Khalatbari gives lucky Iran a perfect start [VIDEO]

PFDC – TASHKENT, A 94th minute goal by substitute winger Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari gave Iran a very lucky 1-0 victory over a strong Uzbekistan in the first match of the final round of Asian World Cup qualifiers.

Carlos Queiroz’ starting lineup included quite a few surprises, with Jalal Hosseini being the only usual starter in the fourback.

While the midfield lineup didn’t include any surprises, barely anyone would have tipped on Mohammad Ebrahimi and Ehsan Hajsafi as starting wingers and veteran midfielder Ali Karimi as target striker.

Unsurprisingly, Iran looked a bit unorganized from the start and Uzbekistan, who missed a couple of keyplayers, controlled the proceedings from minute one until the final whistle.

While Iran was far from creating any danger, the hosts should have taken the lead before halftime, but Iran’s goalkeeper should emerge to the hero of the day, saving no less than three excellent scoring opportunities by Karpenko, Geynrikh and Hasanov in first half.

Queiroz reacted already before the break, bringing on Khosro Heydari for the disappointing Ebrahimi, but nothing changed in second interval.

Except from Iran’s first chance of the game –  a shot from outside the area which Nesterov in Uzbekistan’s goal could only save in two attempts before Karimi could get a foot to the loose ball – Uzbekistan controlled ball and opponent.

However, Team Melli’s defense now looked stronger and no chances were allowed until minute 72, when again Rahmati saved Iran’s blushes.

Two minutes later, Uzbekistan took the deserved lead when after a freekick first the goalpost saved the visitors, and the following tap-in by Uzbekistan star Odil Akhmedov was cleared slightly behind the goalline by Jalal Hosseini. Fortunately for Iran, Japanese referee Nishimura didn’t award the goal, much to the anger of players coaches and crowds.

A powerful and well placed Kapadze shot from far out was again saved by the flawless Rahmati in minute 83 – the last big scene before an unforgettable finish.

Carlos Queiroz had meanwhile brought in Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari and Karim Ansarifard and Iran now looked at least slightly more dangerous; however, without creating any clear scoring opportunity – at least until minute 94.

Uzbekistan opened up their defense and should be heavily punished.

Andranik Teymourian took a powerful run through midfield, getting past his marker and played a great throughball to Ansarifard on the right wing. The young forward immediately laid the ball square for Khalatbari who made no mistake and sent the ball past Nesterov and into the net.

In the other game of the group, Lebanon will host Qatar. On Friday, Uzbekistan will visit Lebanon whereas Qatar will host South Korea.

On June 12, South Korea will entertain Lebanon in Seoul before Iran host Qatar in Tehran’s Azadi stadium.

Uzbekistan – Iran 0-1 (0-0)
World Cup qualifer, Asian zone, round 4
Tashkent, JAR stadium, 8.500 spectators

Goal: Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari (94′ / assist by Karim Ansarifard)

Iran’s lineup: Rahmati – Mahini, Montazeri, Hosseini, P. Nouri – Teymourian, Nekounam, Jabbari (76′ Ansarifard) – Ebrahimi (45′ Heydari), Karimi, Hajsafi (62′ Khalatbari)

Bookings: None

Below you can watch Khalatbari’s winner from PFDCTV, where you can also find the full Uzbekistan – Iran game.