Last-gasp Iran deny Bahrain

Iran scored an injury-time equaliser to claim a share of the spoils in a thrilling 1-1 draw with Bahrain in Asian Zone qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ today. Bahrain had given their hopes of moving closer to a first participation in the FIFA World Cup a boost when Mahmood Mirza Al Ajami gave them a 46th-minute lead against the run of play. However, Mojtaba Jabari ended the hosts' yearning for a precious three points when he latched on to a ball which had deflected off the Bahrain crossbar to beat goalkeeper Sayed Jaffer in the third minute of injury time. The result left Iran, who had won the first leg 6-0 in Tehran exactly a month ago, leading Group E with eight points from four matches, while Bahrain stay third on five points. It was another heartbreaking experience for Bahrain, who have twice come agonizingly close to realizing their dreams of playing in the sport's showpiece event, although Iran deserved the point for their patience and perseverance, particularly in the second half when they repeatedly came close to scoring.