Chamanian admits Iraq a stronger team than Iran

AFC – GOA, Islamic Republic of Iran coach Abbas Chamanian admitted Iraq were the better team after his side lost the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 final 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

Iran failed to produce the attacking football displayed in their previous five matches although Iraq were also unable to convert several golden chances as a goalless 90 minutes saw the tie go to penalties.

Saeid Ahani and Taha Shariati both missed from the spot to allow Mohammed Dawood to fire home the winner as Iran’s bid to add to the continental title won in 2008 proved unsuccessful.

“We couldn’t control the game today like we have done before,” said Chamanian. “We had a few efforts on goal but were unlucky.

“Iraq are a strong team and a dangerous team to play against. They are very physical and I know that today they were better than us.”

Iran advanced to the tournament climax after a tense 6-5 penalty shootout victory over defending champions DPR Korea in Thursday’s semi-final followed a 1-1 draw.

With the scores at 5-5, goalkeeper Ali Gholam Zadeh stepped up to net from the spot before saving from Kim Kwong-sok to set up a first meeting with Iraq at the continental competition since another scoreless draw back in the 2006 edition.

“We were very tired after the semi-final with DPR Korea, and Mohammad Ghaderi and Saeid Ahani were carrying injuries from that game so did not perform at their best,” added Chamanian.

“But I have to congratulate Iraq. We knew they were strong before the tournament and they showed that today.”

Iran had earlier endured a sluggish opening 45 minutes to their campaign but, after coming from two goals down against Saudi Arabia to win 3-2, proved to be one of the successes of the tournament.

A 1-1 scoreline against United Arab Emirates was followed with a resounding 3-0 victory over hosts India as the Iranians progressed to the last eight as Group A winners.

Chamanian’s team then turned on the style in the quarter-finals to see off Vietnam 5-0 and with it qualify for next year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will also be held in India.

“I said before the tournament that we wanted to qualify for the World Cup. We did that and have been very successful here,” the Iranian coach said.

“I told the players that penalties are lucky and that they have done very well in this tournament. I thanked them for their effort from the first day up until now.”