As part of the preparation for the Asian Cup in UAE, Team Melli played a friendly against Kuwait.
Iran played with the usual 4-4-2.The host Kuwait had most of the possession in the first 25 minutes and wasted two good scoring chances on 13th and 22nd minutes. Abedzadeh excellent saves on both occasions , prevented the host from taking the lead. Both the scoring chances were 1 to 1.
on the 30th minute , Iran's midfielder Yousefi took advantage of a mistake my Kuwait defender Abdulaziz Al Hendi and slotted the ball home for Team Melli to take the lead.
The goal energized Iran players and soon the pace of the game was much faster with the Iranian players using the flanks for the offensive moves plus long range shootings. Ali Shokr-Khioda , the center forward wasted several opportunities to increase Iran's goal tally , but he failed to convert.
Shokr-khida poor showing resulted in his substitution with Reza Torabian in the second half. His contribution to the match was immediate and in combination with Reza Shahroudi , they threatened the Kuwaiti goalkeeper several times but to no avail.
A penalty was called against Kuwait later in the half and Karim Bagheri took that penalty and wasted it. This was yet another penalty miss from Bagheri after he missed a few with his club and Team Melli.
The match ended 1-0 for Iran with the goal scored by Yousefi in the first half. |