10-man Iran defeat South Korea [VIDEO]

PFDC – TEHRAN, A 75th minute strike from skipper Javad Nekounam gave Iran a sweet 1-0 victory over Korea Republic 20 minutes after Team Melli had been reduced to ten men when Masoud Shojaei received his marching orders.

Also Iran coach Carlos Queiroz was sent off in a heated game which Iran won with tremendous will and passion in front of 100.000 enthusiastic fans.

Team Melli had started in the expected formation, only playmaker Mohammad Nouri’s inclusion was slightly surprising.

Reza Ghoochannejhad debuted in central attack, showing a good performance and raising the hopes Iran finally found a striker with good finishing abilities.

However, injured Hadi Aghily’s absence in central defense was very visible, as Iran looked very vulnerable by crosses and setpieces, also being saved by the woodwork twice and repeatedly by a splendid Mehdi Rahmati in Iran’s goal.

Things looked like definitely turning in Korea’s favour when the already booked Masoud Shojaei rightfully received his marching orders for a rough challenge in midfield.

Although the visitors now completely overtook control, the sending off seemed to have woken up a somewhat lethargic Team Melli, who now defended extremely well and looked dangerous on counters.

One of those could only be stopped by a foul on substitute winger Hossein Mahini near the corner flag.

The following Ashkan Dejagah freekick could not be cleared by the South Koreans. Instead, Andranik Teymourian got his foot to the cross and Javad Nekounam punished the guests by brilliantly smacking the ball into the net, with just 15 minutes on the clock.

What followed was what Team Melli and Asian football had too often suffered from in the past: numerous time wasting efforts.

However, with the AFC unwilling to do anything about this habit and Iran bitterly having learned that, most recently in Lebanon, the adoption if these unfair tactics was a logical and as could seen effective consequence.

Nevertheless, the Iranians showed a remarkable demonstration of sheer will to win this game and held on to the lead before the final whistle and a roar from 100.000 Iranian fans in the stadium and 70 millions outside ended a legendary qualifier after more than 97 minutes.

Following Uzbekistan’s 1-0 victory in Qatar, Iran now remain in second position of the table with seven points collected out of four games. South Korea remain on top, also with seven points but better goal difference whereas Uzbekistan (5 points), Qatar and Lebanon (both 4 points) follow.

With four more matches to go, Iran will next host Uzbekistan in a tough match in November whereas the Koreans can analyze the loss until next spring, when they will meet Qatar.

Iran – South Korea 1-0 (0-0)
World Cup qualifier round 4, Group A, Tehran, Azadi Stadium (sold out)

Goal: 1-0 Javad Nekounam (75′ / assist by Andranik Teymourian)

Suspension: Masoud Shojaei (55′ / second booking / foul)

Iranian players booked: Pouladi

Iran: Rahmati – Heydari, Montazeri, Hosseini, Pouladi – Teymourian (89′ Zare), Nekounam, M. Nouri (65′ Mahini) – Dejagah, Ghoochannejhad (73′ Khalatbari), Shojaei

Below come Nekounam’s goal and the full match highlights against South Korea from PFDCTV: