Two goals by the Syrians, ended the impressive record held by Iran in the qualifying rounds of the FIFA

In the last round of the competition, Syria surprised the huge fans in Azadi by taking the lead in the 13th minute of the match after a very poor clearance by Biranvand in goal allowing Tamer Haj Mohamad to head the rebound.

 Sardar Azmoun equalized for Team Melli in the added time of the first half by chesting the ball  into the empty net from a rebounded shot.

In the second half, Team Melli seemed to be in a mission and after long periods of controlling the game, Azmoun once again scored from a neat play with a simple slide of the ball. 

The Syrians did not give up despite their poor showing however, a real blunder in the dying minutes of the game by Alireza Biranvand, allowed Omer Al Souma to slide the ball between his legs into the empty net. It was an embarrassing goal to concede for a keeper that has kept 12 continuous clean sheets!. Biranvand was not at his best in the game and was faulted in both goals. The match ended 2-2 while the jubilant Syrian celebrated making the play-off round following Uzbekistan failure to beat Korea Rep. in Tashkent.

Team Melli played a good game and this draw has not tarnished its image , although a win would have been the real icing in the cake for the team. Of course,  changes are expected in the line up  with less than a year from the World Cup.

Man of the Match: Ashkan Degagah:

The midfielder who has been released by VfL Wolfsburg at the ed of last season played one of his best matches in a long time. He was the dynamo and spread the ball brilliantly. His performance and the quality of football he displayed was an eye candy for Team Melli fans.

After some break , Sardar Azmoun did what he does best, score goals. This was his 21st gaol for Team Melli in 27 matches. It is an incredible record for a player who is only 22 years old.