2002 World Cup - Saudi Arabia 2 Iran 2

Saudi Arabia threw away a win against Iran in Riyadh to leave their World Cup progress in the balance.

The Saudis keep their lead at the top of their group with 11 points while Iran have nine points.

The winners of the two Asian groups automatically qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea with the group runners-up playing off and the winner facing either Ireland or Portugal in November.

Abdallah Waked have the home side the lead in the 20th minute with a penalty kick conversion as they dominated the game for long stretches.

Ali Daei superbly headed in a driven cross three minutes before half time to equalise. I

Substitute Hassan Yami scored in the 58th minute with a chip for the edge of the penalty area over Iran goalkeeper Ibrahim Mirzapour later making amends with good saves from a drive by Sami Jaber and a close range effort from Yami.

Sirous Dinmohammadi cashed in to equalise when Saudi defenders Ahmed Khalil and Mohamed Nour had failed to clear a shot from Karim Bagheri.

Saudi Arabia meet Iraq in Baghdad in their next match on October 5th with Iran facing Thailand in Tehran on the same day and expected to win to increase the pressure on the Saudis who have qualified for the previous two World Cup finals.