PFDC (PersianFootball), Tehran
Iran booked a never endangered 4-0 home victory against Chinese Taipei in the first Asian Cup 2007 qualifier in Azadi stadium on Wednesday afternoon. Poor finishing as well as lack of precision in passes and crosses prevented Iran from scoring more than four goals in match with 78% possession for the homeside.

Without the five European based stars and the injured standard goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour, Iran coach Branko Ivankovic arranged his team in a 4-2-2-2 system ahead of Esteghlal Tehran goalkeeper Vahid Talebloo.

While the wingbacks Kaabi and Zare pushed forward when Iran was in possession and left centerhalfs Nosrati and Golmohammadi on their own in defense, Nekounam and Alavi were responsible for the build-up in midfield. Jabbari and Teymourian built the offensive midfield and were supposed to feed the strikers Daei and Khatibi. Teymorian often came over the right wing whereas Jabbari mostly stayed in the center, which resulted in Iran attacking more over the right side in the first period.

Iran of course dominated the proceedings from the start, while Chinese Taipei barely sent more than one or two players forward and defended with eight or nine players in and around the own penalty area. Iran especially troubled the guests by crosses, however, the providings often lacked quality and numerous chances were wasted easily.

So it took Iran 36 minutes before Andranik Teymourian broke the deadlock by his first goal ever for Team Melli. The today well performing Aboumoslem midfielder perfectly controlled a Jabbari-cross before slotting home from close range.

Iran was close to doubling the lead three times in the remaining minutes of the first half, but first Khatibi’s volley from inside the area went over the bar (40′), a Daei header bounced back off the crossbar (42′) and Nosrati’s header two minutes later was denied by the goalpost.

Madanchi makes the difference in second half

Ivankovic decided to replace Mohammad Alavi by leftwinger Mehrzad Madanchi after the break, changing to a 4-1-3-2 system which obviously sparkled Iran’s left side.

Only four minutes into the second half Madanchi made his way through midfield and found himself alone in front of goal after a beautiful one-two with Ali Daei. The Persepolis winger kept a cool head and made it 2-0.

Just a minute later Daei perfectly inscened Khatibi in front of goal, but the Sepahan man failed to get his shot on target. Two Daei-headers, a Nekounam-shot and eleven minutes later Iran’s best combination of the day resulted in the third goal.

Via Golmohammadi, Teymourian and Jabbari the ball came to Khatibi, the latter laying the ball square to Madanchi inside the box, who made it 3-0.

Iran then laid back for a while, before Jabbari and Nekounam wasted further chances in minute 74.

Ten minutes from time substitute Kazemian found fellow substitute Akbarpour in promising position, but the youngster from Esteghlal pulled off a very poor effort. Two minutes later the same couple combined again, but as before Akbarpour failed to convert Kazemian’s great service.

Finally skipper Ali Daei managed to add his name to the scoresheet as well in minute 83. Nekounam had opened up play by a good long pass to Madanchi on the left wing, who’s cross found Daei on the far post, the goalgetter having little problems to mark his 108th international goal.

Daei once more had shown all but a sparkling performance, but yet underlined his efficiency by booking one goal and one assist.

In the other match of Group 2, South Korea managed to hold on to a 2-1 away victory over Syria, despite heavy second half resistance by the hosts.

Iran’s next match will be the friendly against Costa Rica in Tehran on March 1.

Iran - Chinese Taipei 4-0 (1-0)

Goals:
1-0 Teymourian (36′)
2-0 Madanchi (49′)
3-0 Madanchi (61′)
4-0 Daei (83′)

Iran played with: Talebloo - Kaabi, Golmohammadi, Nosrati, Zare - Nekounam, Alavi (46′ Madanchi) - Teymourian (76′ Kazemian), Jabbari - Khatibi (66′ Akbarpour), Daei

Iranian players booked: none