Tag: Lebanon

Iran U-20 Futsal qualifies for the Quarter Finals.

The-afc.com

Tabriz:

Iran overcame a spirited challenge from Afghanistan to top Group A of the AFC U-20 Championship IR Iran 2019 with a 3-2 win over their Central Asian neighbors on Sunday. In the first match of the group Iran defeated Hong Kong 6 -3

Iran, who are looking to defend the title won in 2017, will face Lebanon in the quarter-finals while Afghanistan will take on Group B winners Thailand on Tuesday.

Afghanistan knew that if they were to clinch the title, they would have to see off the challenge of Asia’s biggest teams and in Iran, they were up against the tournament favorites and defending champions.

Afghanistan took the game to Iran, but the hosts were up for everything that was thrown at them, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

Backed by a partisan crowd, Iran were in front just three minutes in when Masoud Yousef Shavardazi outmuscled Hassan Ali Jafari at the half-line mark before surging forward and beating ‘keeper Mohammad Javad Safari from a tight angle.

Afghanistan could have, and should have, equalized a minute later when Jafari dispossessed Ali Akrami and set up Hamid Reza Hossaini for a sitter, but the forward opted to place the ball and missed by inches.

The intensity of the match was reflected by the fouls Afghanistan had accrued but they dominated possession as Iran were forced to defend deep.

After 15 minutes of constant pressure, Afghanistan found their equalizer through Ali Arab Zada, who connected to Seyed Hossein Mousavi’s perfectly timed pass in front of the goalmouth to ensure the scores were level at the break.

Iran, however, showed their class when Sahand Rezapour fended off Farzad Mahmoodi and sent the ball to Reza Ghanbarisaeidbad, who controlled the ball with confidence before slotting home in the 30th minute.

A moment of sheer brilliance by Shavardazi saw the host nation double their lead after he dribbled past two defenders and let loose an unstoppable strike a minute later.

A sixth foul was almost unavoidable for Afghanistan in such a physically-tensed match, and 35 minutes in, Iran were awarded a spot-kick from the second penalty spot but Aghapour missed an opportunity to extend the lead as he shot wide.

Mojtaba Mohammadi was sent on as the power player in the 38th minute and he delivered just moments later but a third goal which would have seen Afghanistan emerge as group winners proved elusive as Iran held on for the three points.

Hamid Moghadam: IR Iran head coach

“We were expecting such a tough and hard game. I had already said from the beginning that the hardest game would be against Afghanistan because they understand Iranian futsal very well. Afghanistan has got a really good team, you will see how they will perform against other teams, but our strategy (in this game) was to push them, not 100 percent, but enough to lose the ball. In this tournament, all the teams are performing very well, but our aim is to claim the title once again.”

Abdul Razaq Momrak: Afghanistan head coach

“Congratulations to Iran for winning this game. I’m satisfied with my players performance in this match. We lost this match, because they had more experience. Our tactic for this match was to press them from the beginning. We still anticipate to win the next game, and the next, and the Championship.”

Prolific Iran maintain futsal hegemony

  • IR Iran build on FIFA Futsal World Cup bronze with another Asian crown
  • Sixteen-nation event held in Chinese Taipei for first time
  • Iranian Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh named tournament’s best player

Competition for Asian supremacy in eleven-a-side football is finely balanced as evidenced by the finale to last year’s FIFA World Cup qualifying in the world’s most populous continent. The same cannot be said on the futsal court, however, as IR Iran once again underlined their supremacy in emphatic fashion.

The Iranians stormed to a 12th continental victory in Chinese Taipei on Sunday, retaining the title they reclaimed two years ago. Only Japan have broken Iran’s stranglehold, winning on three occasions, but the east Asians had no answer in the tournament decider this time. Iran proved their breakthrough third-place finish at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016 was no fluke, with an unusually heavy 4-0 scoreline in the decider.

Broad reach throughout Asia
A total of 30 teams from all corners of Asia competed in the qualifying competition, demonstrating the growing appeal of the game across much of the continent. Chinese Taipei hosted the event for the first time, though they previously welcomed the globe’s best for the Futsal World Cup in 2004.

