Iran take a giant step towards finals

AFC - Iran took a big step towards qualifying for the 2006 World Cup after defeating DPR Korea 1-0 in their Asian Group B World Cup second phase qualifier here at the Azadi Stadium on Friday.

The match winner came off a header from Rahman Razaei who rose high to connect with a free kick from the right from Mehdi Mahdavikia just on the stroke of half time.

Iran now have 10 points after four matches while Korea DPR have not picked up a single point so far. Iran had won the first leg 2-0 in Pyongyang following which Korean fans had reacted furiously.

Yesterday, the match, watched by over 60,000 spectators, was devoid of clear chances though Team Melli were clearly the superior side with the likes of Ali Karimi, Ali Daei, Mahdavikia and Javed Nakounam among their ranks.

The tussle turned physical at times, forcing referee Khalil Al Ghamdi to flash the yellow card no less than seven times. DPR Korea coach Jong Su Yun was also ordered to leave the dugout for the dressing room for showing dissent ten minutes from full time.

The only time the Iranians were threatened was in the 86th minute when the ball went to Korea?s Chol Man Choe in a goal mouth scramble but the defenders rushed to clear it before he could take aim.

Second-placed Japan (six points) were to play Bahrain (four points) in Manama in the other group match later today.