Esteghlal starts the new IPL season with a deserved win&nbsp; <img border="0" src="http://www.persianleague.com/images/pic.gif" width="13" height="11">

Majeed Panahi

PLDC - A magnificent goal by substitute striker Ali Samereh either side of goals of Ali Reza Vahedi-Nikbakht and Faraz Fatemi goals, sealed the fate of the first match of 2002/03 IPL season. It ended 3-1 in favour of Esteghlal against their nemesis Pas of Tehran.

The match in Takhti stadium, played on uneven surface, although much better than last year’s pitch, attracted 15000 fans . All matches in Tehran will be played in this stadium awaiting the renovation of Azadi.

Although Esteghlal, won the match, it was Pas who drew first blood when Rasoul Khatibi scored in the 35th minute. The first half was evenly controlled by Pas and Esteghlal, with Pas perhaps having more of the ball. Esteghlal had a few changes in the team from last season. Dinmohammadi and Mousavi were both absent from the line-up as reports indicate that they are both suspended by Esteghlal management for disciplinary action. Esteghlal had Nikbakht and Samereh on the bench, while Fatemi and Moemenzadeh formed the attacking force of the team.

Pas , on the other hand, had the same line-up of last season barring a few changes. Nima Nakisa was splendid in goal, while Javad Nekounam performed his usual classy performance in the middle of the field.

The second half was all Esteghlal. After Koch, Esteghlal’s coach found that the forwards were feeble against the tough Pas defence, he threw both Nikbakht and Samereh in the game early in the second half. The retreat of Pas to defence, allowed Esteghlal players to control the game and take it towards Pas goal. Nakisa performed heroically against the waves of Esteghlal offences, however he was helpless and blameless on all the 3 goals scored against him.

The first goal was a lobbing header by Nikbakht out of Nakisa’s reach. The second goal was a superb strike by Ali Samereh. He received the ball on the left side of Pas goal, prepared himself well and then shot a powerful diagonal rising ball toward the far side of Nakisa. Truly a beautiful goal which shows the class and the ability of this player, who had little playing time in Perugia last year.

The match was sealed late by Faraz Fatemi who stole the ball from Nikbakht , who run circles round the static Pas defenders , just outside the penalty area. Fatemi had only Nakisa to beat, and that he did very well despite the enormous effort of Nakisa to block him.

The new look Esteghlal were impressive. The flow and movement of the ball was a delight to watch. The defenders, though, are still suspect. Although Pashazadeh is approaching his peak, the collective defensive duties still have gaps in it.

Pas obvious problem was one of physique. By the second half most of their players lost their stamina. Azizi still provides some beautiful passes to his team mates, but the finishing work is suspect and poor. Khatibi has not changed from his usual. He can be superb at times and absolutely poor in another. He wasted couple of good scoring chances that might have changed the end