TMDC- Tehran, Team Melli reached the final of the third WAFF tournament by beating Iraq 2-1. Javad Nekounam and Arash Borhani scored for Iran while Ahmed Abbas scored the lone Iraqi goal.

In its best performance so far in the tournament, Team Melli beaming in confidence and with much better organization, quickly imposed its authority by scoring in the 4th minute form thunderous shoot by Nekounam after Daei’s header was ricocheted off an Iraqi defender.

After the goal, the Iraqis, who were by far the strongest opposition that Iran has faced in this tournament, mounted a series of offensive moves to change the result. The Iranian defenders played their role quite well despite some nervy moment from the inexperienced Rahmati. Iraqi pressure yielded result, however on minute 35 after a defensive error explicitly poor covering by Golmohamadi which allowed Ahmed Abbas ample time to control the ball, aim and shoot. He made no mistake and the equalizer was registered. Rahmati had no chance and was not to be blamed for this goal.

The second half continued with both teams looking for means to penetrate the solid defenses. Karimi came in for Mobali and his presence was a constant menace for the Iraqi’s and vitalized the sagging Iranian offensive moves.

Just short of the hour, Borhani who was later selected as the’ Man of the Match ‘, raised high to meet a Badavi cross and slot the ball into the net. Iran 2 – Iraq 1.

The action continued between the team both creating dangerous opportunities. Rahamati’s poor timing on crosses was compensated by good defensive coverage, while Iraq’s goalkeeper Nasser Jameel must be thankful for the post that prevented Daei and Karimi from scoring further goals.

The midfield cleverly marshaled by Javad Nekounam in one of his best performances in years, and with the help of overlapping Badavi did a fine job in this match. Ali Daei was very unlucky not to score as he continues his revival. Alavi was solid and rarely put a foot wrong while the defense, lead by the cool Golmohamadi, was less error prone and did a good job on covering.

Iran will meet Syria on Friday in the Final match. 


Iran-Iraq 2-1 (1-1)

Azadi 15,000, 23-Jun-04 WAFF 2004

Rahmati ;Golmohamadi-Alavi S.M.-Badavi-Kaebi-Nosrati-Nikbakht-Vahedi (Kavinpour 65') -Mobali (Karimi 46')-Nekounam-Borhani (Kameli-Mofrad 83')-Daei

Goals:
Nekounam (4’); Ahmed Abbas (35’) ; Borhani (54’)

Referee
SHAABAN Qasim KUWAIT