Saudi Arabia held on to first place in Group A of Asian qualifying for the 2002 World Cup by tying Iran 2-2 Friday.

Elsewhere, Iraq beat Bahrain 1-0, and Qatar tied Uzbekistan 2-2.

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sirous Dinmuhammadi scored with six minutes left to lift Iran into the tie. Ali Daei's header two minutes before halftime produced Iran's other goal.

Abdullah al-Shahrani made a penalty kick in the first half, and substitute Hasan al-Yami scored in the 59th minute for Saudi Arabia (3-1-2), which qualified for the last two World Cups.

Iran (2-0-3) is in second place in Group A.

In Baghdad, Iraq, Emad Mohammed's goal in the 11th minute led the hosts (2-3-1), third in Group A. Bahrain dropped to 1-2-3.

In Doha, Qatar, substitute Ahmed Khalifa scored with two minutes remaining as Qatar (2-1-3) stayed in second place in Group B behind China (4-0-1).

Uzbekistan (2-3-1) is in third place.

The two Asian group winners qualify for next year's World Cup. The runners-up go to a playoff, with the winner facing a European team for another spot in the tournament.