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PFDC - TEHRAN, Australia's U23 held a
dominating but too harmless Iranian team to the draw they had aimed for in
the two sides' first Olypmpic qualifier in Tehran on Wednesday afternoon.
Croat boss Vinko Begovic's well organized Iranian team overtook the
initiative from the start and was superior to their counterparts in almost
every aspect, however, in absence of anything close to a goalgetter the
hosts barely could create real danger, although numerous half-chances were
created throughout the match.
Neither the hard working but again sometimes too egoistic Mehrdad Oladi nor
his replacement as lone striker upfront in the 4-2-3-1 system after 67
minutes, Shahram Goudarzi, were able to be a real threat to the well
organized Australian defense.
However, Iran's midfield clearly outclassed the visitor's midfield and the
Iranian defense was very stable; it was no co-incident that Australia didn't
manage to get one single shot on the very secure looking Sousha Makani's
goal.
Iran's best chance had come after seven minutes when Oladi had sent Milad
Meydavoudi through on goal, but the leftwinger had been unable to beat
Australia's good goalkeeper Vukovic in a one-on-one situation.
Iran and Australia are grouped with Saudi Arabia and Jordan in Group D in
the second phase of Olympic qualification. The top-two of each group will
advance to final stage of the qualification.
Iran - Australia 0-0
Olympic Qualification, Group D
Goals: -
Iran's lineup: Makani - Hamoudi, E. Karimi, Nazifkar, Hamidi - Kolahkaj,
Pouladi - Kaabi (C), Ravankhah (90' Nazeri), Meydavoudi (76' Ahmadi) - Oladi
(67' Goudarzi)
Bookings: Pouladi, Kaabi - Burns, Broxham, Griffin
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