Iran vs Korea DPR (PRK) Report

Asian Cup

Iran

1 vs 0

Korea DPR (PRK)

Played
January 15, 2011 6:45 PM IST
Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium (Qatar SC Stadium) — ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee:‬ Nawaf Shukralla‎
Attendance:‬ 6488‎

62′ Karim Ansarifard

Iran 1-0 North Korea: Karim Ansarifard Goal Takes Team Melli Into The Quarter-Finals

Iran also had a goal disallowed, while North Korea hit the crossbar at the death...

By David Schiavone

More On : Iran, Korea DPR (PRK), Iran vs Korea DPR (PRK)

Iran had to thank Karim Ansarifard as they managed to overcome North Korea 1-0 in their second Group D match at the Asian Cup.

The opening moments of the encounter were very scrappy and neither side managed a clear sight of goal, while there were also a number of tasty challenges flying in from both sides which disrupted the flow of the game.

However, North Korea were the more likely and Jong Tae-Se had the first real chance of the game. His free kick was saved by Seyed Rahmati but he could only punch the ball clear due the sheer force that it was struck with.

Hong Yong Jo had an excellent first half as his movement caused Seyed Hosseini a number of issues, but the defender held firm and thwarted the forward a number of times.

Iran were struggling to impose their usual passing style as Pak Nam Chol was dominant in midfield, expertly breaking up the Iranian play as he and his team mates covered reams of ground, denying Iran any space or time on the ball. Eman Mobali was particularly guilty of losing the ball on more than one occasion.

But as the half wore on Iran were having more possession, though constantly fired long balls to the forwards which the North Korean central defenders dealt with easily.

The tide turned when Iran's Ansarifard had a goal disallowed for what looked to be handball, though it was contentious and it seemed to fire up Afshin Ghotbi's men who found a bit more rhythm as a result.

Then just before the break Pejman Nouri had a magnificent chance to give Iran the lead as he was unmarked on the edge of the area but as he let fly, the ball rolled down his shin before it flashed well wide.

After the break Jong Tae-Se could have had a penalty after he was played through on goal via a ball over the top, he managed to control the ball excellently but then seemed to be brought down in the box, however the referee waved play on.

The deadlock was broken on the hour mark as Nouri flighted over a wonderful cross from the left, reached Ansarifard who managed the slightest of touches to direct the ball past Ri Myong Guk and give Iran the lead.

Brought to life after going a goal down, North Korea battled hard to get on level terms. Jong Hyok Cha stung the palms of Rahmati from the edge of the area, but the goalkeeper saved the low shot well.

Despite the increased work rate and possession, the North Koreans didn't put any sustained pressure on Rahmati's goal.

But moments from the final whistle Hong Yong Jo grazed the crossbar from 12 yards out in what was the final chance of the game.

As a result Iran have qualified for the next round of the competition with the final group games played on Wednesday as Iran take on the UAE, while North Korea take on Iraq.