In an outstanding performance at its 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Iran's national soccer team thrashed Guam 6-0 at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Thursday (September 3).
The Iranian team, which made a disappointing 1-1 draw against Turkmenistan in the Group D opener in Tashkent on June 16, beat Guam, an island in the Western Pacific, in their second match, Varzesh3.com reported.
Ashkan Dejagah put the home side ahead from the penalty spot after ten minutes. Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun bagged two goals each and substitute Mehdi Torabi scored a final goal, minutes from the end, to give Iran a victory.
It was a crushing defeat for Guam, as they had a dream start at the competition, having collected 6 points out of two home games and topping the group prior to the match with Team Melli.
Iran's Portuguese head coach Carlos Queiroz, who has added young players to the team, said he is satisfied with the performance of the new players. "Their great potential plus my experience will pave the way to the 2018 Russia World Cup," he said.
For the third group match, Team Melli will face India in Bangalore, September 8. Iran has been pitted against Guam, India, Oman and Turkmenistan in Group D. FIFA also announced on Thursday its August ranking of football national squads where Iran tops Asia and is placed 40th in the world.
With 716 points, Iran stands ahead of its traditional rivals South Korea, 57th, Japan, 58th and Australia, 61st in the global ranking.