That 30-strong crowd was cut to 16 teams for the ten-day event in New Taipei City. Much focus was, of course, on the home side but locals were to be left frustrated with Chinese Taipei edged out of qualification by Bahrain, despite a win over Malaysia. Vietnam topped the group, but there was to be disappointment for the south-east Asians as the 2016 semi-finalists were eliminated by Uzbekistan.

There was no surprises as Japan and Iran shaded Uzbekistan and Iraq as all four progressed from their respective groups. Lebanon, meanwhile, were arguably the surprise packages. Despite having never reached a continental semi-final, Lebanon defeated 2015 semi-finalists Thailand 5-2 to top their group. The Cedars’ luck, however, ran out in the knockout stage with a heartbreaking 9-8 penalty shoot-out defeat against Iraq.

Iran’s accolades

  • Most individual goals: Hossein Tayebi (14)
  • Most team goals: 46
  • Tournament’s best player: Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh

Japan eased past Iraq with a 3-0 scoreline in the first semi-final, while Iran crushed Uzbekistan 7-1. Despite the lop-sided scoreline in the final, it was Japan who had the better of early exchanges only for some profligacy in front of goal to prove costly.

The tournament’s best player Ali Hassanzadeh scored with just a minute remaining remaining of the half, before the Iranians finished in style by scoring a further three to wrap up their title defence.

“Yes, it was a little bit difficult at first in the game, but I was 100 per cent confident that we would pull through and score the goals we needed to win,” said IR Iran’s Alireza Rafieipor. “This victory is just the starting point for us. From now we are focused on 2020 [World Cup]. We are number three in the world and everyone is expecting us to get even better.”

Iran Futsal to defend AFC Futsal Championship title in Chinese Taipei

Team Melli, who recently beat Belarus 5-0 and 2-1 with Ahmad Esmaeilpour and Asghar Hasanzadeh scoring a goal apiece on both occasions, will play Azerbaijan on Tuesday and Wednesday..

Iran, who are preparing for their defence of the AFC Futsal Championship title – which will be held in Chinese Taipei on February 1-11 – are drawn in Group C alongside Iraq, China PR and Myanmar.

Sixteen teams are divided into four groups with the top two sides in each section advancing to the knockout phase.

Iran won their 11th AFC Futsal Championship title after beating Uzbekistan 2-1 in the final of the 2016 edition.

AFC Futsal Championship 2018: Group C Preview

 IRAN

Best finish: Champions – 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2016

How they qualified: Group B winners (South & Central Zones)

FIFA Ranking: 5

Defending champions Iran are the favourites to lift the title again in Chinese Taipei as Mohammad Nazemosharia’s side prepare to open their defence against Myanmar on Feb 2.

Team Melli, who won the Asian Indoors in Ashgabat last year, beating Uzbekistan 7-1 in the final, topped their group during qualification as they maintained a perfect record beating Afghanistan 8-2 and Tajikistan 12-2.

Ahead of the Finals, Iran beat Belarus 5-0 and 2-1 in Tehran. They also played to a 3-3 draw against Azerbaijan before beating them 4-1 in the return leg.

Two-time AFC Futsal Player of the Year Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh will lead a star-studded cast in Chinese Taipei which includes Mahdi Javid, Farhad Tavakoli, Ahmad Esmaeilpour, Moslem Oladghobad and Alireza Rafieepour.

 

IRAQ

Best finish: Quarter-finals – 2002, 2016

How they qualified: Group A runners-up (West Zone)

FIFA Ranking: 50

Iraq qualified for the Finals after finishing second in Group A during the West Zone qualifying behind group winners Bahrain.

The 2002 and 2016 quarter-finalists head to Chinese Taipei after completing a series of friendlies against Lebanon and Malaysia as part of their tune-up ahead of the Finals.

The Lions of Mesopotamia beat Malaysia 5-1 and lost to Lebanon (5-1) and (3-2) in Beirut.

CHINA PR

Best finish: Fourth place – 2008, 2010

How they qualified: Play-off winners (East Zone)

FIFA Ranking: 74

China PR’s best finish in the competition was finishing fourth in the 2008 and 2010 editions and Team Dragon will be looking to better their record in Chinese Taipei.

Li Jianjia, Zhuang Jianfa, Zeng Liang, Zhao Liang, Xu Yang and Li Zhiheng will lead China’s charge in Chinese Taipei.

