PFDC - AMMAN, Iran's dress rehearsal for the World Cup qualifier in Lebanon on September 11 ended in a goalless draw on Wednesday with neither Team Melli nor hosts Jordan managing to impress.

Carlos Queiroz surprisingly started long-time absentee Masoud Shojaei and the initially dropped Karim Ansarifard beside Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari upfront, but the attacking line, without sufficient support from a phlegmatic midfield, barely managed to inscene itself during first half.

Still, Iran had two excellent opportunities before the break. However, Ansarifard sliced the ball over the bar from tight angle after a long pass from Ali Karimi whereas Khalatbari curled the ball against the goalpost after being inscened by Shojaei inside the area.

On the other side Iran's defense, also often lacking support from midfield, looked all but well organized, and so the hosts were presented plenty of openings. Fortunately for Team Melli the Jordanians lacked precision and concentration inside the area and didn't create any spectacular effort on Mehdi Rahmati's goal.

Queiroz made four changes at halftime and Iran indeed showed an improved performance in the second interval with more possession and less unforced errors.

Iran could have taken the lead when substitute striker Mohammad Ghazi penetrated the box from the left and centered the ball, but Khalatbari's header from the penalty spot was no real test for Shafi in Jordan's goal.

Khalatbari unleashed a powerful shot from far out with 13 minutes on the clock, but Shafi was equal to the effort.

Just moments later substitutes Mohammad Ebrahimi and Omid Nazari combined well at the edge of the area and only a spectacular save from Shafi prevented the Ängelholms midfielders' first international goal.

Concern arose for the coaching staff when Ghazi injured himself and had to be replaced by Maziar Zare after 84 minutes.

Jordan almost scored a late winner when Iran's defense, which overall looked much improved in second half, failed to clear a cross from the right, but the header from close range came off the goalpost.

A final shot from Zare also ended in Shafi's arms and so both sides had to settle with a goalless draw, leaving Iran's 1-0 win in Uzbekistan as only Iranian victory in an official match in 2012.

Jordan - Iran 0-0
Friendly match, Amman

Goals: None

Iran: Rahmati - Mahini (72' Hosseini), Montazeri, Aghily, Hajsafi (46' P. Nouri) - Karimi (46' Nazari), Nekounam, Hadadifar (46' M. Nouri) - Khalatbari, Ansarifard (46' Ghazi / 84' Zare), Shojaei (69' Ebrahimi)

Iranian players booked: Ansarifard, Aghily, M. Nouri