Saudi Arabia held on to first place in Group A of the final round of Asian qualifying for next year's World Cup, beating Iraq 2-1 Friday at Amman, Jordan.

Abdullah Shihan put Saudi Arabia in the first minute, but Abdul-Wahab Abul-Hail tied the score in the 32nd minute. Shinan scored again in the 40th.

Saudi Arabia (4-1-2) has 14 points, two ahead of Iran (3-0-3) and seven in front of Iraq (2-4-1).

At Tehran, Iran won 1-0 against visiting Thailand (0-2-3) on Ali Reza Vahedi Nikbakht's goal in the 32nd minute.

The two Asian group winners qualify for next year's 32-nation field in Japan and South Korea, and the second-place teams advance to playoffs. China (4-0-1) can clinch first place in Group B on Sunday with a win or a tie against visiting Oman (0-3-2).