Qatar will look to salvage its World Cup 2014 hopes when it takes on Iran in the Group stage of the qualifiers.
With only three games remaining, Qatar must win its final two matches in the tournament if it has any hopes of competing in Brazil next summer. The future 2022 hosts started their tournament with a 1-0 win over Lebanon. However, the team followed that performance with a 4-1 loss against South Korea. In the first match against Iran, Qatar managed a 0-0 draw. The team's fortunes continued to dwindle after a 1-0 loss to Uzbekistan, but another 1-0 win over Lebanon pulled them even with Iran for the third spot in the group. The team had a huge chance to run away with the third spot, but lost 2-1 to South Korea in its most recent game.
Like Qatar, Iran has seven points and will need to outlast its immediate rivals to potentially book a spot in the World Cup. Iran managed a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan to commence its tournament. After the 0-0 draw with Qatar, Iran lost 1-0 to Lebanon before defeating South Korea 1-0. A 1-0 loss against Uzbekistan killed any momentum that Iran had gained in its prior matches.
Iran has only scored two goals in this round; Khalatbari and Nekounam have been the producers of both tallies. Qatar has scored four but has conceded seven. Unlike Qatar, Iran has showcased tremendous defense and has allowed only two goals in its first five matches. More importantly, Iran has a game in hand on its rivals and could potentially sink their hopes with a victory.
After facing Iran, Qatar will have to do battle with Uzbekistan, a team they already defeated. Meanwhile, Iran would compete against Lebanon and South Korea. Based on past performances in this group stage, Iran could lose points in both games and ultimately wind up in fourth place with a loss to Qatar.
The third place team in the group must face off against the third place team from Group B. The winner of that match faces the fifth place CONMEBOL squad for a spot in the World Cup.
Both Iran and Qatar are three points behind second place South Korea and four behind Uzbekistan for first place.
Prediction: Iran wins 2-1.
Start Time: 12:30 PM EST
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