TEHRAN: Iran have become the second team. after Brazil, to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals and join hosts Russia.

A 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tehran on goals from Sardar Kazmoun and Mehdi Taremi guaranteed the Iranians top spot in Asian qualifying group A with two games remaining.

Kazmoun opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and then produced the cross from which Taremi sealed the victory in stoppage time.

This will be Iran’s fifth appearance in the finals and follows up on their performance in Brazil in 2014 when they were unfortunate not to progress beyond the group stage.

Coach then and now is Carlos Queiros, one-time Real Madrid boss and former Manchester United assistant.

 #############