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FIFA - Edgar Bertoni struck a
last-gasp equaliser to secure a place in the last four for Italy as the
Azzurri came from behind to clinch a thrilling 5-5 draw with Iran.
The stakes could hardly have been higher at the Gimnasia Nilson Nelson in
Brasilia, with both sides knowing that a semi-final place rested within
their grasp. Italy struck first, captain Grana sending a stunning shot into
the top corner after just two minutes play to leave Mostafa Nazari without
an earthly.
Within seven minutes, it looked as if Italy were all but assured of their
spot in the last four when Grana double his and his side's tally, converting
an exquisite pass from Adriana Foglia. The two-goal lead was no more than
Italy deserved at this stage, and it was against the run of play when Iran
pulled themselves back into contention two minutes later, Ali Hassanzadeh
Masoud Daneshvar diving in to head home.
Within another two minutes, however, Iran were level, as a static Italian
defence watched Ebrahim Masoudi waltz through their ranks to equalise.
Patrick Nora did restore Italy's advantage from a 14th-minute Grana corner
but, once again, the Asian champions came roaring back, with Taheri slotting
home after great set-up play by Mohammad Hashemzadeh.
That was how it stayed until, with 11 minutes remaining and for the first
time in the match, Iran pulled in front, Taheri directing a shot past
Alexandre Feller from 12 meters. Even when Italy equalised a couple of
minutes later through Fabiano, Iran seemed to sense that history was in the
making and, with just four minutes remaining, Masoud Daneshvar struck what
looked at the time to be a decisive blow.
That, however, was until Bertoni popped up with all of 50 seconds left on
the clock to seal a remarkable victory that sends Italy on to the
semi-finals and Iran on the next plane home.
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