MYANMAR

Tournament debut

How they qualified: Group A runners-up (ASEAN Zone)

FIFA Ranking: 71

Myanmar will be making their debut in the Finals following an impressive ASEAN Zone qualifying, scoring 41 goals in finishing runners-up in Group A behind group winners Vietnam.

The White Angels beat Brunei 13-0, Phillipines 25-0, Indonesia 3-2 but fell 3-0 to Vietnam as Pyae Phyo Maung emerged top scorer with 11 goals.

Khin Zaw Lin, Naing Ye Kyaw, Nyein Min Soe, Aung Aung and Hlaing Min Tun make up the rest of Htay Myint’s side in Chinese Taipei.

Group C Fixtures

Feb 2:

Iraq v China PR,

Iran v Myanmar

Feb 4:

Myanmar v Iraq,

China PR v Iran

Feb 6:

Iran v Iraq,

China PR v Myanmar

Team Melli U20 Futsal reaches Semi-Final

Bangkok: Ali Arani’s Islamic Republic of Iran team sealed a 6-2 victory over Lebanon at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on Monday to secure their semi-final place at the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship 2017.

Hussein Albaba gave Lebanon the lead in the fourth minute, prompting an immediate response from Iran through Omid Khani. Further goals from Hamzeh Kadkhoda, captain Touhid Lotfi and a Lebanon own-goal just before the break gave Iran a comfortable 4-1 lead heading into half-time.

Mohammad Taheri eventually added to Iran’s tally in the second-half, but Lebanon continued to press hard to try to find a way back into the game and were rewarded when Steve Koukezian received a neat back-heel to slot past the Iran keeper. But the Iranians responded immediately with a headed goal from Lotfi, his second of the game, making it 6-2 with five minutes remaining.

  • Iran set to meet Thailand in the semi-finals on Wednesday, May 24

Islamic Republic of Iran: KHANI 5’, KADKHODA 9’, ALBABA ‘19 (OG), LOTFI 15’, TAHERI 29’, LOTFI 35’
Lebanon: ALBABA 4’, KOUKEZIAN 34’ ​

Iran beach soccer wins the Continental Beach Soccer Title

Iran beach soccer won the Continental Beach Soccer Tournament by beating Oman 6-3 in the final.

Iran’s goals were scored by Amir Hossein Akbari (4 goals), Seyed Ali Nazim , and Peyman Hosseini.

This was the first title for the team under coach Mohammad Hossein Mir Shamsi. Peyman Hosseini  was as the tournament’s best goalkeeper while Amir Hossein Akbari grabbed the top scorer title.

On  Wednesday, Iran booked a place at the Continental Beach Soccer Tournament final after beating Japan 5-1. .

In the group stages, the Iranian team, Bahrain 10-1 in its first match. 

 China and Thailand played for the bronze medal.

The three-day tournament was held in Ordos, China.

The top eight Asian teams namely, Iran, China, Bahrain, Japan, Vietnam, Oman, Thailand and Lebanon participated in the event.

The Iranian team takes part in the competition as part of its preparation for the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualification.

AFC FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PREVIEW

 UZBEKISTAN PREVIEW

/ Feb 20 2016 /

Tashkent: Coach Jose Maria Pazos insists Uzbekistan must “produce the perfect game” in Sunday’s final against Iran at Uzbekistan Stadium to claim a first-ever AFC Futsal Championship title.

Uzbekistan secured a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Thailand in Friday’s semi-final following a thrilling 2-2 draw as Pazos’ side maintained their record of having never failed to qualify for the final as hosts.

But if Uzbekistan are to avoid a fourth final defeat, they must overcome Iran, whose formidable form has seen the 10-time winners score an incredible 46 goals in five games including a 13-1 semi-final victory over Vietnam on Friday.

“The key point is to keep them quiet for the first five or 10 minutes; nobody has managed to do that yet and they have won every match easily,” said Pazos, whose side lost 8-3 to Iran in the 2010 final.

“If we can keep them quiet or even score an early goal, who knows, maybe they will begin to get doubts in their minds that they have not experienced so far.

“But we have not started games well yet, so we need to improve that way. For us to win, we must produce the perfect game and we also need them to not be at their best.

