Qatar missed a chance to reach the final round of Asian qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup on Tuesday when it was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Bahrain in Group E.
Victory at Al Sadd stadium would have ensured a place in the last round for the Qataris, who now need at least a draw in their final group match against group leader Iran. Qatar is second on nine points, two behind Iran and three ahead of Bahrain. Indonesia has zero points.
Qatar had some of the best scoring opportunities and Khalfan Ibrahim, who hit a brace in its 4-0 win over Indonesia on Saturday, just missed with a blistering shot in the 75th minute.
Qatar's well-organized defense allowed Bahrain few chances at the other end.
In Beirut, Ali Al-Saadi gave Lebanon a shock 1-0 lead in the fifth minute but then conceded a penalty, converted by South Korea's Koo Ja-cheol in the 20th. Abbas Atwi restored Lebanon's lead from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark and his side held on.
Group B leader South Korea has 10 points, the same as Lebanon, which trails on goal difference after five games. Third-place Kuwait has eight points, while the UAE has zero.
An away victory at the UAE in the final round on Feb. 29 will guarantee Lebanon a place in the next round.
''First of all, this victory is for the Lebanese people,'' Lebanon coach Theo Bucker said. ''We had belief in our team. Our football was much better than anyone believed until a couple of days ago. Lots of people were laughing about me here and in Germany.''
