Daei fires Iran to victory in Ukraine

AFC - Former Asian Player of the Year Ali Daei scored the only goal of the game as Iran secured a 1-0 win over Ukraine in an international friendly in Kiev on Wednesday.

The Iranians dominated the home side as they scored their most significant win since Branko Ivankovic took charge of the team following their failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

After surviving an early scare with Ukraine striker Sergei Rebrov going close after six minutes, Iran enjoyed the bulk of possession as Daei blasted just over the bar in the 18th minute.

The enterprising play of the Asian side was rewarded in the 57th minute when Daei tapped in the game's only goal following a corner kick.

The Ukrainians piled forward in search of an equaliser but substitute Olexandr Melaschenko missed a good chance in the final minute as the East Europeans crashed to a disappointing defeat.

Iranian coach Ivankovic was delighted with the victory on European soil over a team eyeing qualification for the 2004 European Championship.

"Ukraine is a strong team. And in front of its fans they wanted to win very much. But Iran deserved this victory - we were fresher and our star - Daei - used his chance," said Ivankovic.