Substitute Mohammad Nouri scored the only goal of the game as Iran stepped up their preparations for next month's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia with victory over Azerbaijan on Wednesday.

Second-half substitute Nouri netted with just eight minutes remaining to secure the win at the Azadi Stadium.

Ali Daei's side will continue their preparations with a training camp in Kish before heading to Jeddah for their opening World Cup qualifier against fellow 2006 finalists Saudi Arabia on September 6 at the King Fahad International Stadium.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have also been drawn in Group B alongside North and South Korea and United Arab Emirates, with only the top two guaranteed of securing a trip to South Africa in 2010.