Iran will take a solitary goal advantage into the second leg of Asia's World Cup qualifying play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in Tehran on Thursday.

Karim Bagheri's low bouncing drive on the stroke of half-time gives Miroslav Blazevic's side the upper hand going into next Wednesday's return leg in Abu Dhabi.

But the Croatian will be furious his side did not put the tie beyond doubt as Ali Karimi missed a catalogue of chances to seal a memorable and convincing victory.

The former Pirouzi man was the focus of Iran's attack following the suspension of Ali Daei after the Hertha Berlin forward picked up his second booking against Bahrain in the 3-1 loss last week.

And while his mazy runs and tremendous ball control bamboozled the Emirates' defence, it failed to yield a goal for the Persians as they aim to qualify for their second successive World Cup finals.

After a slow opening, the game sprung to life midway through the first half when good work by Karimi allowed Mujahed Khaziravi to unleash a shot from the edge of the area that was just over Mutaz Abdulla's cross bar.

Karimi then set up Pehzman Jamshidi in the 25th minute to hammer his shot against the post while the rebound was fired over the crossbar from close range by Mehrdad Minvand.

Fahd Khalil's shot from the edge of the area that also went over the goal was the Emirates' first serious effort on goal and it served only as slight respite from the Iranian deluge.

Two minutes later Hamed Kavianpour miss-hit his shot with the goal at his mercy while, in the 29th minute, Karimi could only hit Abdulla with his shot after beating three visiting defenders.

The onslaught continued as Abdulla pulled out an excellent save to deny Khazaravi in the 31st minute and, with 10 minutes to go in the half, Karimi hit the cross bar after once again scything his way through the UAE defence.

Five minutes later it looked like it was not going to be Iran's night as Karimi again missed from close range, heading straight at Abdulla after Minavand's corner.

Finally, though, Iran did break through and it was to come from one of their most influential performers as Bagheri finally settled his side's nerves with virtually the last kick of the first half.

Once again Minavand's corner from the Iranian right caused problems, Abdulla punching the ball out as far as Bagheri, who chested the ball down before hitting a bobbling shot home to the goalkeeper's right.

It was no more than Iran deserved and, in the second, half, they had the chances to add to the tally.

Karimi again missed with several opportunities in the opening minutes while Kavianpour also went close with a volley that bounced just wide.

Fahd Masoud almost claimed an unlikely equaliser midway through the half but his powerful free-kick went over the cross bar.

But Tini Ruijs' side were no match for the Iranians and will be hoping to fare better in the second leg in Abu Dhabi next Wednesday.