Advantage lies with Iran

Saudi Arabia and Iran yesterday ensured their Asian qualifying Group A for next year's World Cup will be decided on the the last day.

The Saudis, who have made it to the last two World Cup finals, defeated Iraq 2-1 in neutral Amman to reclaim top spot with 14 points with one game to play.

Iran beat Thailand 1-0 in Tehran earlier yesterday, taking temporary charge of the top spot.

Although they are two points adrift of the Saudis, Iran have a game in hand and could clinch overall control of the group by beating Iraq in Tehran next Friday.

If they pull it off, it will mean they would take a one point lead into the final day on October 19th when they travel to Bahrain while the Saudis entertain Thailand.

The Saudis got off to a flying start in the Jordanian capital, taking the lead after just 30 seconds courtesy of Abdullah Sheehan.

However, Iraq, who went into the match with an outside hope of claiming the runners-up spot, equalised after 31 minutes when Abdulwahab Aboulhail headed home a right wing cross past Mohamed al Daeyea in the Saudi goal.

The Saudis grabbed the winner when Sheehan latched on to a through ball to score from close range in the 77th minute.

Iran's earlier victory over Thailand came in a match which marked the 100th international appearance of Iranian striker Ali Daei.

Despite having a host of goalscoring chances, their single goal came from a superb shot from Ali-Vahedi Nikbakht in the 33rd minute.

Only the winners of the two Asian groups qualify automatically for next year's finals in South Korea and Japan. The runners-up in each group will play off on a home-and-away basis with the winner qualifying to play the runners-up from European zone Group Two - either Portugal or, most likely, the Republic of Ireland.

China have all but wrapped up Group B - they just need one point at home to Oman tonight to confirm their first ever appearance in the World Cup finals.