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.
