North Korea suffers World Cup setback

PYONGYANG - North Korean aspirations of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals suffered a set-back Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by Iran in an Asian Group 2 match played here.

Although the North Koreans managed to pull level at the top of the group with South Korea who are also on 11 points, North Korea has played two games more and has just an away fixture at third-placed Saudi Arabia remaining.

South Korea could move three points clear later Saturday with a victory at the United Arab Emirates.

The home side dominated most of the game, but Iranian goalkeeper Seyed Rahmati pulled off a number of spectacular saves to deny Hong Yong-Jo and Pak Nam-Chol.

The draw keep Iran in the hunt for one of the top three places in fourth place on seven points.

The top two teams from both groups qualify automatically for next year’s finals in South Africa, while the third-placed teams play-off against each other, with the winner of that tie facing New Zealand in a play-off for a place at the finals.