Iran ties with China

Persopress- Again the Iranians had a very bad first half like the Uzbekistan game but instead this time around, two goals were scored on Iran. The Chinese started the first half with a full attacking force not even allowing Iran to attack for the first 5 minutes. Constant pressure to Iran's defense finally was effective when Nekounam fouled a Chinese player a couple of meters in front of the box. The free kick was amazingly shot to the corner of Iran's net by Chao. Roudbarian showed some late reaction and it was too late as the ball was in the back of the net after he touched the ball. Only 25 minutes later was it when a Chinese player crossed the ball and an uncovered Jiayi hammered the ball in to the corner of our net. This goal was very stoppable as Roubarian dived the right way but the ball some how managed to roll past him and into the net. The Iranians had to realize what was wrong and that Iran's 3 man offense was coming back on China's attacking plays allowing the Chinese defense to play a midfield role while attacking. Around the 40th minute, Iran started to pick up their game and started attacking in bunches. The Chinese warred out really easily and Iran's attacking when to an ongoing onslaught. Iran received a free kick in the 46'th minute when Mahdavikia was taken out behind the box. Iran took full advantage of this opportunity as Mahdavikia gave a slow pass to Zandi and Zandi crushed the ball in the corner of the net, not giving the Chinese keeper a chance. Slowly Iran started attacking more and more but the half whistle was blown and so we went to the second half. The goal at the end of the half gave Iran a lot of confidence as they saw how easily they can come back in the game. They started the half really well after they had two very surprising subs, as they brought in Mobali for Karimi and Kazemian for Kaebi. Everyone was shocked as nobody ever thought that Karimi would be brought out of the game after half time in such an important game, but it was a good sub as Mobali did very good when he came on. The way Iran attacked and defended in this half should be remembered and used for later games as Iran had a major lead in possession, attacking, and getting the ball out of our half easily with the help of Jalal Hossieni and Rahman Rezaie. Minutes of constant attacking went by when suddenly Iman Mobali passed the ball to Mahdavikia, who gave an amazing cross to Nekounam and headed it in the corner of the net to tie up the score 2-2 at the 74th minute. Iran's attacks from this point on were ineffective as they were being misused. Mobali's kicks were going to high and Enayati and Hashemian were not setting up good plays on the Left. The game ended with the score of 2-2 while players like Karimi, Enayati, Hashemian, and even Kaebi showed very disappointing. Nekounam was named the player of the match as he scored a goal and just did everything perfectly, Zandi also performed well this game and also had the chance for Man of the Match with one goal. Iran will take on Malaysia on Wednesday July, 18th 2007. To become first place in our group, Iran would have to score more than 5 goals against Malaysia to win by goal difference unless a very possible tie or defeat by Uzbekistan takes place against China.