Karimi brace gives Iran vital away win

AFC - TWO goals from Ali Karimi (pictured on left) together with a Moharram Navidkia effort gave Iran victory over DPR Korea in Pyongyang in a delayed Asian Cup qualifier.

The win gives Branko Ivankovic, the Iran coach, his second consecutive win since being reappointed as Iran coach at the beginning of October.

Despite dominating the first half, Iran could not make the breakthrough and only had a Karimi headed 'goal', ruled out for an infringment, to show for their efforts as the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

The visitors made the breakthrough two minutes into the second half, Karimi, who scorted two goals in the AFC/OFC Challenge against New Zealand, turned and twisted his marker before slamming the ball into the roof of net.

DPR Korea equalised after 61 minutes when Ebrahim Mirzapour, the Iran keeper, misjudged a free-kick from Myong for the ball to creep home.

Iran, needing a win to get their Asian Cup campaign back on track after a 3-2 reverse to Jordan in their last outing, increased the temp and Daei missed a couple of good chances before he gave Iran the lead with 11 minutes left on the clock.

The home side nearly got back on terms but saw an effort cleared off the line. Moments later, Navidkia shot past the DPR Korea keeper to seal the win for Ivankovic's boys.

Iran top Group D with six points from three games. Jordan also have six points, but an inferior goal difference.

Iran are next in action on November 14 in Tehran.