Team Melli, the national team of Iran, is looking good in the current edition of the Asian Cup with two wins in two matches.
The latest match, a 2-0 victory over Vietnam and both goals were scored by striker Sardar Azmoun of Rubin Kazan.
Iran started the tournament with a dominant 5-0 win over Yemen. But going into this match, I knew Vietnam would be a better opposition.
Azmoun’s first goal was made possible by the beautiful cross from winger Saman Ghoddos.
Seriously, the cross from Ghoddos was world class and it couldn’t have been placed any better and Iranian fans have got to be loving the fact that Ghoddos chose to play for Iran over Sweden.
Everyone also had to love the second goal from Azmoun as he was able to outmuscle the Vietnamese defenders before burying a perfectly-placed left-footed shot.
Sardar Azmoun continues to show that he is one of the best finishers ever to play for the national team of Iran.
But what was with Mehdi Torabi nearly jump kicking Azmoun to celebrate the goal? I know Torabi got the assist, but he needs to be careful.
Just wanted to point that out.
Before getting to Iran’s next match, it is worth emphasizing that Vietnam did create some good scoring opportunities.
Early in the second half it looked like the Iranian backline was caught napping a bit. But thankfully keeper Alireza Beiranvand came up with a save.
Next up for Iran is a showdown with neighbors Iraq on 16 January in Dubai.
Iranian fans are obviously in the mood for revenge after what happened in the 2015 quarterfinals. But we all know that Iraq only because of help from the referee and the Asian Football Confederation.
But aside from the obvious emotions, it will be a tough match and many people might be expecting a draw.
Yet it is also important to point out that the team that finishes second in this group will likely face Saudi Arabia in the second round.
Iran and Iraq always put on entertaining displays at the Asian Cup, and it will be interesting to see if Carlos Queiroz makes some changes with Iran’s starting lineup.
Prediction: Iran 2-1 Iraq
This article was originally published on nationsleaguefootball.wordpress.com