|
IRNA - The following are the
reactions of some Iranian newspapers to the Saturday's 0-2 defeat of the
Iranian national team in the World Cup Group D match against Portugal in
Frankfurt, Germany.
In an article by its sport commentator Kambakhsh Khalaji, 'Tehran Times'
wrote "skipper Luis Figo set up both goals Portugal scored against Iran
in Frankfurt, ... to advance to the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup
finals.
"Man of the Match Deco fired home a Figo cross from 25 meters with an
unstoppable right drive after 63 minutes and Manchester United winger
Cristiano Ronaldo converted a spot-kick ten minutes from time when Figo
was brought down by his opposite number Yahya Golmohammadi.
"The result that sent the Asian team packing was surely appealing to
Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who Friday said a half-nil win
would please him," wrote the paper.
Praising Iranian goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour, it said "A transformed
keeper Ebrahim Mirzapur making a handful of good saves played a big role
in holding the European heavyweight Portugal until the hour mark."
The paper added regretfully "In two rare attacks, Iran had the chances
to secure the parity as substitute Rasul Khatibi failed to beat keeper
Ricardo in a one-on-one challenge on 72 minutes and Hanover striker
Vahid Hashemian forced a save from Ricardo with a glancing header seven
minutes later."
Meanwhile, three other
English-language dailies just quoted dispatches with 'Kayhan
International,' saying "A stunning strike from Deco and a Cristiano
Ronaldo penalty gave Portugal a 2-0 triumph over Iran on Saturday,
sealing their place in the World Cup second round."
It lauded Iran's defense, saying it "did well to keep line striker
Pauleta quiet."
Referring to the few chances for Iran that were aborted, the paper said,
"Iran had an opportunity of its own when a header from Hashemian forced
Portuguese keeper Ricardo into a smart stop." In their last first-round
games Wednesday, Iran plays debutant Angola in Leipzig and Portugal
arrays against Mexico in Gelsenkirchen.
Two other papers, 'Iran Daily' and 'Iran News,' referred to a report
that said "Angola goalkeeper Joao Ricardo was more worried about beating
Iran in the World Cup next week than the fact he was without a league
team."
Referring to Ricardo as the man of the match in Friday's 0-0 draw with
Mexico, the report added, "The draw means victory over Iran in their
final Group D game in Leipzig on Wednesday could give the Africans a
place in the second round at their first World Cup." |
