UAE U17 World Cup: Inspired Iran held by Argentina

Sport360.com – DUBAI, Rightly billed as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina were the ones made to look like underdogs after they escaped their opening Group E match against Iran with a 1-1 draw in Al Ain.

Sport360°’s Kenny Laurie was at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai and provides his verdict on the match.

MATCH SUMMARY
Hard to believe though it may sound, Iran can count themselves short-changed after drawing 1-1 with the mighty Argentina.

Inventive, assertive and fearless, Iran were the better side from start to finish, and were only held back by an inability to take one of the many half-chances that dropped their way.

After applauding their significant support, the Iranians immediately set about making sure their time wasn’t wasted. Within a minute of the game Mostafa Hashemi stunned everyone with a superb dipping half volley.

Iran were well on top, sometimes cutting Argentina to ribbons. But the South Americans didn’t stay quiet for long. Marcos Astina was released down the right wing before crossing to the excellent Sebastien Driussi, who showed great technique to slap in the cut back from 15 yards.

Argentina were expected to press on from there, but the South Americans struggled with a confident and athletic Iran side that continually punctured their back line.

Ali Hazami could have given the Iranians the lead again, but his shot cannoned off the post from 30 yards, and Amir Mazloum should have scored before the break after Reza Jafari put the ball on a plate 10 yards from goal.

Things only got harder for the Argentines once Lucio Compagnucci was sent off – rather harshly – for a second bookable offence with eight minutes left.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS
It was almost startling to see players in Argentina shirts getting so roundly bossed for good spells of the game. The South Americans played three at the back, which is fine, but not when the opposition have three strikers and a dangerous midfielder in Saeid Ezatolahi running in from deep.

The Iranians completely outnumbered them in attack and filled in the gaps defensively, forcing the Argentines to play an uncharacteristic amount of long balls – not a great strategy when the opposition are much taller.

Saying that, Sebastien Driussi’s goal came from a long pass that was won by the diminutive Marcos Astina.

While Argentina enjoyed ample width going forward, defensively, their lack of conventional full backs and midfielders allowed for huge gaping holes. Iran were consistently able to get men into space on their attacks, even if most came to nothing thanks to erratic crossing – maybe that was gamble Argentina were prepared to make.

The South Americans firmed up a little in the second half but still fell prey to diagonal through balls to Iran’s strikers, even they were unable to take advantage of their position.

STAR(S) OF TOMORROW
Very hard to tell as presumably Argentina hold the player that is most likely to make a global impact. Sebastien Driussi will clearly be a star, it was only his team-mates that prevented him from playing really well and he took his goal superbly.

The best performers on the night were Iranians, who had a number of players impress throughout. Amir Mazloum and Reza Jarfari are handfuls up front thanks to their movement but it was Saeid Ezatolahi who most frequently find the pockets of space and gave Argentina fits.

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAID

Humberto Grondona (Argentina coach)
“I’d like to congratulate the Iranians, they showed they are well prepared, they have a good team, they physically play football well, it was very tough. My own team created plenty of chances, they just missed the decisive goal. The way they played, I am very happy and content.”

Ali Doustimehr (Iran coach)
“Im very happy we got a draw against one of the best teams in the world. We are working very hard and putting a lot of effort into our youth teams to find new players for our future. I am very happy about this result against this good team but I believe after they lost a player, we could have won the match. This was a good result and I am very happy.”

VERDICT
Argentina will have to improve if they want to live up to the tags of one of the favourites. They were sloppy, too easily opened and resorted too often to long ball. Iran left everyone in no doubt as to their quality, next time they just need to take their chances.