Team Melli once again beat its tough Asian opponent South Korea in a friendly match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on Tuesday evening.
Managed by the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, the home side narrowly defeated the East Asian powerhouse after Sardar Azmoun scored his first international goal and the only goal of the game eight minutes before the final whistle. The 19-year-old Rubin Kazan forward headed home the winner after interfering with the South Korean goalkeeper to hit the ball that had rebounded from hitting both posts.
Prior to the match, Iran's head coach had stated in a press conference that the game is a good opportunity to test young players so that the team can find harmony to get ready for the AFC Asian Cup, due to start in January 2015.
The two teams have always been among the top Asian teams and have gained several honors during the years for their countries. Iran were therefore able to celebrate a first win since June, beginning their rebuilding process after the World Cup, while an inconsistent South Korea have lost three of their last six.
Iran have now claimed three successive 1-0 wins over South Korea and the two sides could yet meet again in the Asian Cup semifinals.
