Talks between Iran and a group of six nations over fears that Tehran’s nuclear programme might be used to make weapons appeared to run into trouble shortly after they began.

The Republic of Ireland qualified for their first World Cup finals since USA in 1994 despite losing 1-0 to Iran at a hostile Azadi Stadium in Tehran.

The Republic of Ireland will play Iran in the tie to decide who goes to the World Cup Finals next year in Japan and South Korea.