Iran Edges Iraq in World Cup QualifierIran defeated Iraq 2-1 in a group A match of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers Friday in Tehran, and is now only one win away from their second consecutive finals.Hamburg midfielder Mehdi Mahdavi-kia's goal at the 27th minute turned the Azadi Sports Complex into an exciting mood, and gave a strong boost to the Iranian team, which has yet to lose a game since the kickoff of the qualifier. Qahtan Derine of Iraq scored at the 52nd minute to level the scoring, turning the game into a breath-taking scenario. Iran's super midfielder Ali Karimi shot home the winner in the 71st minute, putting Iran right on the course to the 2002 World Cup. The victory promoted the Iranian team to the top place, one point ahead of Saudi Arabia. Iran will play its last match against Bahrain while Saudi Arabia takes on Thailand in the eighth round of World Cup Asian Zone Group A qualifying tournament. |
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