TMDC - Not the most aspiring performance by Team Melli, but how can anyone fault a team that scores 7 goals in an international match? Iran comprehensively defeated a dilapidated Syrian team 7-1 and could have easily been in double figures if it wasn’t for the feeble finishing of the forwards in latter stages of the match.

Branko Ivankovic made some drastic changes in the line up and overhauled the team into what was the Olympic U23 team that brought Iran glory in Busan Asian games not so long ago. That nostalgia did not work very well in the first 25 minutes but with the Syrian hardly noticed the discord in Team Melli.  Iran started a goal avalanche in the late first half started by Ali Daei who scored his 93 international goals and still counting.

Significantly that Daei goal showed the ocean of difference between himself and young Borhani, who had some embarrassing and comical mis-hits. Barely a minute has passed when Nikbakht made it 2-0 and in the injury time a beautiful header by Mohammed Nosrati announced the 3rd goal for Iran.

The second half started with Karimi and Kavianpour being brought in for Daei and Nekounam. That substitution meant that Team Melli now has 3 forwards but interestingly enough; the lack of coordination and understanding between the three negatively affected the team. Karimi, who does not relish nor can operate as a central striker, exchanged position with the visibly tired Enayati but to no significant effectiveness.

The introduction of Majidi instead of Enayati, made no visible difference in the performance.

Borhani, short in experience and killer touch managed to score early in the 2nd half with a feeble shoot to make it 4-1. While late in this half a sudden burst saw further 3 goals being scored by Borhani, Karimi and a late penalty by Majidi. The Syrian goal, apparently the best of the match came from a thunderous shot by Mahir Al Sayed while Rahmati , was ball watching and letting the ball pass him without any attempt to repeat his earlier heroics.

No doubt that the result was a fine one by Team Melli , but perfectionist will be far from satisfied by the poor coordination, lack of organization , multitude of simple passing errors, poor shooting and finishing ( despite those 7 goals). Full marks for Branko for the upheaval in the line-up and bringing in the youngsters for experience and exposure, but the general impression is that the team requires much hard work and time to blend.

Iran will meet Iraq in the semi final on Wednesday while Jordan will meet the demoralized Syrian in the other semi.

Man of the Match: Sayed Mehdi Rahmati.

Date: 21-Jun-04

IRAN   SYRIA 7-1       Azadi   20,000

Rahmati ; Kameli-Mofrad ; Alavi S.M. ;Badavi ;Amir-Abadi ;Nosrati ; Nikbakht-Vahedi ; Enayati (Majidi 65’) ; Nekounam (Kavianpour 46’); Borhani ;Daei (Karimi 46’)

Goals
DAEI (29') ; VAHEDI-NIKBAKHT (30') ; NOSRATI (45 3') ;BORHANI (55') ; SAYED Mahir (SYR)(82') ; BORHANI (86') ; KARIMI (86') ; MAJID (89'P)