Blow for North Korea

Tehran // Iran were made to work hard at home for a 2-1 victory over North Korea despite goals from the recalled Mehdi Mahdavikia and Javad Nekounam. Team Melli were cruising at 2-0 before Jong Tae-se pulled a goal back with just 19 minutes left on the clock. Jong came close to scoring the equaliser as did Hong Yong-jo. Earlier, Mahdavikia headed home only nine minutes into the game, breaching the famed North Korean defence.

The hosts continued their surge and dominated throughout the first half before Nekounam extended Iran's lead, shooting from close range. He made use of a good pass from his Osasuna clubmate Masoud Shojaei inside the area to score. North Korea have played a game more than Iran, Saudi Arabia and South Korea in Group Two. * Agencies