Sluggish Iran held by Syria in World Cup opener

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran got their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a disappointing start when they were held to a 0-0 draw by part-timers Syria on Wednesday.

The three-times Asian Cup winners failed to score for a fifth successive game, despite being at full strength and having the advantage of their imposing Azadi stadium.

Iran, three-times World Cup qualifiers, are still without a coach, with former Spain boss Javier Clemente stalling on signing a contract.

Surprise third round qualifiers Syria ditched their Italian coach Antonio Cabrini last month after failing to secure funding for his salary.

Iran and Syria contest the all-Middle East Group Five with the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, who play later on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

(Writing by Martin Petty in Bangkok, editing by Trevor Huggins)