An incredible miss 11 minutes from time by Kiatisuk Senamuang allowed Iran to hold on to their 1-0 lead and take the three points from their clash with Thailand in Group A of Asia's World Cup qualifying tournament.

The Singapore-based striker fired over the empty goal from six yards out with Iranian goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour beaten after he mishandled a low cross by substitute Sutee Suksomkit in the 79th minute.

The Thais had been second best for much of the game but pushed forward in the latter stages looking for the equaliser after Ali Vahedi Nikbahkt had given Iran the lead in the 32nd minute.

That goal was long overdue for Miroslav Blazevic's team, who had dominated the game.

It was thanks to the magic of Ali Karimi that the Iranians were able to overrun the Thais throughout the first 45 minutes. It was one of his mesmerising runs that set up Vahedi for the game winner, the former Pirouzi man drawing three Thai defenders with him before back heeling to Vahedi, who curled the ball home from 12 yards out.

Seven minutes later Iran should have put the game beyond doubt but first Ali Daei, celebrating his 100th cap, and Ali Samereh hit the woodwork with long-range efforts within a minute of each other.

Iran slowed the pace of the game down in the second half but they were still in control and, midway through the half, Mehrdad Minavand saw his effort well saved by Kittisak Rawangpa in the Thai goal, the keeper using his legs to good effect to deny the World Cup veteran.

With a string of missed chances threatening to haunt Iran, Peter Withe's team pushed forward looking for the equaliser. But it was not until Kiatisuk's glaring miss that they penetrated the Iranian backline.

Then, with two minutes of normal time remaining, substitute Sirous DinMohammadi should have put the result beyond all doubt but his close range effort hit the goalkeeper.