cute
10-25-2001, 10:58 AM
IRAN have moved a step closer to a World Cup showdown with the Republic of Ireland with a 1-0 first-leg win over the United Arab Emirates in Tehran on Thursday.
A goal from captain Karim Bagheri (pictured) was enough to give Iran a deserved win in the Asian qualifier and puts Miroslav Blazevic's side in pole position for the next leg in Abu Dhabi next Wednesday.
The home side were without three key players, including star striker Ali Daei for the game and their return for the second leg will put Iran in an even stronger position.
Iran dominated the game and could have settled the tie had striker Ali Karimi not missed several good opportunities to score.
Republic boss Mick McCarthy was in the crowd to watch his opponents they will face in a two-legged qualifier for a place in Japan and South Korea next summer.
He would have been impressed by Iran's performance, despite their collapse against Bahrain in their last group game, and it now looks as though his side will face a tough trip to Tehran in order to make it to the Far East.
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Well it's still a win and not bad score at all. But 2-0 would be perfect. Knowing Iran's ability to score away from home, next game should be entertaining.
A goal from captain Karim Bagheri (pictured) was enough to give Iran a deserved win in the Asian qualifier and puts Miroslav Blazevic's side in pole position for the next leg in Abu Dhabi next Wednesday.
The home side were without three key players, including star striker Ali Daei for the game and their return for the second leg will put Iran in an even stronger position.
Iran dominated the game and could have settled the tie had striker Ali Karimi not missed several good opportunities to score.
Republic boss Mick McCarthy was in the crowd to watch his opponents they will face in a two-legged qualifier for a place in Japan and South Korea next summer.
He would have been impressed by Iran's performance, despite their collapse against Bahrain in their last group game, and it now looks as though his side will face a tough trip to Tehran in order to make it to the Far East.
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Well it's still a win and not bad score at all. But 2-0 would be perfect. Knowing Iran's ability to score away from home, next game should be entertaining.