Ebrahimzadeh: Uzbeks underestimated us

AFC – ESFAHAN, Zob Ahan boss Mansour Ebrahimzadeh felt complacency played a part in Bunyodkor’s downfall after two fine strikes helped the Iranians stun their Uzbek opponents 3-0 at Foolad Shahr Stadium.

A pedestrian first-half came to life in the 36th minute when a stylish move was rounded off with an excellent side-foot volley by Mohammad Hosseini from six yards.

Zob Ahan extended their lead after the break in spectacular fashion as Mohammad Ghazi found the top corner with a blistering drive from fully 30 yards.

Mohammad Khalatbari then rounded off the win with a classy finish 10 minutes from time as the hosts supplanted Bunyodkor at the Group B summit.

“We were initially thinking about winning the game but I believe the Uzbeks underestimated our strength and that helped grab the 3-0 victory,” said Ebrahimzadeh (pictured).

“For the first two goals we were creative enough to use two different tactics but the third goal was scored as a result of Bunyodkor’s defenders’ tiredness.

“I shall laud my lads’ performance today, they were attempting to carry out my plans on the field.

“Bunyodkor have an amazing record but we were able to beat them today. They are a very strong team and we displayed a powerful performance.”

Ebrahimzadeh was also delighted to come out on top against opposite number Luiz Felipe Scolari, whom he regards as one of the game’s top managers, but tempered his enthusiasm with the knowledge his side are in for a real examination of their credentials in Tashkent next week.

“Scolari is a real big name in the coaching world. He’s always been very professional and is now in charge of a professional team as well. It’s an honour for me and my players to beat him today,” he added.

“We will definitely have a tough job against them next week. They’ll be there to take revenge for today’s loss and for sure they’ll benefit from playing at home.

“They have fanatical fans like us but we’ll have our own plans for the return match in Uzbekistan.”

Bunyodkor were outclassed in every department and failed to provide much of a threat with the absence of Brazilian playmaker Rivaldo seemingly a contributing factor.

Scolari is optimistic the veteran will be fit for the return encounter but nevertheless, lambasted his side’s performance while underlining Zob Ahan have now elevated themselves among the favourites to lift the trophy.

“Unlike our rivals, who were fantastic today, we played an awful game,” he said.

“The reason I didn’t use Rivaldo was his ankle injury but I’m hopeful I’ll have him ready for the next games.

“All four teams in our group are tough sides but given today’s superb exhibition from Zob Ahan, I’ll say they have the potential to make it even into the final game of the ACL.

“We were pressured a lot by them throughout the whole game and they were surprisingly more highly-motivated after their opening goal.”