“Nobody has been able to come close to stopping them yet. Vietnam tried to press them but it was impossible, other teams have tried to sit deep and defend and have been punished. They will punish us if we have any lack of focus which is why we need 40 minutes of total concentration.”

Hosts Uzbekistan began the tournament with a 5-2 win over Saudi Arabia before going on to top Group A with maximum points after claiming wins over Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon.

And after seeing off Iraq 3-0 in the quarter-finals, Pazos’ team came through the tense semi-final with Thailand to raise hopes of a first continental crown following final defeats in 2001, 2006 and 2010.

“We must try to play in a similar way to the Thailand game, where we defended and attacked well. We also need to cut out our mistakes,” added Pazos.

“But I have told my players they must enjoy this occasion because playing in front of the home fans will be special. It will probably be the last time they play the tournament in their own country with such a great atmosphere, so they must make the most of it.

“Iran will not be affected by our support because they are used to playing in front of big crowds so, I repeat, the key for us to complete mission impossible is to keep them quiet at the beginning. If we can do that, maybe we will find their weak points.”

 IRAN PREVIEW

Iran vs. Vietnam: Semi Final AFC Futsal Championship 2016 , Tashkent , Uzbekistan.

Tashkent: Coach Mohammad Nazemosharie has warned “anything can happen” ahead of Sunday’s AFC Futsal Championship final against hosts Uzbekistan as Iran chance an 11th continental title at Uzbekistan Stadium.

Iran have progressed to the final with a perfect record and underlined their title credentials with a 13-1 semi-final success over Vietnam on Friday.

Nazemosharie’s side, who have scored 46 goals and conceded just three in five games, also beat Uzbekistan 8-3 in the 2010 final in Tashkent which was the last time Iran won the AFC Futsal Championship title.

“We’ve prepared for six months for this one moment and we came to Uzbekistan only for one match, for this match, and to become champions,” said Nazemosharie.

“Sure, on paper we are the strongest team but the interesting and wonderful thing about futsal is that anything can happen in any match.

“If people say we are going to win for sure, for 99%, then I say we must focus on getting better and stopping the other 1%.

“No team that thinks they are champions can become champions; we have to come fully prepared, with good tactics, a good approach, mentality and strategy.”

Uzbekistan have also progressed to the final without losing a game, but the hosts did need penalties to edge out Thailand in their semi-final on Friday following a 2-2 draw after extra-time.

 “We have to accept that we are playing in Uzbekistan’s home and that they have a huge advantage with the crowd on their side,” added Nazemosharie.

“Every match you see, and I’m sure it will be the same on Sunday, their fans arrive hours before kick-off and they sing and play music and we know just how difficult it will be.”

Iran, though, following the 2010 final success, have won 22 of the 24 meetings with Uzbekistan.

“We are constantly thinking how to improve, so that’s why we practised the power-play, just to be ready,” said Nazemosharie.

“It’s also why we’ll practice penalties because you never know what can happen in this beautiful game of futsal.”

Photo: AFC

HEAD TO HEAD RECORDS

Iran vs Uzbekistan
Competition: – All Competitions
National Teams: – A Team (Men)
Period: – All
HOME AWAY NEUTRAL TOTAL
P W D L GM GF P W D L GM GF P W D L GM GF P W D L GM GF
10 9 1 0 62 13 10 9 0 1 40 15 4 4 0 0 26 6 24 22 1 1 128 34

 

