Category: News

Iran U17 hammers Hong Kong 7-1

Zarqa: Iran kicked off their bid for a place in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 with an impressive 7-1 win against Hong Kong, China in Group A of the Qualifiers on Monday.
DPR Korea secured their second win of the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Syria to lead the group on six points.

Hong Kong, China 1-7 IR Iran
Iran, the 2018 champions, quickly got into their groove and went ahead in the second minute through Omid Garachchomaghloo before Erfan Khodadadian doubled their lead 14 minutes later.

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Hong Kong, China fought to pull a goal back through Yiu Tsz Leong in the 23rd minute but were unable to stop Iliya Ahmadimanesh from restoring Iran’s two-goal lead nine minutes later.

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The East Asian side battled admirably in the second half but Iran’s persistent attacks proved too hot to handle as Garachchomaghloo shined with goals in the 50th, 88th and second minute of added time while Khodadadian netted in the 84th minute to seal the emphatic win.

Iran’s U17 Head Coach Abbas Chamanian, a veteran in this age group, has built a formidable team. Players found their teammates quite impressively on the pitch. Apart from the seven goals, there were at least three balls that hit the post, some remarkable saves by Hong Kong Keeper, and many wasted opportunities for the young Iranians. The final score could have easily been in double figures.

It is noted that Hong Kong players were not an easy team to beat as they seemed to match Iranian players in many areas, The downfall was the poor defensive coverage and lack of coordination between the back four.

Scorers:
Omid Qara Chamaqal (2′ and 84′)
Erfan Khodadadian (16′, 50′, 88′ and  90+2′)
Ilia Ahmadi Manesh (32′)

LINEUP:
Madreza Bani Tamim;
Ali Destmrezeh (40′ Mohammad Amin Hosseini),
Amir Ali Ashouranjad (46′  Abolfazl Kazemi),
Morteza Ali Baldi (86′  Amir Hossein Shojaei),
Mohammad Amin Mehralian (46′ Ali Jalukhani),
Irfan Yusufzadeh,
Omid Qara Chomaghlo,
Ilia Ahmadi Manesh (62′  Amir Mohammad Bostani),
Mehrab Badleh,
Irfan Khodadadian.

Sardar Azmoun Injured During UAE Cup Match, Faces Possible Team Melli Absence.

Sardar Azmoun, the star center forward of Team Melli and Shabab Al-Ahli, sustained an injury during his club’s UAE Cup match against Diba Al-Hisn.

Azmoun, who recently impressed by scoring twice and assisting Mohebi in Iran’s victory over Qatar, continued his fine form with an early goal in the 9th minute of the match. However, his night was cut short when he was forced to leave the field in the 32nd minute due to injury.

In the dressing room, medical staff conducted an initial evaluation, quickly assessing the severity of his condition. Fortunately, after further examinations, it was confirmed that Azmoun had not sustained damage to his cruciate ligament. His injury, though requiring treatment, is not expected to sideline him for an extended period. The estimated recovery time is less than a month.

Despite the relatively short recovery period, Azmoun is at risk of missing Iran’s next two World Cup qualifying matches in November — away games against North Korea, which are likely to take place in Laos and Kyrgyzstan.

Team Melli currently tops Group A in the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 10 points, closely followed by Uzbekistan. The top two teams from the group will qualify directly for the finals, while the third-placed team will have to navigate a playoff to secure their spot in the tournament.

Ghalenoei’s Outburst: A Coach’s Unusual Rant Against Critics

Following Team Melli’s emphatic victory against Qatar, head coach Amir Ghalenoei surprised many with a heated outburst, targeting his critics and demanding that Iran’s national broadcaster, IRIB, stop airing their opinions. His remarks, unusually severe even by his own standards, sparked widespread reactions across media outlets.

In the post-match press conference, Ghalenoei expressed his frustration, saying, “They [the critics] did not help the team. If you’re going to talk about someone, speak from your experience. Not everyone deserves a platform to criticize. It seems anyone with an issue against Amir Ghalenoei gets a voice on radio and television. Check these people’s resumes and compare them to mine.”

