Ivankovic, the Croatian who replaced compatriot Miroslav Blazevic at the end of last month, saw his team concede as early as the fifth minute, when Lubos Reyter headed home.

The home fans were given something to celebrate by Ali Karimi 14 minutes later, as the striker evaded challenges and rounded the visitors' keeper to equalise.

But Slovakia kept the pressure on the Iranian defence, and were rewarded with Reyter's second in the 26th minute.

Both sides adopted a more cautious approach after the break, but it was Slovakia who extended their lead through Marek Mintal in the 67th minute.