Karim Ansari hit the winner two minutes past the hour mark when he beat his marker to volley home a Pejman Nouri precise cross from close range.

Iran, who beat defending champions Iraq 2-1 in their Asian Cup opener, went through upon topping Group D with six points.

UAE, who clash with Iraq later in the day, lie second with one point while third-placed North Korea are third with as many points.

Iraq are languishing at the bottom of the group with no points.

The match's goal