Soccer-Lowly Lebanon stun Iran in World Cup qualifier

Sept 11 (Reuters) - Lebanon recorded one of their greatest

soccer victories when they stunned three-times Asian champions

Iran 1-0 in Beirut on Tuesday to throw open World Cup qualifying

Group A.

Roda Antar was the match winner, with the creative

midfielder's 28th-minute strike the first goal Lebanon, ranked

124th by FIFA, had scored against their more illustrious

opponents in this their eighth meeting.

His team mates then defended bravely and wasted time much to

the irritation of Iran, who struggled badly on the atrocious

pitch which lacked grass in several areas as the home side

claimed the landmark win.

Lebanon, competing in the fourth round of Asian World Cup

qualifying for the first time, now have four points from four

matches in the five-team pool, level with Iran and Qatar who

have played one game fewer.

The result heaped more pressure on Iran coach Carlos

Queiroz, the former Real Madrid and Portugal boss who has been

criticised for his tactics as the team have struggled for goals.

On Tuesday, they dominated possession and territory but came

up against in-form Lebanese goalkeeper Abbas Hassan, who

thwarted them on several occasions.

The headband-wearing goalkeeper, who was shown a yellow card

for time-wasting, produced a string of solid saves, with his

95th-minute stop of Mohammad Ghazi's strong header a highlight.

Earlier, South Korea held on to their lead at the top of the

pool by drawing 2-2 away to Uzbekistan. The Koreans lead the way

on seven points with Iran second on goal difference in the

group's other qualifying berth for Brazil 2014.