ã Reuters

Germany needed to draw on all their famous battling qualities as they ended Iran's World Cup dream with an unconvincing 2-0 win here at La Mosson stadium on Thursday. The three-times world champions, whose fightback in the 2-2 draw against Yugoslavia distracted from a poor first-half display, were equally out of sorts in the first 45 minutes against an enterprising Iranian side.

Germany struggled to find their rhythm against the Asians and there was little to choose between the two sides at the turnaround. But some strong words from Bertie Vogts in the dressing room sparked his team into action as goals from Olivier Bierhoff and Jurgen Klinsmann ensured Germany finished top of Group F-on goal difference from Yugoslavia.

The Germans will now return to Montpellier for a second stage clash with Mexico, but the Central Americans will have taken heart after watching the Europrean champions struggle to impose themselves on one of the tournament's weakest sides.

" It is true that we were not very good in the first half, " admitted Vogts. At half-time I had to calm the players down and in the second half I thought we played much better. " The Iranians were creating a lot of chances and so I had to reorgansise the midfield and it seemede to work, " said Vogts. "We knew Iran would be a tough game. I said long before the World Cup began but no-one believed me. Tonight I was proved right. "

Vogts clearly has problems in the middle of the pitch as Germany once again struggled to take control of the game. The German coach dumped his entire midfield from the side that went two goals down against Yugoslavia in Lens last week before veteran Lothar Matthaus came on to inspire a fightback for a 2-2 draw.

Out went Andy Moller, Christian Ziege, Jens Jeremies and Dietmar Hamann to be replaced by Matthaus, Michael Tarnat, Hassler and Jorg Heinrich. But the radical shake-up failed to work as Iran matched one of the tournament favourites chance for chance in the first half.

Udinese star Bierhoff finally calmed German nerves when he broke the deadlock five minutes after the interval with his 18th goal in 28 international appearances. Jorg Heinrich released Thomas Hassler down the right and the veteran midfielder delivered a perfect cross for Bierhoff who rose above the challenges of two Iranian defenders to head home.

Klinsmann, who was earlier booked for dissent in a frustrating first half for the Europeans, made virtually certain of Germany's passage to the second stage seven minutes later. Lothar Matthaus created the chance with a long ball over the top for Jorg Heinrich who had stormed forward to the edge of the box before heading the ball down into the path of Bierhoff.

He struck a ferocious shot but was denied a second goal when he saw the ball ricochet off the post-but only as far as Klinsmann who pounced with a header for his 46th goal in 105 matches for Germany. The goals came as a relief to the German players and fans who had been rattled by an Iranian side boosted by their historic 2-1 win over the United States.

The Asians, playing in their second World Cup, kept alive their hopes of reaching the second stage as they matched the European champions with another vibrant display. But after conceding two goals in quick succession their heads dropped while the Germans were allowed to control the pace of the game.

Coach Jalal Talebi said Iran's performance in their second ever World Cup finals will have given his country a huge boost. " Iran will benefit in many ways from what we have achieved here in France -- and not just in football terms, but in all areas of life, " said Talebi. " It has been a wonderful experience for all the players as well as for everyone back home. We leave with very positive, happy memories, " he added.

© - AFP - 1998