WCQ 2010 - Asia

WCQ: UAE Held By Iran

United Arab Emirates collected their first point of the final round of qualification for the 2010 World Cup by drawing 1-1 with Iran in Dubai on Wednesday but it really should have been all three for the hosts who were denied by some excellent goalkeeping by Iran’s Medhi Rahmati.

Nov 19, 2008 5:26:35 PM

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UAE dominated the clash and took a deserved first half lead through Abduraheem Jura but a late header from Karim Bagheri earned the Iranians a point.

That leaves UAE with one point from four games and Iran with five from three.

The hosts enjoyed a lively start in front of a passionate crowd, containing a sizeable visiting contingent, and pinned the Iranians back in the opening exchanges.

Those efforts were rewarded after 20 minutes. Ismail Matar had been at the heart of most of the good work from the hosts and received the ball on the right side of the penalty area.

His clever but simple pass took out most of the Iranian defence and was coolly slotted home into the bottom right corner by Abduraheem Jura who was standing near the penalty spot.

UAE almost extended their led just after the half-hour as a Iran’s goalkeeper Medhi Rahmati had to scramble along his line to turn a long-range free-kick around the post. UAE broke through yet again just before the break.

The impressive Matar fed Ismail Al Hammadi who burst into the area to unleash a low shot that was well-saved by Rahmati.

The hosts continued where they left off at the start of the second half with Rahmati showing his worth time and time again.

It looked as if Dominque Bathenay’s men wouldn’t be left to rue their spurned chances but with eight minutes remaining, Iran drew level thans to the recently recalled Bagheri.