"Iran made history in 1998 when they beat Australia and are capable of doing it again when they meet Ireland," the Malaysia-based AFC said.

Iran are seeking their second consecutive World Cup appearance after their showing at the 1998 finals in France, a tournament which included their 2-1 victory over the USA, one of the most memorable matches in the history of the Islamic Republic.

The statement said: "Certainly Mick McCarthy's (Ireland coach) side are seen as favorites for the game, just as the Australians were four years ago.

For it was in similar circumstances that the Persians qualified for their first World Cup in 20 years when they ousted Australia on the away goals rule four years ago in Melbourne's Cricket Ground Stadium, it explained.

AFC said: "But, argue the critics, today's Iran are not as strong as the side that went on to perform admirably in France, when they recorded that thrilling win over the United States in Lyon.

"Gone are Azizi, Mohammed Khakpour, Javad Zarincheh, Ahmedreza Abedzadeh and Hamid Estili, key components of one of Iran's most successful sides ever," the statement said, adding that now, though, "would be the perfect time for the new boys to step out of the shadows of the heroes of Melbourne to become legends themselves."

AFC said the echoes surrounding the build up to Iran's showdown with Ireland in the two-legged play-off to decide who will take the half place attributed to Asia and Europe will be heartwarming for fans of Iranian football.

Then, after leading their qualifying group for most of the tournament, Iran blew up in the run-in, emotion and nerves overcoming their footballing talents to send them into a play-off with Japan as runners-up in their group behind Saudi Arabia.

A loss in Johor Bahru the capital of Malaysia's southern state of Johore in one of the most thrilling matches in the history of the Asian game saw Japan reach their first-ever World Cup finals while Badu Vieira's Iran side were left to face what was seen as the insurmountable task of beating Terry Venables' Australian side.

A 1-1 draw in Tehran was the opening gambit in a tie that was to end in the most thrilling of finales.

"With the away goal, the Australians were overwhelming favorites in the second match and the 85,000-capacity stadium, scene of many momentous Australian sporting occasions, was packed to the rafters," AFC said.

In the opening minutes it appeared that victory over Iran and qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 would be another of those achievements attained at Australia's most famous sporting venue.

Venables' side dominated but were unable to make their superiority count until Kewell finally struck 13 minutes before the end of the first half.

It was 2-0 three minutes after the restart as Aurelio Vidmar doubled the advantage and Australia looked sure to be on their way to France 98.

"Then the game took the first of several bizarre twists when the match was stopped for eight minutes when a fan ran onto the field and tore down the net in the Iranian goal," AFC said, adding that as referee Sandor Puhl and his assistant's repaired the damage, the Aussies lost their momentum.

Soon Iran were pushing forward, Khodadad Azizi forcing his way down the right before cutting back to Karim Bagheri, who halved the deficit from close range with 15 minutes to go.

Still it seemed like nothing more than a consolation as Australia continued to control the game. Five minutes later, though, it proved to be the first of two nails in Australia's World Cup coffin.

AFC said Ali Daei's turn and flick forward found Azizi behind the home defense and racing in on Mark Bosnich.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper was helpless as the former Pirouzi striker stroked his right-footed shot around him and into the far corner of the goal.

"The stadium went deathly silent, save for a small band of boisterous Iranian fans," AFC noted.

Do Miroslav Balzevic's side have a similar conclusion in store this year?, AFC asked.

Iran meets Ireland in the first leg at Lansdowne Road on Saturday, with the return in Tehran on November 15. The winners qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals, which start in Japan and South Korea on May 31.