Irans national football team has defeated Thailand to take a huge step towards qualifying for the 16th edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in Australia.On Friday, the Iranian squad routed the hosts 3-0 in Bangkoks Rajamangala Stadium to remain on the top of Group B with 10 points.
The Thais started the match with vigor and valor and dominated the first few minutes of the game. The Iranians could then establish themselves and had a number of obvious scoring opportunities, which were cleared to safety by Thailands goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.
Irans attacking midfielder Ashkan Dejagah, who plays for Britains professional football club Fulham, seized a golden opportunity in the 28th minute and slammed the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring.
Shortly before the break, Iranian striker Reza Qouchan-Nejad, who currently plays for Belgian club Standard Liege, doubled the lead for the visitors in the 43rd minute.
Iranian footballers did not stop at that and continued to exert a spell of pressure on their rivals after the interval.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 92nd minute after striker Puwadon Suwannachart received a direct red card and was sent off for a rash tackle on Iranian player Ehsan Hajsafi.
Irans Alireza Jahanbakhsh completed the rout in the 94th minute.
We go to Lebanon next week with 10 points which was our goal. I think it will be enough to qualify for the Asian Cup finals. It was a good game for us tonight, especially in the first half. We were 2-0 up and had control of the game after 45 minutes, Irans coach Carlos Queiroz said after the match.
He added, We slowed down a bit in the second half and played with less energy and speed. My players know there is a long trip to Lebanon. We came here with the right attitude, very professional. I am very happy with the attitude of my players.
The 2015 AFC Asian Cup will be held between January 9 and 31 in Australia. The winner of the tournament will earn the right to compete for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia.
By Press TV
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