|
wtf?? lol ..
| quote: |
WORLD CUP 2006
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Iran stretch lead amid violent scenes
North Korea 0-2 Iran
SEOUL, March 30 (Reuters) - Iran beat North Korea 2-0 in Pyongyang on Wednesday in a match that ended in violent scenes to take the outright lead in their World Cup qualifying group.
The match officials were unable to leave the pitch for 20 minutes after the game as furious North Korea fans hurled bottles, rocks and chairs in frustration.
North Korean soldiers and police were forced to step in to restore order at Kim Il-sung Stadium after defender Nam Song-chol was sent off for shoving Syrian referee Mohamed Kousa.
The violence spilled over outside the stadium where thousands of angry North Korea supporters prevented Iran's players from boarding the team bus.
Riot police finally pushed back the crowd far enough for Iran's squad to depart two hours after the end of the game.
'The atmosphere on the pitch and outside the pitch was not a sports atmosphere,' said Iran's Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.
'It is very disappointing when you feel your life is not safe. My players tried to get to the bus after the game but it was not possible -- it was a very dangerous situation.'
A deflected free kick from Mehdi Mahdavikia in the 33rd minute and a Javad Nekounam goal 10 minutes from time gave Iran seven points from three games in the final round of Asian 2006 qualifiers.
Tempers flared towards the end of the Group B match as Nam was dismissed for pushing Kousa after he had denied the defender a penalty.
The game was held up for five minutes following Nam's dismissal as bottles rained down onto the stadium's running track.
As trouble re-ignited at the final whistle, security forces were mobilised and stadium announcements warned the crowd of 60,000 to be calm.
The result left North Korea's hopes of qualifying for their second World Cup in tatters after their third consecutive defeat.
Bahrain can join Iran on seven points if they beat Japan in Saitama later on Wednesday.
North Korea were unlucky to lose their opening game 2-1 in Japan and they threatened to file a formal complaint to FIFA over the refereeing during last week's 2-1 home defeat by Bahrain.
North Korea have achieved little success since their shock quarter-final appearance at the 1966 World Cup in England.
However, the country's communist government has lavished cash, modern housing and luxury cars on the players as incentives to reach the 2006 finals.
The top two teams from each Asian group of four advances automatically to next year's World Cup in Germany.
|
source:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=176342&cc=5901
___________________
Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow
|
... its a shame since inters the team i want to lift the trophy now that Man U and madrid are out..
