PFDC - DOHA, A last-minute goal by Vahid Hashemian gave Iran a well deserved 3-2 victory over Qatar in Doha. With this win, Team Melli remain in top spot of Group 1, with only a win against Laos between them and a place in final stage of World Cup Qualification.

Iran, who had to replace standard keeper Mirzapour by Rahmati shortly before the match, had the better start, going ahead after just eight minutes. Ali Karimi took a run through midfield, setting up Hashemian, who marked the 1-0 from the edge of the box.

However, as often spotted before, the Iranians pulled back after taking the lead, leaving the bigger share of the game to Qatar. The logical result was the equalizer another eight minutes later, when a cross from left side found Mubarak Mustafa in the center. Mustafa, not at all marked by the today terribly performing Zare, had no problems to head it past Rahmati from close range.

Iran needed some time to recover and almost conceded the second goal, following a defensive blunder by Nosrati. But the guests then again controlled the match, however, due to bad passing barely created any danger to Qatar's goal.

The few spectators in Qatar then wittnessed a stronger Iranian side in second half, but Mahdavikia (twice), Kaabi, Golmohamadi and Zare wasted good scoring opportunities. Iran headcoach Branko Ivankovic reacted and brought Iman Mobali for Sattar Zare. Team Melli increased the pressure, but again failed to capitalize on the chances. 16 minutes from time, another defensive blunder by Nosrati allowed Bashir to cross the ball to center, where Yahya Golmohamadi tackled the ball into the own goal. However, the veteran can not really be blamed for this scene, as he had to take full risk in order to intercept the pass before it reached the unmarked Mubarak behind him.

But Iran reacted immediately: Nosrati almost made up for his mistake a minute later, before substitute Borhani brought Iran back into the game. The Olympic Team striker perfectly finished off, after being set up by a wonderful Kaabi-pass in minute 77. Iran, then with veteran Azizi in for Kaabi, again increased the pressure, but the rather quiet Karimi and Mobali missed good chances, before an Azizi-goal was disallowed due to offside.

In minute 90, however, Iran finally won the match. Khodadad Azizi's good pass found Mahdavikia at the edge of the box - the Hamburg-man not producing a perfect first touch, still managing to cross the ball for Hashemian, who put it home in goalgetter-manner to give Iran another famous victory.

With this win, Iran remain ahead of Jordan (both 12 points) in Group 1, due to having won the direct duel. Jordan earlier today was struggling to overcome underdogs Laos by 3-2, after trailing by a goal twice. Any win against Laos in Tehran next month will put Iran through to the last eight of Asian World Cup Qualifiers.

Qatar - Iran 2-3 (1-1)

World Cup Qualifier Group 1, Doha

Goals:
0-1 Hashemian (8')
1-1 Mustafa (16')
2-1 Golmohamadi (74'/OG)
2-2 Borhani (77')
2-3 Hashemian (90')

Iran played with: Rahmati - Kaabi (86' Azizi), Nosrati, Rezaei, Zare (65' Mobali) - Golmohamadi, Nekounam - Mahdavikia, Karimi, Nikbakht (73' Borhani) - Hashemian