Iran beat Iraq 2-1 to go top of qualifying group

Iran took the lead in their World Cup qualifying group when they beat Iraq 2-1 on Friday.

Iraq took the early lead in the Asian Group A qualifier when striker Emid Ridha scored in the 20th minute after collecting a cross from Hawar Haider on the edge of the penalty area.

But Iran striker Ali Karimi took advantage of an Iraqi defensive mistake to score the equaliser 10 minutes later from a cross by Ali Reza.

Iran dominated the second half in front of 60,000 fans crammed into Baghdad's People's Stadium, built for 40,000.

Ali Daei, who plays for Hertha Berlin, scored the visitors' winning goal in the 84th minute.

Iran now lead the group with seven points from three matches. They beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 in their first match and drew 0-0 with Thailand

Iraq, who have lost to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, lie fourth with three points from a 4-1 win over Thailand.

Late equaliser keeps China on World Cup finals course

A late header from defender Li Bing gave China a 1-1 draw and a precious point in their World Cup Asian Group B qualifier away to Qatar on Friday.

Dahi Saad al-Naeumi had put the home side ahead in the 31st minute with a deflected long-range shot.

But Li's 88th minute goal meant the Chinese stayed at the head of the group on seven points from three games, two clear of Qatar who have played a match more.

The winners of the five-strong group qualify automatically for next year's finals.

The next game in the group is on Saturday when in a clash between the two bottom sides Uzbekistan are at home to Oman.