Persian Gulf Derby: Iran 2 - Iraq 1 (Asian Cup Group D)

[Afshin]

Iran go top of group D in Asian Cup 2011 after beating Iraq 2-1.  Good work by Ghotbi and well done all players, the team played well, the best I have seen them play since Branko left.

Once again just as the coach gets things right he leaves, Ghotbi will leave Team Melli after the Asian Cup finals.

[BrankoWasTheBEST]

Good news. Afshin jan can you give us a summary of the game?

[Afshin]

I watched the full match, Iran were the better side and deserved to win.  Iran were no pushover, Iran overpowered them I was impressed by Iran's performance.  We must give Ghotbi credit for this, Mobali scored Iran's second and that will please dashali.

Iraq scored against the run of play, Iran were cought off-guard with several Iraqis unmarked in the box, a deadly cross was headed nicely into the goal with Rahmati in no-man's land.

But Iran equalised just before the break, fantastic pass from Ando put Rezaei through on the right and he fired home between the keeper and a defender, very good goal indeed.  Iran's second was from a teasing free-kick and ended in the back of the net with the whole of Iraqi defence and keeper in disbelief, well done Mobali.

I am now optimistic about our chances of making it to the final, if we play like this all the way and learn from today's defensive mistakes then we have a good chance of being in the final.

[Afshin]

Watch the goals here:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/DYcrFYydde0&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/DYcrFYydde0&rel=1</a>