They’re not having it easy on their way to the World Cup finals. Last week it was home in Tehran, now it’s away to North Korea in Pyongyang (via NK Zone):
Iran have beaten North Korea 2-0 in Pyongyang in a match that ended in violent scenes to take the outright lead in their World Cup qualifying group.
The match officials were unable to leave the pitch for 20 minutes after the game on Wednesday as furious North Korea fans hurled bottles, rocks and chairs in frustration.
North Korean soldiers and police were forced to step in to restore order at Kim Il-sung Stadium after defender Nam Song-chol was sent off for shoving Syrian referee Mohamed Kousa.
The violence spilled over outside the stadium where thousands of angry North Korea supporters prevented Iran’s players from boarding the team bus.
Riot police finally pushed back the crowd far enough for Iran’s squad to depart two hours after the end of the game.
“The atmosphere on the pitch and outside the pitch was not a sports atmosphere,” said Iran’s Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic.
“It is very disappointing when you feel your life is not safe. My players tried to get to the bus after the game but it was not possible — it was a very dangerous situation.”
Mick Hartley 
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