According to FIFA's official website, the reigning champions looked to be cruising after opening up a commanding lead during the first half where they played some wonderful football.
Rayan (7), Abolfazl Zamani own goal (45+2) scored for Brazil and Yaghoob Barajeh (54), Kasra Taheri (69), Esmaeil Gholizadeh (73) scored for Iran.
Accordingly, 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 a 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 Zamani and into the net.
Far from being disheartened, Iran came out for the second half with renewed vigor and purpose.
They looked a threat whenever they advanced into the final third – and made good on that attacking promise on 51 minutes when Barajeh’s shot deflected in off Da Mata. They then leveled on 69 minutes, with half-time substitute Taheri nutmegging Brazil stopper Phillipe Gabriel with a fizzing low drive.
And they completed an amazing turnaround when Gholizadeh applied the finishing touch after a fast breakaway. Brazil piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer but to no avail, with the final whistle sparking wild celebrations among the Iran players and staff.
Iran are scheduled to meet England, and New Caledonia on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
6125**9417
Your Comment