Lebanon stun Iran

Japan took a significant stride toward a place at the 2014 World Cup by beating Iraq 1-0 on Tuesday,extending its commanding lead in Group B of Asian qualifying. Lebanon stunned Iran 1-0 and South Korea managed a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan to extend its lead in Group A.

Playing in Beirut, minnows Lebanon needed to get their campaign on track after a loss to Qatar and draw with Uzbekistan. Lebanon attacked from the start and went ahead when captain Roda Antar headed home a shot from close range. The Iranians dominated possession in the second half and Mohammad Nori almost drew his team level when his header was just cleared off the Lebanon goal line in the 62nd minute. Nori then had a searing volley stopped by Lebanon goalkeeper Abbas Hassan,who had several acrobatic saves in the match.