IRAN 1-0 UAE - Magic Karimi conjures up victory

TEHRAN – Ali Karimi scored a fine individual goal to give Iran a narrow 1-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

The home side were frustrated for much of the match at the Azadi Stadium but finally overcame the last-placed UAE through Karimi’s strike eight minutes after the interval.

The win was only the second in Group B for the Iranians who moved up to 10 points, one behind both DPR Korea and Saudi Arabia who meet next Wednesday in Riyadh.

A win for Iran in their final game against Korea Republic would ensure that they finish no lower than third, tying up at least a spot in the play-offs. An Iran win and a draw in Riyadh would see them finish second and earn an automatic berth in South Africa.

Iran could have led as early as the opening minute as a cross from the right by Karimi found Vahid Hashemian, who chested the ball down in the box before firing a right-footed shot straight at goalkeeper Majed Naser.

Playing as a lone striker, Hashemian was presented with another clear opening in the 10th minute when he rose to meet Pejman Nouri’s cross from the left flank but sent his header wide.

The home side dominated possession but struggled to break down the massed UAE defence.

And on one of their rare forays up-field, the visitors went close to opening the scoring when Nawaf Mubarak’s free-kick was deflected wide.

Mohammad Khalatbari came on to replace Mahdavikia at half-time and the substitute almost made an impact when his header off a Nouri cross forced a fine reflex save out of Naser.

The home fans were becoming frustrated but the deadlock was finally broken in the 53rd minute, thanks to a fine individual effort by Karimi.

The former AFC Player of the Year received a pass from Andranik Teymourian 25 metres from goal and showed great control and composure to bring the ball into the box, holding off challenges by Obaid Khaleifa and Mohammad Qassim before passing the ball into the net.

UAE threatened on the hour mark when Abdulsalam Jumaa fired in a shot from 20 metres that was easily stopped by Iran goalkeeper Seyed Rahmati.

Lax defending nearly proved costly for the home side in the 74th minute when Walid Al Balooshi snapped up a loose ball in the Iranian box but sent a wild shot over the crossbar.

Iran should have killed off the game shortly afterwards as Shojaei brought the ball into the UAE box, sidestepping the challenge of Qasim to open up a shooting opportunity.

But instead of shooting himself, he passed to Arash Borhani whose attempt was cleared off the line by Khaleifa.

With six minute remaining, Hossein Kaebi made a brilliant run in from the right flank before firing a low shot that rolled agonisingly past the far post.

GOOD FOR IRANIAN

RE : Fifa