Korea blank Iran 2-0 in World Cup qualifying match
Son Heung-min reacts after scoring a goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Iran at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Thursday. Yonhap
Captain Son Heung-min scored in the dying moments of the first half and defender Kim Young-gwon added a second-half insurance marker, as Korea defeated Iran 2-0 in their final World Cup qualifying match at home on Thursday.
Before a sellout crowd of some 64,000 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Korea earned their first victory over Iran since January 2011, and overtook their Middle Eastern rival for the top spot in Group A of the final Asian World Cup qualifying round.
Fans perform a card stunt showing Korean national flag during a World Cup qualifying match between Korea and Iran at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Thursday. Yonhap
Both Korea, now leading the way at 23 points, and Iran, one point back, had long booked their tickets to this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and are now battling for the top spot in the group with one match left each.
Korea will close out the qualifying round against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai next Tuesday. Iran, now trailing Korea by a point, will take on Lebanon the same day.
The draw for the World Cup will be April 1 in Qatar.
Kim Young-gwon, right, celebrates with his teammates after scoring Korea's second goal against Iran during a World Cup qualifying match at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Thursday. Yonhap
The top two teams from each of the two groups in this phase earn automatic berths in the World Cup, while the two third-place teams will meet in a playoff later. Korea secured one of the two tickets in Group A by beating Syria 2-0 on Feb. 1.
Hwang Hee-chan, left, controls the ball against Iran during a World Cup qualifying match at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Thursday. Yonhap
Korea will make their 10th consecutive appearance in football's premier event and their 11th overall. (Yonhap)