TEHRAN - Iran national football team defeated China 1-0 to take another step towards confirming their participation in the finals of the FIFA World Cup in Russia 2018.

Mehdi Taremi scored the only goal of the match in 80,000-seat Azadi Stadium just seconds after the start of the second half when his low shot from eight yards out slipped under Chinese goalkeeper Zeng Cheng to give Carlos Queiroz’s side their fifth win in seven games.

The Iranians continue to lead Group A with 17 points, four more than Korea Republic in second place and five ahead of third-placed Uzbekistan.

South Korea and Uzbekistan defeated Syria and Qatar1-0 respectively in the group.

Qatar remain rooted to the bottom of the table with four points and China are fifth with one more point.

Team Melli will meet Uzbekistan on June 12 at the Azadi Stadium.