Seoul  - Iran's hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup hang in the balance after a 1-1 draw with already-qualified South Korea in an Asian Group 2 match in Seoul on Wednesday.

The draw means Iran can only hope for a play-off place and may be eliminated if Saudi Arabia and North Korea draw in a game later in the day.

Several Iran players wore green armbands in a show of support for Iranian opposition leader Mir-Hossein Moussavi.

The visitors took the lead courtesy of an own goal by Kim Dong Jin in the 51st minute but South Korea levelled through Park Ji Sung nine minutes from time.

Iran finish the campaign on 11 points, five points behind group winners South Korea, and level on 11 points with North Korea and Saudi Arabia.(dpa)