3.45pm: Hello and welcome to live coverage of what promises to be a feisty encounter with plenty of history to it. Yes, it's the Shatt Al Arab River Derby between Iraq and Iran in Group D of the Asian Cup, a group that also includes North Korea. A group they're already calling the Group of Death - with some justification too. Iraq are the Asian champions. Iran are a regional superpower. And North Korea are North Korea.

These are, of course, two nations with so much more in common than simply the letters "Ira", mainly their long shared cultural history. If no one's mentioning the 1980-88 war this is because happily relations have warmed up considerably since the fall of Sadam Hussain.

There is still plenty of feeling when it comes to sport and this is a massive game for both teams.

Here's what Iran's general manager, Waleed Tabra, had to say about this fixture:

"Iran and Iraq are friendly neighbours. We have a shared border, a deep history and relationship that goes back centuries. "But football is something different, it's competitive. We are playing to win, they are playing to win. It has nothing to do with what happened in the 1980s."

Quite right. Synth-pop, large mobile phones, Wham! Let it go. What's that? Oh.

I should say at this point that in the spirit of common global citizenry it is often best to come to these kind of clashes free of baggage, preconceptions and in-depth knowledge of the subject. With this in mind, and in the spirit of clean slates and fresh starts, I promise to appear not to know too much about the players involved in the course of this commentary. I think it's for the best.

3.52pm: No teams as yet, but I'll be pasting them in as soon as we get something. I'd imagine Iran will be heavily staffed by Zob, currently the Iranian league leaders. I can also reveal that Iran's nickname is "Team Melli". This mean's "the national team" in Persian.

3.58pm: I should mention that this game is coming to you live from the home of football: Qatar. In the day's early game the UAE and North Korea drew 0-0. In front of three thousand fans. Oh yes.

4.06pm: Here are the teams:

Iraq Kassid, Shaker, Erhaima, Saeed, Akram, Mohammed, Muneer, Kareem, Mohammed, Mahmood, Abdulzehra

Iran Rahmati, Nosrati, Hosseini, Haji Safi, Aghili, Rezaei, Nekounam, Teymourian, Mobali, Shojaei, Gholami

4.07pm: Hmmm. Teymourian, of course, we remember from his days as a goalscoring midfielder at Bolton.

4.08pm: The players are out. Time for the anthems, greeted by a respectful-ish semi-hush. Looks like a big improvement on the numbers from the last match, although that's frankly not saying much. In fact they're all crowded into one section of seating to give a brief illusion of wild cheering hordes. Oh well.

Mahmood is the man to watch in the Iraq team. Very much a talismanic figure. Started out in the Iraqi third division with Al Dibs. Now plays in Qatar, the home of football.

Declan Johnson expresses entirely his own views via email: "With Iran, Iraq, North Korea and Syria in the Asian Cup this year, comprimising 2/3 of the Axis of Evil™, is this the most anti-democratic footballing tournament ever..? World Cup 1934 in Fascist Italy with Nazi Germany, Franco's Spain and the dictator Vargas' Brazil must be up there too..." Are we still saying Western democracy is the answer to everything? It'd easy to lose track.

1 min Iran kick off and there's an immediate attack down the Iranian left-wing (never their most powerful feature) that ends up with the left-sided midfielder hurtling in an enormous long throw that the keeper Kassid just about catches. Bright start from Team Melli against the other team melli.

4 mins It's cagey stuff so far and being played mostly at walking pace. although, hang on there's a lovely Iraqi move, a lovely little flick through from Mohammed to Mahmood, he takes the ball down beautifully and hits a hard low shot that Rahmati saves with his legs. Top keeping, but a lovely flowing move from the champions. Mahmood looks very sharp.

7 mins Iraq are managed by Wolfgang Sidka, who looks a bit like a teutonic Sammy Lee with a better haircut and a blazer. He's up pointing at things as Iran have started to dominate possession. A couple of high hopeful set pieces but Iraq are quite tasty in the air at the back. Amir Adhamy also has some of his own views: "Dear Barney, Please let's not adhere to the notion of fascism as something being diametrically opposed to our own very enlightened Western rationale. One could argue that any international tournament that consists of the security council members and NATO allies- merits being construed as a similarly, if largely more successful, fascistic conglomeration of football nations."

8 mins Tell you what? Let's not talk about fascism any more. Instead let's tlak about another incredibly long throw from Iran's Safi, who hurls a Delap-style javelin at the Iraq goalmouth. Once again it's headed away but impressive depth from the young man. I thought this kind of thing only went on in the Premier League. Good to see the message is spreading.

11 mins Again nice build up from Iraq, who look a little more silky on the ball. Robin Hazlehurst has the goods on Al Dibs: "You mention the Iraqi third division team Al Dibs, can I hazard that they are a group of slightly dyslexic improvisers? Which sounds interesting to watch, even if their chalkboards would be a bit of a mess."

11 mins GOAL! Iraq 1-0 Iran. Mahmood scores with a tap in from ten inches after a lovely header back across the six yard box by Raza. Iran's defence looked all at sea as Iran lumped in a big diagonal that keeper cold only wave past. Huge moment in this derby game and Iraq have deserved the lead.

