Iran and Qatar Draw 2-2, Enter Final Round of Asian Qualifying for FIFA 2014

Tehran, February 29 (QNA) - Iran drew with Qatar 2-2 in Group 'E', making it to the final stage of Asian qualifying round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on Wednesday. The teams were locked 1-1 at half-time. Ashkan Dejagah, striker for Germany's Wolfsburg, scooped the first goal in the fourth minute of the match, but Qatari ace Khalfan Ibrahim equalized the match four minutes later from the penalty spot. The Iranian-German represented his team well; scoring a brace on his home debut he scored his second goal five minutes after the break, sending the ball past Qatar keeper Qasem Burhan. With five minutes remaining, Majed Mohammad equalized the match for Qatar for a second time, heading the ball into the Iran's net and booking Brazilian coach Paulo Autuori's team a place in the fourth round. Bahrain also humiliated 10-man Indonesia 10-0 in a home game in Group 'E'. Wednesday's results meant that Iran secured top position in the group on 12 points, while Qatar finished second with 10. Meanwhile in Group C, Uzbekistan shocked Japan through Aleksandr Shadrin lone goal on Wednesday to top their group in Asian third round qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Shadrin buried a 54th minute rebound after Lierse goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima saved Bakhodir Nasimov's header as the AFC Asian Cup holders crashed to the second defeat of their campaign. Both teams had already booked their places in the next round but the win took Uzbekistan to the head of Group C on 16 points, ahead of Japan on 10 points. (QNA)