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Iran Lose World Cup Warm-Up In China

Iran's preparations for June's World Cup qualifiers hit a red wall on Monday evening...

Jun 1, 2009 3:51:24 PM

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Iran’s first full international under new coach Afshin Ghotbi ended in a 1-0 defeat against China in Qinhuangdao.

The Persian team are preparing for a vital 2010 World Cup qualifier in North Korea on June 6.

The win was China’s first under Gao Hongbo and comes just three days after they drew 1-1 with Germany.

Gao Jin scored the only goal of the game just before the break. The Shanghai Shenhua striker reacted quickly after Yang Hao’s low free-kick came back off the post.

Iran had plenty of possession and looked dangerous but Team Melli, were, however, unable to break through a well-organised Chinese defence.

Next stop for Iran is Pyongyang in a qualifier that they must not lose if their dreams of a place at the 2010 World Cup are to stay alive.

China host Iran’s group rivals Saudi Arabia next weekend as the West Asian team prepare for a match in South Korea.

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