North Korea is on the brink of missing the 2006 World Cup.

Iran shut out the North, 2-0, in Pyongyang's Kim Il-sung Stadium, to jeopardize the communist country's chances of qualifying for next year's soccer finals.

Mehdi Mahdavikia's free kick hit a North Korean defender's head and went into the net to give Iran the early lead in the 34th minute.

Midfielder Javad Nekounam then secured Iran's victory with a late goal in the 79th minute.

The North is now dead last in the Asian Zone's Group B with no points.