fifa.com
11.Nov.2023
Goals: Rayan (7), Abolfazl Zamani own goal (42+2), Yaghoob Barajeh (54), Kasra Taheri (69), Esmaeil Gholizadeh (73)
IR Iran completed one of the most extraordinary comebacks in FIFA U-17 World Cup™ history on Saturday – coming from two goals down to beat Brazil on a night of high drama in Jakarta.
The reigning champions looked to be cruising after opening up a commanding lead during a first half where they played some wonderful football.
Rayan’s opening goal combined imagination, cunning and exquisite technique in equal measure. While a horde of players were waiting in the box for Luca Camilo’s corner delivery, he instead played low pass towards Lorran. He dummied to let the ball roll to Rayan, who curled a sweet left-foot strike beyond Iranian goalkeeper Arsha Shakouri.
Brazil doubled their advantage shortly before the half-time whistle. After another slick team move, Rayan shot at goal ten yards out and the ball cannoned off Abolfazl Zamani and into the net.
Far from being disheartened, Iran came out for the second half with renewed vigour and purpose.
They looked a threat whenever they advanced into the final third – and made good on that attacking promise on 51 minutes when Yaghoob Barajeh’s shot deflected in off Da Mata.
They then levelled on 69 minutes, with half-time substitute Kasra Taheri nutmegging Brazil stopper Phillipe Gabriel with a fizzing low drive.
And they completed an extraordinary turnaround when Esmaeil Gholizadeh applied the finishing touch after a fast breakaway.
Brazil piled on pressure in search of an equaliser but to no avail, with the final whistle sparking wild celebrations among the Iran players and staff.
