Hey everyone, it has been a busy few weeks preparing for the World Cup and of course, the trip to Russia has been a long but exciting journey.
I have finally found some free time to keep you all updated about this World Cup adventure.
This is unreal to me and the excitement didn’t hit me until I was on the metro heading to Krestovsky Stadium.
Going into the match against Morocco, I knew it would be tough. From the outset of the match, it looked as if Team Melli was in trouble, but it was nice to see them stem the tide.
A few things really upset me and one of them was when Sardar Azmoun appeared to lose his footing a bit after receiving a great pass from Vahid Amiri.
I really think Sardar could have scored easily had he not slipped up a bit.
Captain Masoud Shojaei did a good job breaking up passes in midfield, but he also made the mistakes of holding the ball too long and not connecting his passes.
With time winding down, I thought I would be talking about another scoreless draw to start the tournament just like in 2014.
But what a crazy way to end the game. I saw Ehsan Hajsafi take the free kick and then the ball was in the back of the net.
I was going crazy. I cannot remember the last time I yelled so loud. It was amazing.
What an awesome 1-0 victory over Morocco!
I think a lot of us have known all along that Morocco has a better roster on paper, but that advantage doesn’t guarantee victory.
Congratulations to Team Melli on the win over Morocco and I just want to point out that I am very proud of Alireza Beiranvand and Roozbeh Cheshmi.
Both guys have had endured a lot of criticism but Cheshmi played well and Beiranvand made some clutch saves.
For me, my player of the game was Beiranvand without a doubt but it sure does hurt that Cheshmi has been ruled out for the World Cup due to injury.
My voice is still gone and I have been in Kazan for nearly two nights. But there is no time for any complaining because it is time to get pumped up for the showdown with Spain!
GO IRAN!!