Political football as Iran reach World Cup, while Australia, Saudis stay alive
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Iran's Saman Ghodous celebrating their 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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DUBAI – Iran became the second Asian side to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Uzbekistan in Tehran on March 25, handing the organisers a likely diplomatic headache.
Iran, the second-highest ranked Asian Football Confederation side in the Fifa standings, needed only a point to join Japan in qualifying for the Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They will, however, head to North America with relations strained as US President Donald Trump takes a hard line over opening new nuclear talks with Tehran.
The Group A leaders (20 points) were made to work hard at the Azadi Stadium by Uzbekistan, with Mehdi Taremi scoring seven minutes from time – his second of the match – to seal the point.
“We have to thank the fans who filled the stadium today, and thank God they did not leave empty-handed,” said Iran captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Seeking to qualify for a first World Cup, Uzbekistan opened the scoring on 16 minutes through Khojimat Erkinov, before Inter Milan striker Taremi scored his first of the night shortly after half-time.
Parity lasted only one minute, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev restoring Uzbekistan’s lead.
Again, Taremi was the man to pull his team back into the game and ultimately book a spot in North America, when the 32-year-old finished past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov late on.
Iran will now be appearing at a fourth successive World Cup and seventh in all.
Taremi expressed his “happiness” with the result but admitted his team had “tactical problems” after conceding twice.
Uzbekistan remain on course for an inaugural appearance at the Finals.
Sitting second on 17 points, they require a win from the concluding double-header in June either away to third-placed United Arab Emirates or at home to Qatar, in fourth.
The UAE climbed to four points behind Uzbekistan following their 2-1 victory in stoppage time against North Korea in Riyadh, with Qatar three points further back after their 3-1 defeat by Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.
The top two go straight to the World Cup, with teams finishing third and fourth in the three Asian groups entering a further round of qualifying.
Earlier on March 25, Australia beat China 2-0 to boost their chances of automatic qualification, but Saudi Arabia stayed in touch in Group C with a goal-less draw in Japan.
Australia’s victory, courtesy of first-half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay, left the Socceroos second in Group C on 13 points with two to play, three points ahead of Saudi Arabia with a much better goal difference. Japan (20) are already sure to finish top.
Australia’s Jackson Irvine (right) scoring against China on March 25, in Hangzhou, in China’s eastern Zhejiang province.
PHOTO: AFP
Australia host Japan and travel to Saudi Arabia for their final qualifiers in June, leaving the race for the second direct qualification place on a knife-edge. China stay bottom on six points, but they can progress to a further qualifying stage by finishing third or fourth.
Indonesia moved into fourth on nine points thanks to a 1-0 win over Bahrain (six points).
Oxford United forward Ole Romeny scored his second goal in as many games to give Netherlands and Barcelona great Patrick Kluivert his first victory since becoming the coach.
In Group B, Son Heung-min’s South Korea remain top with 16 points and favourites to progress, but they put in another toothless performance as they were held at home for the second match in a row – this time 1-1 by Jordan.
South Korea’s two qualifiers in March were moved away from Seoul because of the capital stadium’s poor pitch, but skipper Son said the turf was still below par and took aim at his country’s football administrators.
“When we’re at home we’re supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible, but things have not improved at all,” he told reporters after the game in Suwon.
“I know we can play better than this but when conditions on our home soil get in the way, then I wonder where we should get our home advantage...
“I know this may sound like an excuse, but every small detail matters in football. It can make the difference of getting one point or getting three points.”
South Korea’s Son Heung-Min is closely marked by Jordan’s Mohannad Abu Taha in their 1-1 draw in Suwon.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Iraq could have gained ground but conceded late twice to lose 2-1 to Palestine in Amman.
A goal down from the 34th minute, Palestine equalised two minutes from time before grabbing a winner in the 97th minute for their first win in the third round.
The Iraqis stay third and one point behind second-placed Jordan, who are three off the summit.
Leaders South Korea face a tricky trip to Iraq in June before a final home clash against Kuwait.
Oman are fourth on 10 points following their 1-0 away win against Kuwait, with Palestine fifth (six) and Kuwait (five) rooted to the bottom. AFP
