U19: Unlucky Iran bow out on penalties

PFDC – SAINT PETERSBURG, An injury time equalizer from shooting star Sardar Azmoun wasn’t enough for Iran’s U19, as they were defeated 1-4 on penalties by Latvian’s U21.

The loss came as a surprise for the favourites, who indeed had dominated the game from the start, but had conceded an early goal and then were exposed to the underdog’s repeated counter attacks.

The Latvians had to play with one man less from minute 47 on, however, were able to defend the lead thanks to Iran’s lack of effectiveness in front of goal, until the 93rd minute of the game, when Azmoun, the youngest player of the tournament, scored his fifth goal of the competition.

The tournament is not over for the Iranian youngsters yet, as they will have two further playoffs to determine their final ranking (rank 5 to 8).