Struggling Iran in search of elusive victory

Bangkok : Troubled Iran may have finally put their house in order off the field, but on it things are not looking good for the three-times World Cup qualifiers.

Despite having untangled themselves from months of mess, including persistent political problems and a drawn-out coaching crisis, Iran are without a win since July and have not scored in six matches ahead of this week's World Cup qualifiers.

They travel to Kuwait tomorrow desperate for victory to make amends for a string of uninspiring performances, including a humiliating goalless draw at home to part-timers Syria in their opening Group 5 qualifier.

Now that all-time top goalscorer and former Asian player of the year Ali Daei is in charge, Iran's players can no longer complain of a lack of leadership and their impatient fans will expect nothing less than three points.

South Korea, aiming for a place at their seventh successive World Cup, take on North Korea and have drafted in three England-based players to fortify their lead at the top of Group 3.

Park Ji-sung of Manchester United, Fulham's Seol Ki-hyeon and Lee Young-pyo of Tottenham have all been called up.

Confident of reaching their fourth successive finals, Japan will field only domestic league players for their match away to Group 2 leaders Bahrain.

Asian World Cup qualifyiers:

Group 1

In Doha

Qatar v Iraq (1530)

In Kunming, China

China v Australia (0600)

Group 2

In Bangkok

Thailand v Oman (1200)

In Manama

Bahrain v Japan (1420)

Group 3

In Ashgabat

Turkmenistan v Jordan (1200)

In Shanghai

North Korea v South Korea (1100)

Group 4

In Singapore

Singapore v Lebanon (1130)

In Tashkent

Uzbekistan v Saudi Arabia (1100)

Group 5

In Damascus

Syria v UAE (1130)

In Kuwait City

Kuwait v Iran (1245)