A goal by Sardar Azmoun in the 25th minute of the first half was enough for Team Melli to seal the three points and maintain the lead in the Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
In a packed Azadi stadium , Queiroz once again started the match with a different line up from the previous game against Uzbekistan. Azmoun and Dejagah both returned to the line up while Shojaei who performed immaculately in Tashkent was benched. Not that this change had any adverse effect in the style and game plan as Team Melli continued their fine form picking up where they left off in Tashkent.
Early periods saw several chances for Team Melli. Alireza Jahanbakhsh was guilty of missing a couple of good chances until the 25th minute. Ramin Rezaeian, so solid in the last couple of matches after a slow start to the qualifiers, took the ball past the Korean markers on the left before sending a nicely weighted ground ball to the centre where Azmoun was running alongside his marker. Azmoun cleverly deflected the ball into the far corner where the Korean keeper was over stretched but unable to prevent the goal.
After the goal , Iran was more focused on controlling the ball and exchanging passes. They were excellent on all fronts. The match continued on the same rhythm all the way with the Koreans unable to threaten Biranvand and completely overwhelmed by the tight Iranian defence. The Korean frustration showed in the number of fouls committed in the match.
Ashkan Dejagah was masterful in the midfield as he was leading by example. Dejagah with his skills. ball control and ball distribution made the difference for Iran. Saeid Ezatolahie is improving with every match and his supporting role to Dejagah completed an almost perfect performance for Iran’s midfield.
It must be disappointing for Uli Stielike to witness his players hardly creating a single scoring chance in the match . It is even more worrying for the German when his star-studded team with many playing in Europe looked nothing better than an ordinary Asian team that no one seems to fear anymore.
It is no secret that SON Heung min cares more for his Tottenham career than playing for his country and this match showed that the most expensive and most glamorous Asian player needs really to step up his performance and show his worth if he cares about glory for his nation.
Iran now leads the table going into the long break. Both the results and performance must have been quite satisfying for the fans and critics. Korea on the other hand needs to find a few answers before they find themselves out of the run in this closely fought group.
Man of the Match : ASHKAN DEJAGAH