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AP - Captain Javad Nekounam scored twice as Iran defeated Indonesia 3-0 at home on Friday in their opening match of third-round Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

Iran was the dominant side in the first half but failed to score, thanks to Indonesia's determined defense and good saves by goalkeeper Marcos. Indonesia relied on sporadic counter-attacks.

Osasuna midfielder Nekounam opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a header and headed in again in the 73rd.

Substitute Andranik Teimourian scored Iran's third goal with a volley from outside the box to give the favorites a deserved victory in front of a crowd of about 70,000 in Tehran's 100,000-capacity Azadi Stadium.

Bahrain and Qatar are the other two teams in Group E. Iran will take on Qatar in Doha on Sept. 6 while Indonesia will host Bahrain in the same group.



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