Sports > Football > IRAN WIN OLYMPIC QUALIFIER AGAINST JORDAN BY AFSHIN DASTAFSHAN
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Iran Olympic team (U-23) finally got on the score sheet in their fourth Beijing 2008 qualifier by beating Jordan 3-0 on April 18th, Iran had failed to score in their previous three qualifying matches collecting only 2 points out of a possible 9.
At the start of this match Iran and Jordan shared bottom place in Group D qualifiers on 2 points with Saudi Arabia topping the table on 6 points and Australia second on 5 points. A win for Iran was therefore a must or they would faced elimination from the campaign despite two games remaining.
Playing in Jordanian capital Amman Iran were under pressure to make up for points dropped against Jordan in Tehran two weeks ago when they drew 0-0, Iran’s Olympic side has had little preparation for this campaign and appointed the Croat Vingo Begovic as their new head coach only in January of this year.
But the young Iranian players rose to the challenge with a determination and confidence that was missing in their previous matches. In an encouraging and rare sign of support the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) had announced a prize of $3,000 for every player in the squad should Iran beat Jordan.
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Iran dominated this match from start to finish, Jordan made a few counter-attacks and had one scoring opportunity in the second half but the young Iranian keeper Susha Makani came to the rescue with a crucial save. Iran opened the scoring with a brilliant finish by the 21 year old captain Hussein Kaebi in the 37th minute, the first half finished 1-0 to Iran. But the scoring wasn’t over as Iran struck twice more late in the second half with goals from Vahid Amraei and Mehrdad Oladi, Iran could have scored at least three more goals but failed to convert their clear cut chances, nevertheless the team and fans will be pleased with the 3-0 win.
This was definitely a good day for Iran as group leaders Saudi Arabia beat second place Australia 2-1, Australia’s defeat means Iran are now level with the socceroos on 5 points but jump above them to second place in Group D on goal difference setting up make or break match against Australia in Adelaide on May 16th. Saudi Arabia are now on 9 points and certain of qualifying to the next round qualifiers.
Let us now put things into perspective for Iran; Jordan have been the weakest team in the group losing two and drawing two of their matches hence an opportunity to score points, but Iran have already played Jordan twice taking 4 points out of a possible 6 from them, Iran’s draw with Jordan in Tehran might prove costly in the end. Australia appear to have improved their game since they played Iran in Tehran drawing 0-0, they beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 at home so Iran’s next match in Adelaide will be a tough one. Iran must avoid defeat in Australia in their next match or they will be eliminated from the qualifiers, even a draw would be better for Australia than Iran as their final match is against bottom of the table team Jordan while Iran’s final match is against the tougher opponent and group favourites Saudi Arabia, Iran will therefore have to go for a win against Australia, a draw with the socceroos would put immense pressure on Iran in their last match against Saudi Arabia which will be played in Tehran on June 6th. Nonetheless Iran can celebrate a successful day which boosted the team’s confidence; this was an improved performance by Iran. The top two teams from each group will proceed to next and final round qualifiers. Iran football has not qualified for the Olympics since Montreal in 1976.
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Remaining Group D fixtures (home teams first):
May 16th
Australia vs.
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