He went on to highlight his accomplishments: “I’m not just Amir Ghalenoei from the league. I’ve earned over a thousand points coaching various teams, not just one. I’ve taken responsibility for teams that were struggling both financially and in terms of scheduling. For example, Sepahan, a club I’m proud of, was 14th in the table when I took over, and we achieved great results on a minimal budget.”

He continued by mentioning his time with Tractor Sazi, where he led the team to its first-ever qualification for the AFC Champions League, which he considers one of his proudest achievements. Ghalenoei also highlighted his success with Esteghlal, his boyhood club. Wrapping up his speech, he addressed IRIB officials directly: “Team Melli and I are not without flaws. Criticize us, but don’t hold grudges. Some people are given a platform to criticize, not based on merit, but out of past grievances. One day I’ll respond to all of them, but for now, I must stay silent due to my position. Mr. Taj has also asked me to remain calm, but the day will come when I answer them all.”

While coaches often feel targeted by criticism, believing that dissent is a personal attack, Ghalenoei’s remarks crossed a line by calling for national media censorship. His demand that IRIB, Iran’s only authorized television and radio network, silence his critics struck many as authoritarian.

The backlash was swift. Javad Khiabani, a veteran broadcaster and respected authority on Team Melli, was one of the most outspoken critics. Khiabani condemned Ghalenoei’s arrogance and accused him of attempting to stifle free speech and the press’s role in providing objective analysis. He reminded Ghalenoei that journalism’s duty is to scrutinize and hold those in power accountable. “Ghalenoei acts as though he is beyond criticism, but his resume, despite his boasting, is lacking in international success,” Khiabani pointed out. “Beating Qatar is not an achievement to be proud of like defeating world champions, France or Brazil. Ghalenoei has twice failed to win the AFC Asian Cup as Iran’s coach and has yet to qualify for the World Cup, something an Iranian coach achieved decades ago with far fewer resources and fewer finalist (16 teams).”

Khiabani further criticized Ghalenoei for trying to dictate the terms of criticism, a job that rightly belongs to journalists. He emphasized that no coach should be immune from analysis, especially when leading the national team.

Ghalenoei’s tirade reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear of criticism, suggesting a lack of confidence in his own abilities. His unreasonable demand for IRIB to suppress negative opinions is unlikely to be entertained by the authorities, and it may only amplify the voices of his critics. By lashing out at the media, Ghalenoei has likely emboldened his detractors, who will now scrutinize every aspect of his leadership, from player selections to tactics.

In the end, Ghalenoei’s rant may have done more harm than good, intensifying the spotlight on his tenure and raising questions about his ability to handle the pressures of leading Team Melli.

Team Melli Dominates Qatar in 4-1 Victory, Strengthening World Cup Hopes

In a commanding performance, Team Melli triumphed 4-1 over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in a crucial home game in Dubai. This victory gives Iran a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

Key Milestones and Table Standings

The win propelled Iran to the top of Group A with 10 points and a two-goal advantage over Uzbekistan. More importantly, it opened up a crucial six-point gap between the top two teams and the third-ranked side, which could prove decisive as only the top two teams directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This match also served as sweet revenge for Team Melli, who narrowly lost 3-2 to Qatar in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha.

A Match Full of Drama

The match delivered plenty of excitement for Iranian fans, despite an early scare. Almoez Ali stunned the crowd with a thunderous shot that found the back of Beiranvand’s net, giving Qatar a 1-0 lead. However, Iran quickly regained composure, demonstrating their strength, skill, and resilience to score four goals and secure the emphatic victory.

Positives from the Match

While there were challenges, Team Melli showcased its potential and ability to dominate:

1. Sardar Azmoun’s Resurgence:
After a string of lackluster performances, Azmoun was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice and assisted the third goal, demonstrating his value to the team. Playing on his club’s home ground, Azmoun’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality and class as a forward.

2. Defensive Agility:
Despite conceding early, Iran’s makeshift defense—missing two key players—showed impressive resilience. They managed to neutralize Qatar’s dangerous forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, providing little room for further threats.

