Ireland a step closer to trip to Iran

The Republic of Ireland face a perilous journey to Iran after a shock finale to the Asian group qualifiers last night.

The Iranians blew their chance of automatic qualification to next year's World Cup Finals after they lost 3- 1 in Bahrain, allowing Saudi Arabia to leapfrog them following their 4-1 win over Thailand.

Iran, who finished the game with nine men, must go into the Asian play-off over two legs with the United Arab Emirates at the end of this month and will be strong favourites to advance.

Mick McCarthy's side face the winners of the play-off at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, on November 10 before travelling to Asia five days later.