TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran scored three times in the opening 34 minutes Wednesday to beat Costa Rica 3-2 in a World Cup warmup at Tehran's Azadi stadium.
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Iran dominated the first half in front of 25,000 spectators and Ali Karimi opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Veteran captain Ali Daei scored from close range in 16th and Vahid Hashemian made it 3-0 18 minutes later.
Costa Rica midfielder Carlos Hernandez got a goal back a minute before halftime and his team put Iran under constant pressure after the break. Defender Danny Fonseca scored in the 60th but Costa Rica was unable to convert several chances late in the match.
Both nations will be at the June 9-July 9 World Cup.
In an exhibition warmup to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Iran defeated Costa Rica in Tehran's Azadi Stadium. Iran built up a 3 goal lead in the first 34 minutes and never looked back.  The final score was '''Iran 3, Costa Rica 2'''.

Ali Karimi began by scoring in the 10th minute, Ali Daei in the 16th, and Vahid Hashemian in the 34th.  For Costa Rica Carlos Hernandez scored in the 44th minute just before half-time, and Danny Fonseca scored in the 60th, but the visitors were unable to score again to tie the match.

This June, both teams will be in Germany to compete in the finals of the FIFA World Cup. Costa Rica have been drawn in Group A, while Iran are in Group D.