Abu Dhabi
teammelli.com reports
Team Melli ensured qualification to the next round with its second win in as many matches after defeating a tough Vietnamese team 2 – 0. Both of goals were scored by the prolific Azmoun .
The match held in Al Neheyan Stadium in presence of a sizable crowd of 10,841 Vietnamese and Iranian fans in a gorgeous atmosphere and perfect weather. Both sets of fans start cheering from the beginning to the end.
As expected , Team Melli was in full control of the match leaving very little for the opposition who were obviously depending on long balls to penetrate the solid Iranian defense. The pacey Vietnamese forwards., however failed to create any scoring chances.
The midfield trio consisting of Dejagah, Ghoddos &, Ebrahimi manged to spread the game and have a tight grip on midfield. They also opened up Vietnam defenses with their through balls.
In 25th minute Azmoun lashed a powerful shot Dang Van Lam in Vietnam goal with a good reflex parried to corner.
The first goal was scored by Sardar Azmoun header from a perfect cross by Saman Ghoddos after the Amiens player was nicely set by Vouria Ghafoori pass on the right flank.
Taremi, Dejagah and Ghoddos all has shots at goal in 1at half.
The half finished 1 -0 but Azmoun himself could have easily scored a hat trick.
In the second half, with a close score, Vietnam played more offensively looking to get back into the game. Their effort was nearly rewarded but for Alireza Biranvand’s timely interception of Nguyen Cong Phuong on the 51st minute.
That Vietnam attack was the first real offensive move of the 2nd half. However, Team Melli’s response was swift. The next move saw Azmoun creating a space to shoot, he did that with some venom. Vietnam keeper again deflected the ball in the path of Taremi , but the Al Gharafah forward rebound shot flew skyward.
On the hour, Queiroz made two substitutions, Ahmad Noorallahi replaced Amiri and Mehdi Torabi came in for Taremi.
Torabi’s impact was immediate. It took him 5 minutes to create a chance for Azmoun. After receiving Torabi’s pass, the Rubin Kazan forward created space and with clinical finishing he shot into the far corner of on Vietnam goal. 2 – 0 for Iran.
Saman Ghoddos was a true fighter in this match and was one if the stars of the match with his assist. Torabi is a breath of fresh air with pace, agility and finesse. He also had an assist as a second half substitute. Kanani-zadegan played very well in the center of the defence.
Overall it was a solid performance by Queiroz players.