14 mins What have Iran got in their locker? Have to say so far they look very disappointing, a mix of long throws and upfield hoofs. You expect more from the Persian giants. they can't cope with the Iraqi pressing game at the moment. Perhaps they could bring on Reza Norozi, who is described as "lacking in speed and technique" in the official tournament guide. He does have "accuracy" however.

17 mins That was Mahmood's 34th international goal by the way. And Iraq are totally bossing this in midfield, some really lovely passing from right to left and Iran are barely on the pitch right now. Lovely skill from Akram there, beats three men outside his own area and calmly plays the ball away. Gholami has a shot from distance that flies over. Josh Reynolds writes: "Official tournament guide. Where can I see this online? Is it even available online?" In my experience the best way to get hold of a copy is for Paul Doyle to find it online and then very kindly print out a copy for you.

22 mins A first proper chance for Iran as Iraq fail to deal with a punted cross from deep and Gholami heads straight at the keeper who spills it then gathers and does some aggressive pointing as if trying top convey the impression that this was somehow someone else's fault. Stirrings from the Iranians.

25 mins Rezai on the Iranian right-wing looks like a tricky customer. Apparently he endured "a frustrating 2009". He's taking it out on the Iraq right back here as he nibbles his way infield and then wins a corner. It's cleared and Iraq continue to look the better team. There's a gulf between these two teams right now.

28 mins Another long throw from the left, and they're actually getting worse. That one saw everyone crowding into the far corner of the area and the ball not getting within 15 yards of them as it pootled out into a skidder. Safi has a shot from 35 yards that trickles embarrassingly. Iran have run out of ideas and they look very sluggish. Iran indeed. Past tense.

32 mins That's a bit better form the Iranians, with Teymourian showing some attacking craft in the insdie left channel. He's lucky not to win a free-kick just outside the box. And Ian Goulding knows his Norozi: "Reza Norozi is having a decent time of it in 2010-11 (according to his Wikipedia page at any rate). 12 goals in 11 league outings so far this term. Accuracy indeed." Sigh. If only he had "speed and technique" too.

35 mins Teymourian wumps a hopeful shot miles over the bar from 20 yards, but at least he's showing a bit of thrust. Iran seem to have found an alternative source of energy from somewhere.

38 mins Oh I say, some comedy defending as Mobali whips in a free kick and one Iraq defender heads the ball on to another, starting a brief interlude of pinball football inside the Iraqi box, concluded by another shot thrashed mightily over the bar. A Qatari-based version of 22 hung-over plasterers falling over in a hail storm on Hackney Marshes there.

42 mins GOAL! Iraq 1-1 Iran . A lovely finish from Rezaei, running on to Teymoruian's flipped through pass, waiting an age and then hitting it low and hard past Kassid and into the corner.

44 mins A whiff of offside about that goal but Iran played to the whistle and they'll be dancing in the streets of Tehran. If that's, you know, OK.

45 mins Lovely effort from distance almost catches Rahmati off his line and nice to see Iraq battling back. Ahem. In so many senses. Ian Burch notes: "An international match where both teams are pressing each other, lumping it up the pitch and running around in a clueless fashion. Thank goodness they're reviving the Home Internationals."

45+1 mins HALF TIME Iraq 1-1 Iran. The half ends with Iran on the attack again and they definitely crept back into this. Iraq look the sleeker of the two teams and have more individual skill on the ball, but you just get the feeling Iran with their greater organisation and strength might just England-one-in from here.

Amir Adhamy writes: "I'm actually in an office of Iranians at the moment... None of whom are following the game, or at all interested.." They might know something.

Paul Szabo wonders: "Not to belabor the point, but re your statement (41) that 'these teams would struggle to score in the CAN', can you tell us how these teams would stack up against England 2010?"

Probably by having a horrible, disjointed match that (at Wembley) would finish 2-0 to England with two goals from corners, and in Qatar would end up 0-0 with England's players all looking sweat-soaked and knackered after about 70 minutes.

Adam Timmins writes: "My girlfriend is Iranian, and has been taking the piss out of WBA's losing streak for several weeks now, so I'm hoping Iraq give them a thumping in order to shut her up for a bit!" A wonderful image of domestic harmony. Lovely how football brings people together.

Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi will probably be the happier of the two right now. Iraq had a chance to kill this one off, but Iran are resurgent. Resurgent mainly with long throws and plenty of hoofed passes, but still resurgent. The teams are out again.

Nash Fayyad writes: "I'm an Iraqi fan, and I am stuck in the office in Slough, wishing the boys from Mespotamia can do it, and send the iranians back to Persia on their magic carpets." Er. I;'m assuming it's kind of OK to say that.

46 mins Iraq kick us off again and that's sensational wing play from Mohammed, who steps inside his full back after dropping his shoulder Stanley Matthews-style and then sees a low driven cross hacked clear. Bright stuff from the embattled Mesopotamians.