Team 1 vs Team 2 Result Penalty
08/05/2014 – Ho Chi Minh City (VIE)
– AFC Asian Futsal Championship – Vietnam 2014 (FT)
Iran vs Uzbekistan 10 – 0 –
20/04/2014 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Friendly Match
Uzbekistan vs Iran 2 – 6 –
19/04/2014 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Friendly Match
Uzbekistan vs Iran 1 – 6 –
09/06/2013 – Tehran (IRI)
– Friendly Match
Iran vs Uzbekistan 9 – 3 –
08/06/2013 – Tehran (IRI)
– Friendly Match
Iran vs Uzbekistan 6 – 1 –
29/05/2012 – Dubai (UAE)
– AFC Asian Futsal Championship – UAE 2012
Iran vs Uzbekistan 6 – 3 –
17/04/2012 – Bandar-Abbas (IRI)
– Friendly Match
Iran vs Uzbekistan 4 – 1 –
15/04/2012 – Bandar-Abbas (IRI)
– Friendly Match
Iran vs Uzbekistan 2 – 2 –
12/10/2010 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Friendly Match
Uzbekistan vs Iran 4 – 0 –
30/05/2010 – Tashkent (UZB)
– AFC Asian Futsal Championship – Uzbekistan 2010 (FT)
Uzbekistan vs Iran 3 – 8 –
08/04/2010 – Udon Thani (THA)
– Udon Thani – Thailand 5’s 2010
Iran vs Uzbekistan 2 – 1 –
06/10/2009 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Tashkent 2009
Uzbekistan vs Iran 1 – 3 –
24/04/2008 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Friendly Match
Uzbekistan vs Iran 0 – 3 –
22/04/2008 – Tashkent (UZB)
– Friendly Match
Uzbekistan vs Iran 0 – 1 –
21/10/2007 – Joinville (BRA)
– Grand Prix 2007
Uzbekistan vs Iran 0 – 2 –
18/05/2007 – RootDamages FasT here (JPN)
– Osaka – Japan 2007
Uzbekistan vs Iran 3 – 7 –
27/01/2007 – RootDamages FasT here (IRI)
– 1st B Five Cup 2007
Iran vs Uzbekistan 7 – 0 –
02/06/2005 – Ho Chi Minh City (VIE)
– Ho Chi Min City – Vietnam 2005
Uzbekistan vs Iran 1 – 4 –
21/04/2004 – Macau (MCO)
– Macau – Macau 2004
Uzbekistan vs Iran 1 – 8 –
03/08/2003 – Tehran (IRI)
– Tehran – Iran 2003
Iran vs Uzbekistan 7 – 2 –
03/06/2003 – Kuala Lumpur (MLY)
– KL 5’s – Kuala Lumpur 2003
Iran vs Uzbekistan 7 – 1 –
22/10/2002 – Djakarta (INS)
– Djakarta – Indonesia 2002
Iran vs Uzbekistan 5 – 0 –
20/07/2001 – Tehran (IRI)
– AFC Asian Futsal Ch. – Iran 2001 (3rd)
Iran vs Uzbekistan 9 – 0 –
08/05/2000 – Bangkok (THA)
– AFC Asian Futsal Ch. – Thailand 2000 (2nd)
Uzbekistan vs Iran 4 – 6 –

A winning start for Iran Beach soccer.

Iran Beach soccer team started its pursuit to defend its Asian Title by defeating Lebanon 3-2 in Doha , Qatar.

The 2015 Asian Beach Soccer Championship matches are being held in the Katara Arena on the beach of Doha with the presence of 15 teams.

Lebanon scored the first goal but Mohammad Ali Sadeghi soon equalized for Iran. Farid Blokbashi put Iran in front with a spectacular header to make it 2-1 for the defending champion, before Mohammad Ahmadzadeh scored a third with one of his trickery shoots to put Iran 3-1 ahead with 6 minutes to go, A long range shot from Lebanon’s Halawi to make it 3-2 to ensure a thrilling finale, however Iran held comfortably and finished the first match on the right track with a hard fought win against an excellent Lebanese team.

Naderi wasted a penalty in the match, saved by the brilliant Lebanon keeper.

Iran will have a break tomorrow before meeting Thailand on Wednesday.

The winners, runners-up and third-placed team of this tournament are all guaranteed a spot at July’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal.

Iran, the side ranked highest in Asia by FIFA, will face Thailand and Lebanon in Group D. In Group B, Japan, who finished fourth at the 2000 and 2005 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups, are set to do battle with China, Vietnam and Kuwait, while the UAE, Uzbekistan and Iraq will compete in Group C.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the competition’s knockout stage ahead of the final which will be held on March 28.

Only six teams have confirmed their 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup places so far – Italy, Portugal, reigning champions Russia, Spain, Switzerland and Fiji.

AFC Beach Soccer Championship 2015 Groups

Group A: Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Laos

Group B: Japan, China, Vietnam, Kuwait

Group C: UAE, Uzbekistan, Iraq

Group D: Iran, Thailand, Lebanon

Team Melli scores 4 and qualifies for Asian Cup 2015.

