Iran defeated Japan 2-1 in crucial World Cup Qualifier on Friday March 25 in Tehran's Azadi stadium.

photo: ISNA

Iran's Bayern reserve forward Vahid Hashemian scored Iran's and the game's first goal on a fine pass by Mehdi Mahdavi-Kia, Iran's other Bundeslega star, on the 27th minute in the first half.

Hashemian also scored the second goal for Iran in the 75th minute of the second half. The goal was gained on a pass by the Asian player of the year 2004 Ali Karimi.

Japan scored its goal on the 65th minute by Takashi Fukuhuchi.