world cup qualifying

SEOUL, June 6 (Reuters) - North Korea spurned their chance of earning an early playoff place for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa when they were held to a goalless draw with Iran on Saturday.The draw was also a blow to three-times qualifiers Iran, who needed three points and now face an uphill struggle to reach the tournament.Playing before an impassioned crowed in Pyongyang, North Korea, second in Group Two behind rivals South Korea, were outclassed in the first half by a determined Iran side.

Vahid Hashemian could have put the visitors ahead four minutes into the match when he shot on the turn and drew a good save from Ri Myong-guk.

After prolonged spells of dangerous Iranian attacks, Hashemian came close again on 40 minutes when his half-volley from eight metres after Ali Karimi's perfect cross went just wide of the post.