3. Winning Mentality:
The team displayed a relentless drive to win. Even when leading 3-1, Team Melli pressed forward, securing a fourth goal in injury time. This offensive mindset reflects a growing belief in the squad’s abilities, something that will be crucial as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the impressive victory, there are still aspects that need addressing:

1. Route One Football:
Coach Ghalenoei has relied heavily on the ‘Route One’ tactic, which involves long, direct passes to the forwards. However, this approach has seldom yielded results for Iran, and ironically, Qatar’s opening goal came from a similar tactic. Once Iran shifted to a more creative passing game—utilizing the wings and feeding the ball to power forwards Taremi and Azmoun—they found success. This match proved that Team Melli is far more effective when they focus on building play rather than relying on long balls. Hopefully, Ghalenoei will reconsider his use of Route One football going forward.

2. Discipline Issues:
Iran’s players continue to struggle with discipline. In this match, Mehdi Ghayedi narrowly avoided being sent off for a reckless tackle, and three yellow cards were needlessly conceded by Azmoun, Mohebbi, and Ghayedi. This indiscipline is a worrying trend—Team Melli has accumulated 10 cards (9 yellow, 1 red) in just four matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Such poor discipline could prove costly in future matches, and it’s an issue that requires more oversight from the coaching staff.

3. Lack of Trust in Young Players:
Coach Ghalenoei has spoken of integrating young talent, but his reluctance to give them significant playing time was evident. Promising players like Amin Hezbavi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Yousefi, and Amir Hosseinzadeh were either sidelined or given minimal minutes, while older players like Jahanbaksh and Moghanlou—who have struggled to make an impact—were given preference. If these young players are to develop, they need meaningful opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.

4. The Ali Gholizadeh Mystery:
The decision to keep Ali Gholizadeh on the bench remains puzzling. His pace and skill could have been crucial in breaking down Qatar’s defense, especially on the flanks. Hopefully, his absence was not due to an injury, as his talent would have made a significant difference.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, Team Melli’s performance against Qatar was largely positive. However, consistency will be key as they prepare to face North Korea, the lowest-ranked team in their group, and Kyrgyzstan in November. North Korea, while not as formidable as Qatar, will present a different challenge. Anything less than six points in these upcoming matches would be a disappointment for a team with such high aspirations.

TEAM MELLI TROUNCES QATAR TO GO TOP OF GROUP ‘A’

Iran’s Team Melli Triumphs 4-1 Over Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Team Melli soared to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 3 qualifiers after a commanding 4-1 victory over Qatar on Tuesday. The win was powered by braces from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammad Mohebbi.

The match began with an early scare for Iran when, in the 17th minute, Almoez Ali broke free from his marker, Ali Nemati, and fired a shot into the roof of Alireza Beiranvand’s goal to put Qatar ahead. Iran responded late in the first half with Azmoun’s powerful header, which left the Qatari goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Omid Nourafkan delivered a precise cross from the left, and Azmoun’s clinical finish drew Iran level. Before that equalizer, Azmoun came close by rattling the crossbar, marking Iran’s best chance in the first half. Despite this, the opening 45 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with neither side fully controlling the game.

In the second half, Iran took command with fluid passing and excellent ball distribution, creating multiple chances and dictating the pace against the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions. Just three minutes into the half, Qatar’s goalkeeper Meshaal Bersham collided with his own defender while attempting to clear the ball, gifting Azmoun an easy opportunity to tap home his second goal and put Iran ahead.

In the 66th minute, Mohammad Mohebbi further deflated Qatar’s hopes with Iran’s third goal. A well-placed through ball found Azmoun just inside the Qatari half, and his blistering run into the box ended with a perfectly timed pass to the onrushing Mohebbi, who slotted the ball into an open net.

Mohebbi sealed the victory late in stoppage time with a second goal, heading home from Nourafkan’s corner to make it 4-1. The win lifted Iran to the top of the group, surpassing Uzbekistan on goal difference.

