China's Shao Jiayi (C) celebrates with Zhang Yaokun (L) and Sun Jihai after scoring the first goal against Iran during their 2007 AFC Asian Cup soccer tournament Group C match in Kuala Lumpur July 15, 2007. China draws Iran 2-2. [Reuters]KUAL LUMPUR -- Three-time Asian Cup champion Iran rallied from a two-goal deficit Sunday to draw 2-2 with China and move into a strong position to qualify for the Asian Cup quarterfinals. The result left both teams on four points after two games, but Iran has a far easier assignment in the last round of Group C games against struggling hosts Malaysia, while China will take on Uzbekistan.

China took the lead in the seventh minute via a Shao Jiayi freekick that Iranian keeper Hassan Roudbarian appeared a little late to react to, and managed only to deflect it into the net.

The Chinese doubled the lead in the 33rd minute through unmarked Mao Jianqing, with his shot beating Roudbarian at the near post, again raising questions about the goalkeeper's positioning.

Iran gave itself a much-needed lifeline just before halftime when Ferydoon Zandi rocketed home a perfectly-placed long-range freekick.

After the break the match was transformed, with Iran pushing hard in a high-tempo affair permitted by the marginally cooler conditions and rain at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

China held out well against the tide until the 74th minute when substitute Javed Nekounam rose to meet a cross from the right and headed home an accurate and powerful header.

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