Team Melli qualified for the AFC Asian Cup the  for a record 13th time when they defeated Lebanon 4-1 in Beirut.

In a match overshadowed by a terrorist attack earlier that day in south of Beirut near the Iranian Embassy , which prompted the authorities to ban the spectators from entering the stadium fearing more attacks.

Carlos Queiroz opted to start this match with a different line up, with Teymourian, Jabbari, Hajsafy and Montazzeri being rested. Alireza Jahanbakhash who scored Iran’s 3rd goal against Thailand, earned himself a starting role and looked quite lively on the right. The young player had a couple of good runs on the Lebanese defenders..

The first half ended 0-1 in the first half, Team Melli going ahead late in the half (minute 38) when central defender Amir Hossein Sadeghi towered over all the Lebanese defenders to head home from Masoud Shojaei’s corner.

In the second half, the floodgates opened early, when Ashkan Dejagah volleyed powerfully from a nice footwork on the right flank by Reza Ghoochannejad in minute 50.

4 minutes later , Masoud Shojaei was fouled by the Lebanese defender Ali Hammam in the penalty box.

The Chinese referee had no hesitation whistling for a penalty which Captain Nekounam scored  recording his 37th career goal for Team Melli.

The rout ended in the 63rd minute when the prolific Reza Ghoochannejad continued his amazing scoring record for Team Melli by scoring Iran’s 4th goal from an assist by Shojaei.

With the match in the bag, Queiroz made three substitution including bringing in Maziyar Zare to play as a central defender in place of Hosseini. Although Iran had more of the ball against a demoralized Lebanese team, there were many moments of slack passing by Iranian players and some complacency started developing.

However, it was poor coverage and the ease of dribbling past defenders that allowed Lebanon to score a consolation goal late in the match.

Lebanese winger Mohammed Haider went past 2 defenders with alarming ease before selling Beitashour short with a smart turn and shooting past Davari in an acute angle. The German-Iranian goalkeeper, starting his second game who had very little work to do during the whole match, failed to close and advance on the winger which enable him to slot the ball on the far corner.

Overall. it was a clinical performance by Team Melli , and except for the only goal scored conceded and some lazy and inaccurate passing , Team melli played one of it better games under Queiroz despite the concerns over security and the difficult circumstances off the field. Alireza Jahanbakhsh was quite promising with his runs on the flank. In his first start for the team , the ex Captain of Iran’s youth team , did not shy away from taking on defenders.

Iran, leading the table with 13 points after 5 matches, has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2013 , along with Kuwait which defeated Thailand 3-1 in a match player in Kuwait at the same time.

Asian Cup 2015 (Qs) MD5: Lebanon 1-4 Iran

Published on Wednesday, 20 November 2013 02:09

Beirut: Three-time champions Iran confirmed their place at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after ending Lebanon’s qualification hopes following a convincing 4-1 win in Group B on Tuesday.

Amirhossein Sadeghi opened the scoring just before half-time at Sports City Stadium before Askhan Dejagah, AFC Player of the Year nominee Javad Nekounam and Reza Ghoochannejhad struck in the second half as Iran unbeaten Iran recorded a fourth win five games.

And with Kuwait beating Thailand 3-1, Lebanon saw their hopes of a first AFC Asian Cup appearance since hosting the 2000 edition ended following a second defeat in Group B despite Mohamad Haidar’s late consolation.

Iran only needed to avoid defeat to seal their qualification, but took the lead six minutes before half-time as Sadeghi powered home an unstoppable towering header from a left wing corner.

And the visitors doubled their lead five minutes into the second half as Ghoochannejhad played a pass across the edge of the penalty area and Dejagah beat Lebanon goalkeeper Abbas Hassan with a composed first time finish.

Iran added a third four minutes later as Masoud Shojaei was pulled back by Ali Hamam inside the area and Nekounam confidently sent Hassan the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

And Iran’s fourth arrived four minutes after the hour mark as Shojaei’s deft chip played in Ghoochannejhad and the Belgium-based forward skipped past Hassan before poking the ball home from inside the six-yard area.

But despite seeing their qualification hopes ended, Lebanon’s night did end of a high note courtesy of Haidar superb individual goal with 11 minutes remaining.