This was a crucial and comprehensive win for coach Amir Ghalenoei, who had been facing criticism and pressure to shake up the lineup amid injuries, suspensions and dips in form. Despite a few key absences, the coach fielded a balanced and powerful lineup. Mohammad Karimi, Nourafkan, and Nemati, despite Nemati’s early lapse that led to Qatar’s opener, performed well in their roles as replacements, proving Ghalenoei’s tactics effective on the day.

Iran vs Qatar: Who dares wins.

Team Melli Prepares for Crucial Showdown Against Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

On Tuesday, Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, will face AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar in Dubai for a pivotal match in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-round qualifiers. Both teams are vying for qualification to the prestigious tournament, with Iran and Uzbekistan currently tied at the top of the group on seven points, ahead of the UAE and Qatar, who each have four points. This match represents a significant opportunity for both sides to either consolidate or reinvigorate their campaign as they inch closer to World Cup qualification.

The Dubai Venue: A Blessing in Disguise

While many Iranian football fans and pundits lament the fact that Team Melli has been denied the opportunity to host this match on home soil, playing in Dubai may, in fact, prove advantageous for the team. Iran’s football infrastructure has been under scrutiny for years, and the current state of the pitches—especially as the iconic Azadi Stadium undergoes construction and maintenance—is widely regarded as subpar. In a country with a deep footballing history, it is a matter of national embarrassment that Iran lacks proper pitches, forcing matches to be played on surfaces that are sometimes no better than “cattle grazing grounds.”

Beyond the poor pitch conditions, organizational and logistical issues have plagued Iranian football for some time. These include chaotic fan entry procedures, frequent promotion of political propaganda during matches, heavy-handed security, unruly fan behavior, and restrictions on women entering stadiums.

In contrast, Dubai is an exemplary venue for hosting top-tier international football. The city, like Doha, boasts professional and efficient sporting event management. The superior facilities, along with the fact that Dubai hosts a large and passionate Iranian expatriate community, means that Team Melli will likely enjoy strong support from the stands, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere. This level of comfort could be vital for the team, as they aim to secure all three points.

Team Melli’s Lineup and Tactical Challenges

Despite the absence of three key players due to injury or suspension, Team Melli enters the match with a slight edge over Qatar, both in terms of experience and talent. However, the long-standing concern for Iran has been the predictability of its tactics. Under the guidance of head coach Amir Ghalenoei, the team has stuck to a direct style of play, often relying on “route one” football—long balls and counterattacks. This approach has neither been attractive to watch nor particularly effective, especially considering Iran boasts two of Asia’s most talented forwards, Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun.

Shockingly, between Taremi and Azmoun—who are considered among the continent’s elite strikers—there has been just one goal scored in Team Melli’s first three matches of the qualifiers. Iran’s total of two goals in those games is woefully low, especially for a team with such firepower. While some of the blame can be attributed to poor finishing, a deeper analysis reveals that the style of play is a major factor. The lack of creativity and quality in service from midfield has resulted in few genuine scoring opportunities for Taremi and Azmoun.

Ghalenoei’s focus on defensive solidity has come at the expense of offensive fluidity. The forwards have been isolated, often relying on half-chances to make an impact. If Iran is to improve its scoring output, the coach may need to adopt a more balanced approach, allowing the midfield to support the attack more consistently.

Qatar’s Resurgence and Threats

Qatar, on the other hand, has shown steady improvement since their disappointing home defeat against the UAE on the opening day of the qualifiers. The reintroduction of defensive stalwarts Abdulkarim Hassan and Boualem Khoukhi has shored up the backline, while their attack, led by the dynamic duo of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, continues to be dangerous. Unlike Iran, Qatar has shown clinical finishing ability, often converting half-chances into goals. This efficiency in front of goal could be a decisive factor in Tuesday’s match.

Qatar’s counter-attacking style and ability to capitalize on mistakes make them a dangerous opponent for Team Melli. The Iranian defense will need to remain organized and vigilant, as Afif and Almoez have the pace and skill to punish any lapses in concentration.

