Morale boost for Belarus

Belarus 2-1 Iran

Early advantage
With 10,000 supporters watching in Minsk, the home side edged in front in the ninth minute, with midfield player Maksim Romashchenko scoring from the penalty spot. Belarus doubled their lead four minutes before half-time as defender Siarhei Shtaniuk capitalised on some uncertainty in the Iranian defence to find the net.

Late scare
The home side largely controlled the second half, but were left holding on as Pezhman Nouri pulled a goal back for Iran six minutes from time. However, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser and Belarus successfully preserved their narrow lead.

Two games to go
Belarus currently lie in fourth place in qualifying Group 3 with three points from six games, and next face the Czech Republic in Minsk on 6 September before ending with a trip to the only side below them, Moldova, four days later.