Iran beat Iraq to put them on course for World Cup finals

BAGHDAD, Sept 7 (AFP)

Iran beat hosts Iraq 2-1 in Asia 2002 World Cup qualifying here on Friday to shoot them to the top of group A to put them on course for next year's finals in South Korea and Japan.
In front of 60,000 fanatical Iraqi supporters, Imad Mohamed opened the scoring for Iraq in the 20th minute but Ali Karimi equalized on the half hour before star player Ali Daei hit the winner for Iran with six minutes left.
Iran have seven points from three matches to lead by two points from Bahrain, the only other unbeaten side in the pool.
Surely if Iran beat Bahrain in Tehran next Friday, they would be well on course to earn the automatic qualifying spot as group winners.
The top teams of group A and B qualify automatically but the runners-up must play off for the right to meet Portugal or the Republic of Ireland for a place in the finals.
The best Iraqi chance in the opening quarter hour was a ninth minute header by Hicham Fayadh forcing a save from Iranian keeper Ibrahim Mirzapour.
Karimi replied a few minutes later with a powerful shot which tested Iraq keeper Imad Hachem to the limit.
It was Iraq who went ahead though when Imad Mohamed connected with a looping header over the Iranian defence to find the net of Mirzapour.
The goal sparked off a mass celebration by the home fans, many with national flags or portraits of president Saddam Hussein.
Iraq's joy only lasted 10 minutes however when Ali Karimi equalized after making the most of a defensive mishap. Iran, growing in confidence, started to put more pressure on their visibly shaken opponents.
After the break, the team of Iran coach Miroslav Blazevic continued to be the more enterprising than that of his fellow Croatian Rudolf Belean, whose side lost their impetus and began relying on counter attacks.
Iran, more experienced and well marshalled by Karimi and Daei, were impressive with their attacking plays and it was little surprise when they scored what proved to be the winner.
Ali Daei surprised Imad Hachem with a powerful 20-metre shot to double his side's score.

We're halfway there says Blazevic Coach Miroslav Blazevic hailed his side's 2-1 win over Iraq in Baghdad and praised game winner Ali Daei as Iran went two points clear at the top of Group A in Asia's World Cup qualifying tournament. Daei struck with just five minutes left on the clock to give Iran their second win in three games as the three-time Asian Cup winners came from behind to defeat Iraq in front of a crowd of over 60,000 fans. Croatian Blazevic, roundly criticised after his side's lacklustre showing in their draw with Thailand last weekend, praised the Hertha Berlin striker and said he was delighted with the victory. "Our opponents were of a very high level so our win is worth much more," said Blazevic. "We are happy because we have made a big step towards our target. I think we are half way there. "Ali Daei is my captain and our relationship is like that of a father and a son. He knows how much I invested in this game and I thank him for showing that." Iraq had taken the lead after just 19 minutes through Emad Mohamed but former Pirouzi striker Ali Karimi returned the Iranians to parity just before the half-hour mark. The game looked like it was heading towards a draw as Iraq aimed to end a run of defeats after losing to both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. But Daei had other ideas and the former Asian Player of the Year hit the winner in the 85th minute to give Iran victory in their first game in Baghdad in 38 years. "I was not particularly afraid even when they were ahead," said Blazevic. "I was sure we would win and I promised this victory to the Iranian nation." "I've scored many goals like this in my career," said match-winner Daei. "We needed the three points and I'm happy we have taken them." Iran's next game sees them entertain Bahrain at the Azadi Stadium on September 15 while Iraq, now reeling after three consecutive defeats, have a free week to regroup before traveling to Bangkok to face Thailand, who they defeated 4-0 in Baghdad in the opening week.