PFDC – AMMAN, Iran stormed back on top of World Cup Qualification Group 1 with a very well deserved 2-0 victory over Jordan. But the Persian left it late, before substitue Nikbakht-Vahedi and veteran striker Ali Daei netted one each to regain the pole.

The eagerly awaited match began slow, Iran already being the slight dominant team during first half, however, barely any chances were created. While the hosts, except of two shots from outside the box, barely were able to trouble Iran’s defense, the red clad Team Melli had two excellent scoring opportunities.

After 20 minutes, Khodadad Azizi produced a deadly pass to Ali Karimi, the Iranian star player being one on one with the keeper, being stopped by a foul from a Jordanian defender, who stepped on the 25-year-old’s heel. However, this incident was not spotted by the, apart from this scene, excellent Chinese referee. A few minutes later, Azizi was brought down near the box, skipper Ali Daei stepping up to take the freekick, being unluckyly denied by the goalpost.

Iran started second half more offensivly, especially troubling the Jordanian’s over their left defending side. However, barely any chances were created. In minute 53 forune once more wasn’t on Iran’s side, when Iran started another dangerous attack over the right side, goalkeeper Shafi misjudging the cross, and Jordan’s defender deflecting it into the own goal, however, clearing it shortly (still clearly) behind the goalline. This time the linesman did not fulfill his job, not indicating this correct goal to the referee.

The highly controversial comeback of Khodadad Azizi, which might well cause headcoach Ivankovic not to extend his contract with the Iranian Football Federation, then ended after 69 minutes. The 33-year-old, who had an overall disappointing performance, was replaced by Nikbakht-Vahedi. This substitution immediately boosted the Iranian attack, as Nikbakht created a lot of danger over the left side. The left winger almost broke the deadlock in minute 76, but his tremendous shot from far out went inches wide.

But ten minutes to the final whistle, Nikbakht got his effort on target, beating Shafi with a great header to a Nekounam-cross. Jordan, so far being stuck in defense, opened up, now finally giving the Iranian offense enough space to easily combine. Iran failed to finish an almost perfect counter attack, when Kazemian, after a good run over the right side, hesitated to play it square for Daei, rather setting up Karimi in worse position, whose shot could be blocked.

Daei then stole the ball from Jordan’s defense three minutes to the end, but failed to control the ball, however, three minutes later, he made up for this, when he headed home a cross from Vahid Hashemian. The Bayern Munich striker, giving his comeback after a three-year-quarrel with the Iranian Federation, had shown a pleasing performance, being involved in almost every Iranian attack.

Iran is now back on top of Group 1, like Jordan having collected nine points from four matches, but having won the direct duel against the Arab Kingdome by 2-1. Team Melli now have their desitiny in their own hands again, but only if the Iranian team appears as focused and dedicated in Qatar (October 13) as today, qualification for the next stage can be achieved.

Jordan – Iran 0-2 (0-0)

World Cup Qualification Group 1, Amman

Goals:

0-1 Nikbakht-Vahedi (80’)

0-2 Daei (90’)

Iran played with: Mirzapour – Kaabi (76’ Kazemian), Kameli, Rezaei, Nosrati – Nekounam, Golmohamadi – Hashemian (92’ Alavi), Azizi (69’ Nikbakht-Vahedi), Karimi – Daei

Iranian players booked: Golmohamadi