Iran’s Key Players and Defensive Resilience

While Iran’s attack has struggled, their defense has been one of the team’s bright spots, keeping a clean sheet through the first three matches of the qualifiers. Much of this defensive solidity is owed to the emergence of Ali Nemati, who delivered a standout performance in his debut against Uzbekistan. Nemati’s calm and assured presence in the backline, stepping in for the injured Hossein Kanaanizadegan, was a revelation. If he can replicate that form against Qatar, Iran’s defense will have a solid foundation to build on.

In midfield, Saeid Ezatollahi has also begun to rediscover his form. After a string of underwhelming performances, the Shabab Al-Ahli midfielder put in a commanding display in the last match. Playing on his club’s home ground in Dubai, Ezatollahi will be expected to pull the strings and control the tempo of the game. The absence of the suspended Saman Ghoddos places extra creative responsibility on Ali Gholizadeh and Mehdi Ghayedi, both of whom have the flair and skill to unlock defenses. If Ghalenoei opts to start these two dynamic players, Iran could pose a more varied and unpredictable attacking threat.

Taremi and Azmoun: Time to Deliver

For all of Iran’s defensive resilience, the onus will ultimately fall on Taremi and Azmoun to deliver in front of goal. Both players have been underperforming for Team Melli in recent games, and their form will be crucial if Iran is to break down Qatar’s defense. In a match of this magnitude, the big players need to step up, and Taremi and Azmoun must rediscover their scoring touch if Iran is to secure the win and remain atop Group A.

A Match of Fine Margins

Tuesday’s clash in Dubai promises to be a tight, tense affair, with both teams capable of taking all three points. While Iran may hold a slight advantage on paper, Qatar’s recent resurgence and clinical finishing mean that the match could swing either way. For Team Melli, a win would solidify their position as group leaders and bring them one step closer to World Cup qualification, while for Qatar, a victory would reignite their campaign.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the stage is set for an intriguing contest between two of Asia’s footballing giants.

Salar Aghapour

Iran Futsal remains top in Asia.

Iran remained as Asia’s top-ranked team despite falling two spots to sixth in the latest FIFA Men’s Futsal World Ranking.

Iran stumbled in the Round of 16  of the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024, losing 4-3 to Morocco.

Thailand – who also exited at  the same stage after going 5-2 down to France – dropped  two rungs to 11th.

Japan, meanwhile, are the third highest Asian side, moving up two spots to 13th.

Uzbekistan, who failed to make it out of the group stage of the World Cup, dropped 10 spots to 21, while Indonesia, ranked 28th, rounded out the top five.

In the women’s rankings, Thailand are Asia’s best ranked team, occupying sixth ahead of Iran, who dropped one position to ninth, while Japan are a spot behind.

Vietnam improved  to 11th, followed by Uzbekistan who moved up six spots to 18th to complete the top five women’s sides in Asia.

Saudi Arabia also made huge strides, improving five spots to 46th.

Click HERE for the complete ranking

Look back at Team Melli’s game plan.

Team Melli played a goal-less draw against Uzbekistan, its main rival in Group A of the third round qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Tashkent.

The match was not crowd-pleasing, with both teams playing ultra-cautiously, focusing on solidifying their defenses to avoid conceding the first goal.

Uzbekistan, even at home and without Head Coach Srečko Katanec on the bench due to illness, was surprisingly tame and lacked adventure. After the dismissal of Hardani, Team Melli seemed to play better, having more ball possession and control of the field. However, it was a low-risk game overall. Iran lacked the desire to play offensively, with the Uzbek defenses tightly compact and not allowing the Iranian forwards much breathing space.

One reason for the lack of effectiveness in Team Melli’s forward line, which is usually its most powerful, is the familiarity of Iran’s forwards amongst the opposing coaches. Having played together for several years, opposing teams can easily analyze and counteract their game plan. Lack of tactical variety in the Iranian game plan makes the opposing job even easier.

Since Amir Ghalenoei took over, it has been evident that Team Melli relies on long balls from the defense to the forwards, bypassing the midfield. This “route one” football is simple but also easily defendable and has a low yield in modern football. This strategy is particularly ineffective for Iran, where forwards like Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi lack the pace to make it work.

