The exciting victory in Amman saw newly-returned Alireza Vahedi-Nikbakht (78th minute) and 35-year-old skipper Ali Daei (89th) tally to secure the win. It was a bit late for comfort, but in the battle between Iran’s talented attack and Jordan’s previously impenetrable defence and lightening counterattack, the away victory should settle nerves in Tehran. Jordan have been one of the most recent, and most impressive, revelations on the continent. Not only did they defeat Iran in the last qualifier, they also drew 0-0 with 2002 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Korea Republic and nearly toppled Asian champions Japan at the 2004 Asian Cup. The return of Hashemian
Iran therefore came out with a must-win attitude and seized the initiative from the opening whistle. Their first good chance came in the 30th minute when Ali Daei’s shot was well stopped by 22-year-old Jordanian keeper Amer Shafi. Jordan then successfully held off the Iranian attack and kept the score tied at 0-0 through the first 45 minutes. All seemed to be going exactly according to coach Mahmoud Al Gohary’s plans. But in the 64th minute, Iran coach Branko Ivanovic made a decisive substitution, bringing on Alireza Vahedi-Nikbakht for Khodadad Aziz. Four minutes later, Vahedi-Nikbakht, who was making his return from injury after sitting out the Asian Cup, seized on his first opportunity and scored with a header to break the stalemate. Ali Daei seals the victory Iran, no slouch in the counterattacking department themselves, struck back against the pressure when Ali Daei broke clear to make it 2-0. The evergreen striker has scored consistently and has remained one of Asia’s most formidable strikers, and his strike against Jordan may be the moment when Iran’s campaign to reach Germany got back on track. Branko Ivanovic once described Ali Daei as “irreplaceable,” and the coach’s confidence in the 35 year old striker has once again proved spot-on. Next up for Team Melli is a tricky trip to resurgent Qatar, who won in Laos 6-1, on 13 October. |
Iran turn the tables on Jordan
- Persianleague
- - Sep 10, 2004
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