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11.November.1977 at 00:00
World Cup Qualifier
Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Attendance : 80000
Referee: Patrick PARTRIDGE - England
Opponent Confederation: AFC
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Iran
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2 - 2
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Korea Rep.
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World Cup Qualifier-match |
Coaches.
Iran: Heshmat Mohajerani
Korea Rep.: Kim Jon Nam
Iran hopes of qualifying to the World Cup for the first time, got a dent as Team Melli against South Korea 2 – 2 in Arayamehr Stadium 2-2. This was a crucial match against a determined Korean team that has to win to have any chance of making it to Argentina.
From the beginning of the match, it was apparent that the Koreans have planned well for this match and identified Iran’s strength and weaknesses. Team Melli on the other hand was a shadow of the team that romped through the World Cup qualification matches with relative ease. Certain uneasiness was apparent under pressure of 80,000 fans and the whole country in expectation. The Koreans controlled the match well. Good passing , offensive moves from the flanks, pace and stamina was the hallmark of their game. Their efforts was rewarded in the 28th minute when Lee Yung Moo scored the first goal for Korea from a long range shot.
Nasser Hejazi was at fault for not properly reacting. He saw the ball late due to his poor positioning.
After the goal, Team Melli feel the danger of defeat reacted well. Rowshan’s shot towards the Korean goal was blocked by his teammate Jahani. A free kick by Parvin on 38th minute was comfortably dealt with by the Korean keeper. The first time ended without any further notable event except for a yellow card to Korea Keeper for time wasting.
The unusual high number of errors committed by the midfield and defense must have alarmed Team Mello coach Heshmat Mohajerani.
The second half started, but there was hardly any progress from the Iranian side. There were stil the same errors of the first half occurring. Wrong or aimless passes, tension and lack of concentration marred Team Melli player’s start of the second half. In the midst of all these shortcomings, Hassan Rowshan suddenly changed the balance of the game beyond return.
Minute 52, from a free kick by Parvin sent to the Box, Rowshan put the finishing touch to score the equalizer as the stadium erupted in delight. More than the goal itself, the Koreans began to lose confidence as they felt the balance was tilting towards the host. On 67th minute Ghassimpour surprised HI YOUNG Peon in the goal but the Korean keeper just did enough to send the ball to a corner. It was yet another reminder for the Koreans on the threat that Iran can create
A minute later , the nervous Koreans failed to react to a corner by Adelkhani. The ball ping ponged between several players , until Rowshen pounced on the chance and slipped the ball pass the goal line to score Iran's second.
Once again, the stadium erupted and Iran felt a big sigh of relief.
For the remaining 20 minutes or so to the end, Team Melli played a sound game with much better passing accuracy. The exhausted Koreans seemed to accept defeat until the last minute of the match. in 89th minute a cross from the right found the lurking Lee Yung Moo who positioned himself well, to slot the ball inside the goal for the Korean equalizer. It was no more than a consolation goal for the guests as the remaining few minute did not yield much for them. The result was not good enough for them to claim the lonely spot for Argentine .
The match ended 2-2, which was a fair result. Iran, especially in the first half , did not show much vigor as the sensitivity of the game took its toll. The Koreans, despite their gallant efforts, did not have what it takes to beat Iran, a team despite it strength, was simply not enjoying top form on the day.
Iran was marching on for its first appearance in the World Cup. |
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