Iran U23 Olympics team playing an attacking formation managed to dispense the
Uzbek team by a score of 3-1. The first match played by Iran after Maldives
withdrew from the first stage match was a great success for the young team under
the management of Mohammed Mayeli-Kohan the ex-national team coach.


The first half ended scoreless as Iran maintained the momentum and tested the
hosts discovering their shortcomings. Most the the half was controlled by Iran
with one touch football while stretching the Uzbeks defenses.

On the second half, however, and after discovering the holes in the opposition
team , Iran managed to display some fine football and finishing. Both Navidkia
and Mobali in addition to Madanchi fully controlled the midfield and stamped
their authority on the game. The constant pressure resulted in three goals, Arash
Borhani , the young exciting forward managed to score 2 goals in a stormy 4
minutes period.
in 62nd minute , Borhani robbed the ball from the Uzbek defender with ease and
entered the penalty box and hit an immaculate ball to score the first goal.

4 minutes later Borhani scored again while the Uzbeks while hastily trying to
score an equalizer, the two goal margin did not seem to be enough for Iran and
they continued their blitz against the stubborn Uzbek and eventually the brilliant
Mobali with a solo effort dribbling two defenders and another spectacular shoot
managed to score the third goal to seal it for Iran.

Iran eased up after that goal allowing the Uzbek to score a consolation goal ,
however that was the end of the Uzbeks adventure and facing a mountain to climb
in the return game on Wednesday the 7th.

It was an exciting and brilliant start for Iran which augurs well for their
qualification for Athens Olympic next year.