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RIYADH, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Javad Nekounam scored with a late header to earn Iran a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia in Asian World Cup qualifying on Saturday.
The Osasuna midfielder seized on a flicked header from Masoud Shojaei eight minutes from time, nodding home from close range to give Iran a share of second place in Group Two.
The Saudis, chasing a place at their fifth successive World Cup finals, had the best of the chances and went ahead in the 29th minute when Saad al-Harthi blasted a shot into the top left corner.
Three-times Asian champions Iran reached the 1998 and 2006 finals but failed to get past the first round.
North Korea lead the group after beating United Arab Emirates 2-1 in Abu Dhabi.