However, with the introduction of Mehdi Ghayedi and Ali Gholizadeh in the second half, the formula changed. Both players have pace and skills, making the long balls to the flanks more effective in feeding the center of attack. Two very good chances were created this way, with Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi both having their shots saved by the Uzbek keeper.

Iran still lacks a creative midfielder and playmaker. With Saman Ghoddos suspended for the match against Qatar, it will be interesting to see if Gholizadeh can inject some energy into the game which is a home game but played in Dubai. If Ghalenoei opts for a more cautious defensive approach he will probably start with Milad Noorafkan for a more solid, defensive-minded midfield.

There are still options left in the squad to fill the gap left by Ghoddos’ absence. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has experienced a dip in form, and Mohammad Mohebbi, recently recovering from injury, could fill that gap despite both being rusty. If Ghalenoei feels adventurous, Javad Hosseinnejad could be a fitting choice to add the style and finesse that many of the current midfielders lack.

It remains to be seen what Ghalenoi has in mind. He certainly has not stuck to his word about introducing an entertaining Team Melli. Perhaps the circumstances dictate that Iran should tread carefully until the qualification to FIFA World Cup 2026 is assured before the team goes full throttle and play attractive football.

The match against Qatar is on Tuesday 15th October at Rashid Stadium, Dubai.

Rashid Stadium, Dubai will host Iran vs Qatar game.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, will host Iran’s home match against Qatar on October 15. This match is part of the fourth round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the AFC’s official website, the match will kick off at 7:00 pm Doha time. The decision to relocate the match from its original venue, Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, Iran, was made due to the current geopolitical situation, necessitating a neutral ground for the fixture.

Dubai, known for its significant Iranian diaspora, offers a familiar environment for Team Melli. The city’s Rashid Stadium, home to Shabab Al-Ahli, where Iranian stars Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi play, is expected to provide a supportive atmosphere for the Iranian team. This relocation not only ensures the safety of the players and fans but also maintains the competitive integrity of the qualifiers.

The match is highly anticipated, as both Iran and Qatar are strong contenders in the Asian qualifiers. Fans from both nations are expected to turn out in large numbers, making it a vibrant and exciting event.

Team Melli landed in Dubai this evening after a flight from Tashkent, via Tehran for re-fueling and then Dubai.

Iran will be without 2 players due to injury, Jalali and Kannani and two due to suspension, Hardani and Saman Ghoddos.

Uzbekistan vs. Iran another draw!

Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Iran settled for a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

The Central Asian derby saw Iran going down to 10 men in the second half following Saleh Hardani’s sending off but there was to be no winner in the evenly-matched contest as the two sides moved up to seven points.

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With the teams having met in the second round of the qualifiers, the match began on a cagey note as they sized each other up with half chances the best either side could manage in the opening 45 minutes. 

Shojae Khalilzadeh had a backwards header that proved to be a routine catch for Utkir Yusupov before Jaloliddin Masharipov’s penalty appeal was waved away by referee Shaun Evans, very little was created with both sides matching up each other well.

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Forward Mehdi Taremi and Eldor Shomurodov, who both play their club football in Italy, had a subdued first half with neither seeing much of the ball. 

The match took a turn in the 57th minute after Evans referred to the pitchside monitor, which led to a straight red card for Hardani for a studs up challenge on Shomurodov.

Uzbekistan seized the opportunity to increase their tempo with two chances just after the hour mark, Abbosbek Fayzullaev dragging his shot just wide before Masharipov ballooned his attempt over the bar after being teed up by Shomurodov.

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Pinned in their own half, Iran were forced to switch to a long ball approach with one such punt forward in the 72nd minute finding Sardar Azmoun who managed to toe poke the ball at goal but Yusupov was alert to the danger.

There was drama in stoppage time when Evans awarded a penalty to Iran after the ball seemed to have struck Rustamjon Ashurmatov’s hand but upon a VAR review, the decision was reversed as the sides shared the spoils.

Uzbekistan will host the United Arab Emirates next on Tuesday while Iran will meet Qatar.