Iran enter quarter finals

Iran clinched a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup by beating North Korea 1-0 today, thanks to a second-half goal from Karim Ansari. The striker converted a cross from midfielder Pejman Nouri in the 62nd minute.

Iran clinched a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup by beating North Korea 1-0 today, thanks to a second-half goal from Karim Ansari.

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The striker converted a cross from midfielder Pejman Nouri in the 62nd minute.

North Korea dominated possession for most of the first half and kept the attack-minded Iran on the defensive, with its best chance coming from striker Jong Tae Se's free kick in the 16th. But Iran regrouped and had two chances to take the lead before Ansari netted. North Korea captain Hong Yong Jo nearly equalized in injury time but hit the crossbar.

Iran tops Group D with six points after two games.