2002 World Cup - Iran 2 Iraq 1

Iran defeated Iraq 2-1 in Tehran to set up a 2002 World Cup qualifying decider next week against Bahrain.

The Iranians are now a point clear of their rivals after seven games before the Saudis take on Thailand next week.

The Saudis have to at least match Iran's result to avoid the play-offs against Ireland but Iran start with a point advantage although the Saudis are at home.

Mehdi Mahdavikia scored in the 27th minute when he converted a low cross by Ali Karimi in front of 100,000 fans at the Azadi stadium.

Qahtan Drain equalised with a low drive in the 49th minute but Mahdavikia cut inside on a run in the 71st minute to draw Iraqi goalkeeper Saeed Jameel out of goal and clip the ball to Karimi to finish.