Abu Dhabi, Jan 12 (IANS): Iran defeated Vietnam 2-0 in their second 2019 AFC Asian Cup Group D contest held at the Al Nahyan Stadium in the United Arab Emirates capital here on Saturday.

With its second group stage victory, Iran holds the group's top spot with six points, securing its berth in the knockout stage, reports Efe news.

Forward Sardar Azmoun opened the scoring for Iran in the 38th minute with a close-range header, sending the ball to the bottom left corner of the goal off a cross by teammate Saman Ghoddos.

After the break, Azmoun found Vietnam's net again six minutes after the hour-mark on a left-footed shot from the centre of the box off an assist by Mahdi Torabi.

With its second defeat, Vietnam holds the third and second-to-last spot in the table with no points in their pocket, on goal difference ahead of last-placed Yemen who had conceded a 5-0 defeat against Iran in their first encounter.

Later in the day, Yemen is set to take on second-placed Iraq, who have three points in their pocket after topping Vietnam 3-2 in their first duel.