48 mins Oh dear, Saeed wastes an excellent chance at the back post after a whipped corner is flicked on expertly by a set of Iraqi "eyebrows" at the near post. He wnet to volley it spectacularly into the net with a kind of flying chest-high kung-fu volley, but shinned it wide.

51 mins Iran have a corner, nicely thumped in from the left by Mobali and it's headed just over by the leaping Safi in the middle. Kim Jong-Un writes: "Any word on the chump who missed the penalty for us Best Koreans, Hong Yong-Jo? My dad wants to know..." I have no word as yet on that chump.

54 mins Shojaei of Osasuna, increaingly influential here, has another go with a deep set piece but it ends up being volleyed horribly wide from 45 yards by Aghili. Shojaei looks a decent player. Iran are dominating right now. After that early moment no great sheikhs from Iraq so far this half.

57 mins Iraq are just playing Mahmood up front right now, with a five man midfield trying to swamp the Iranian pressure but it's not really giving them anywhere to go when they get the ball. Khalatbari is warming up for Iran. According to the guide "things usually happen when he's on the pitch". There's no mention of what kind of things.

60 mins Iraq look devoid of vim on the ball so far this half and it's all one way from the Persian juggernaut. Mahmood could be in trouble here, he's being called across by the ref, but looking at the replay it's nothing much just a bit of flailing arms and some ineffectual pushing. Not much in the way of bite in this match so far. It has all been quite well-mannered and non-furious. Which is obviously a good thing.

63 mins Hmm. I have to say, it's a good job Qatar's got 11 years to build stadiums, develop infrastructure, summon an entire footballing culture from scratch, pay people to pretend to be fans etc. Because if this is a taster for the World Cup it's going to be whatever the exact opposite of an enthralling hotbed of footballing fury is. Probably something like this, in fact. You can hear individual shouts from the crowd. It's worryingly tinny and high pitched. No one's singing anything. This is one of the bigger games.

66 mins This game is going through a lull. No doubt before its inevitable furious crescendo. Khalatbari has just come on for Shojaei for Iran, and as we know he tends to emerge as "an impact substitute down the flanks".

69 mins Mohammed, who's got great wheels, sprints away down the left wing and puts in a low cross towards Mahmood pounding in on goal, but the big man just can't make contact and the chance is gone. That was Iraq's best moment of the half. Jonah Gadsby writes: "In reply to your comments in the 63th minute, At least it will be the most overhyped world cup ever." Or perhaps the most invisible and underwhelming. But we shall see.

73 mins This game is beginning to atrophy. It's sinking into a kind of shapeless ooze. Bubbles are emerging from its slack lips. It's eyelids are drooping. It can hear distant muffled voices and a strange white light has appeared behind its eyes.

77 mins The official crowd is 10,478, but it looks a lot less. I doubt the accuracy of that figure. Iran have a one-man break-out towards goal but Mobali is crowded out. More long hoofed passes. It's like watching the old first division in 1988.

80 mins Iraq are taking Mohammed off and bringing on Saeed, so both twins on the pitch for them. Will it make any difference? I hope so. Next goal wins it, but the way this is going the next goal might be up to nine hours away. Simon Robinson writes: "I am watching this in Brazil where I am living right now. I am still learning Portuguese, but the two Brazilian commentators are really doing well with their enthusiastic commentary, especially when the ball gets near the goals : )" Yes, those bits are the best. If only there were more of them. A bit odd this is on the TV in Brazil, but they do like their football.

83 mins GOAL! Iraq 1-2 Iran And that is surely it. Saeed's first act is to give away a free kick wide on the Iran left. Mobali swings it in, various heads and feet attempt to make contact and the ball runs right across the face of goal, doesn't take a touch and leaves the keeper with no chance. Someone should have cleared that. Good delivery though and Iran have come from behind to lead. Great scenes at the Qatar Sports Club. Kind of.

87 mins Iran are still coming forward. They have dominated this second half, albeit in a fairly uneventful way. On lack of buzz Rohit Negi writes: "Last night India played Australia and the stadium was packed with the supporters of the former, and lots of noise (at least until the Aussies killed it off with the third goal). India isn't about to qualify for a World Cup in a hundred years, but maybe they should be given a 'wildcard', just to get some energy flowing." Ha. India has got the IPL for that. The IPL - where India wins the World Cup every year!

89 mins It's an Iranian procession now. Kassid makes a good save from a header from a corner. Iraq have run out of gas.

90 mins It's still all Iran. Iraq look frazzled. Simeon Kerr writes: "If either iraq or iran qualify for 2022, their level of support will depend on many rumsfeldian "known unknowns": will Iraq be a prosperous nation or fragmented entity? Either way, i would imagine Doha would at least try to minimise the travel barriers facing their legions of faithful fans. The asian cup, in current circumstances, is not a test run for what may happen at the world cup." It is a test of whether football exists there in any meaningful sense. On this basis the answer is "meh".

90+3 mins FULL TIME Iraq 1-2 Iran. The Iranian fans in the stand go wild. The players gather in a victory line to perform a very sporting team handshake and on the whole Iran deserved it. Iraq started well but faded terribly. Not much of a game, but then derbies are often like that.

That's all from me. Thanks for your emails. Good bye.