Mahdavikia: We Never Lost Hope Against Australia [VIDEO]

Tasnim – TEHRAN, On the anniversary of Team Melli’s memorable qualification to the 1998 World Cup Finals, former Iran captain Mehdi Mahdavikia looks back on qualifying against Australia.

Former Iran winger Mehdi Mahdavikia said of the 1997 match that they believed their side could arrest the deficit to Australia and secure a World Cup spot.

On November 29, 1997, the Iranian football team fought back from two goals down to draw Australia 2-2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of 85,000 people.

Two teams drew 1-1 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium one week earlier and the Iranian team booked a place in the 1998 World Cup on goal difference.

“It appeared Australia had qualified but a spectator ran onto the field and broke the net. Afterward, we put the Australian team under pressure.

“We never lost our hopes in that match and fought until the last moment and drew 2-2 with the Australian team,” Mahdavikia added.