N. Korea, Iran Draw in World Cup Qualifier

The prospect for North Korea to reach the 2010 World Cup is still unclear as the reclusive country fought to a goalless draw with Iran in their World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang Saturday.

With the draw, the North must either win its final game away to Saudi Arabia on June 17 or hope other results go its way, The Associated Press reported.

Iran stands a little change of reaching the World Cup finals as it stays in fourth with seven points from six games.

In Asian region, the top two teams from the five-team group is supposed to qualify directly for South Africa 2010 and the third-placed team to go into a further playoff.

The AP said Iran was the better team for the first half of an open and entertaining game but struggled to find a way through the much-vaunted Korean backline. The host created better and more chances after the break.

North Korea started the second half much better and after 46 minutes, Iran's goalkeeper Seyed Rahmati had to make his first serious save from a low Hong Yong-o shot. Moments later, Jong Tae-se headed just wide.

Just after the hour, Rahmati saved again from a Hong free kick as the hosts pushed for a vital win.

With minutes remaining, Park Nam-chol produced a fierce shot that was arrowing toward the top right corner, forcing a superb diving save by Rahmati.

In stoppage time, Hong had the best chance of the game. With Rahmati advancing well out of his area to stifle a counter attack, Hong just had to round the keeper and have a shot at an open net from 30 meters. He instead elected a first-time shot that was well off target, according to The AP.