Ali Karimi Keeps Iran's Hopes Alive Against UAE

Iran secured a 1-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates today, with a goal from Ali Karimi proving enough to overcome the opposition in what had looked set to be a frustrating encounter for the hosts.

Iran came into the game on the back of a poor run of just one win from their last six group games, and some tension showed as they struggled to break down the UAE defence, with Vahid Hashemian spurning two chances to score.

The Arabians barely threatened, but came close to opening the scoring when a Nawaf Mubarak free-kick was deflected wide. Iran continued to spurn chances either side of half-time, before the deadlock was finally broken.

Eight minutes after the break, Karimi received a pass from Andranik Teymourian in midfield, and displayed skill and composure as he dribbled into the box, held off a couple of challenges and slotted the ball past Majed Naser in the UAE net.

As the clock wound down, Iran were rarely threatened again by their visitors, apart from a long-range effort from Abdulsalam Jumma that flashed wide, and came close themselves without finding the net again.

The result keeps the Iranians in the hunt for a place in South Africa, with a win against South Korea in their final group game guaranteeing them at least a play-off spot, whilst a draw in Riyadh between North Korea and Saudi Arabia, combined with that victory, would see them finish second in Group B and qualify automatically.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com