cross from the right.

UAE rallied and Abdul Rahim Juma pulled one back ten minutes later, slotting in a rebound after Iraq keeper Amer Abdul Wahab had blocked substitute Mohammed Omar's shot.

A blunder in the Iraq defence allowed Yasser Salem to equalise 12 minutes from time.