Tehran – Today concluded the final match day for the Second Round of World Cup Qualifying in Asia. Entering today’s match, Iran knew they were virtually guaranteed the top spot of Group D and a place in the final round but the Iranians were in no mood to relax against Oman.
A loud crowd was on hand at the Azadi Stadium and Team Melli were looking to end this round of qualification in style.
Iran dominated the match right from the start and took the lead in the 16th minute through Sardar Azmoun as he headed in a corner kick from Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Omani keeper Ali Al-Habsi tried to keep the ball out but it bounced over the goal line and the referees clearly were not fooled.
Eight minutes later, captain Ashkan Dejagah took a corner kick that was flicked on by the head of Saeid Ezatolahi and then finished off by the head of Sardar Azmoun. From that moment on, the game was safe for Team Melli.
The Iranians controlled possession and dominated the rest of the match. The fans at the Azadi Stadium probably expected more goals but a 2-0 victory and a clean sheet for keeper Alireza Beiranvand gave the fans what they wanted.
The victory means that Iran win Group D and will join the following teams in the Final Round of Qualification: Saudi Arabia, Australia, Qatar, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, China, Syria, and Iraq.
The draw for the Final Round will take place on 12 April 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4h1yyOjE8o