PayvandNews – Three-time champions Iran have reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup with a 2-0 victory over Oman in Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian players celebrating their victory over Oman
(see photos of the game)
Oman almost took a surprise lead as early as the 3rd minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, Iran’s keeper Alireza Beiraanvand saved the spot kick heroically.
Iran’s keeper Alireza Beiraanvand saving the penalty
Iran then went ahead after 30 minutes of play when Alireza Jahaanbakhsh made the best of a defensive error.
Team Melli doubled their lead 5 minutes before the break as Mehdi Taaremi was brought down in the area and Captain Ashkaan Dezhaagah stepped up to make it 2-0.
Iran will next meet China in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Coach Queiroz: We’ll keep playing for people of Iran
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz hails his team’s solid performance against Oman during the Asian Cup games, saying his men “play for the people of Iran” and are committed to putting the entire nation’s strength on display besides playing “good football.”
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz
artwork by Bozorgmehr Hosseinpur
Following the win, Queiroz took to his Facebook page to congratulate his team and the Iranian nation on the “good victory against a strong and very well prepared opponent.”
“Our boys play for the team and this is the way we move forward,” he said.
The former Real Madrid boss further described the match against Oman as a “difficult” one, saying “but we worked and built the result, with good spirit, enthusiasm and attitude.”
He further said that the team is committed to “playing good football, but also showing the world this message about the strength and character of the Iranian people.”
“We will continue working like today, playing for the people of Iran. Thank you all for your support!” he added.
Iran have won the AFC Asian Cup on three occasions – 1968, 1972 and 1976 – but that last triumph came 43 years ago.
… Payvand News – 01/21/19 … —