Iran fight delights Daei

The Iran coach Ali Daei was pleased with a second-half fightback that saw his side claim a late point against Saudi Arabia in Group Two.

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RIYADH // The Iran coach Ali Daei was pleased with a second-half fightback that saw his side claim a late point against Saudi Arabia in Group Two. Saad Al Harthi had put the home side in front just before the half-hour mark but Javed Nekounam headed home an 81st-minute equaliser at King Fahad International Stadium. "Saudi Arabia were the better side in the first half but we stormed back after the break and took possession and created many scoring chances," said Daei. "We were happy to get an equaliser in such a difficult game and a team which draws on the road is usually expected to win at home, or so the theory goes."

Saudi coach Nasser Al Johar, whose side face the UAE next skipped the post-match press conference leaving fitness coach Mirana to fill in. The Brazilian said: "If we had scored the good chances we had in the first half, we could have won by two or more." * PA Sport