DOHA, Qatar — Iran clinched a place in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup by beating North Korea 1-0 Saturday with a second-half goal from Karim Ansari.
The striker converted a cross from midfielder Pejman Nouri in the 62nd minute.
"It's a fantastic achievement to qualify for the quarterfinals in our group that was a group of death in this tournament," Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi said. "I am very proud of our players."
North Korea dominated possession for most of the first half and kept the attack-minded Iran on the defensive. Its best chance coming from striker Jong Tae Se's free kick in the 16th. But Iran regrouped and had two chances to take the lead before Ansari netted the goal.
North Korea captain Hong Yong Jo nearly tied it in injury time, but the shot hit the crossbar.
Iran leads Group D with six points after two games. North Korea and the United Arab Emirates each have one point and Iraq, the defending champion, has none.
North Korea held the United Arab Emirates to a 0-0 draw in its opening Group D match.
"We are sorry to lose chances to score in the past," North Korea coach Jo Tong Sop. "The next match (against Iraq) is very critical and we will do our best to win and advance to the next round."