Iran to the Finals China 2004 - Asian Cup

Victory in Beirut

Iran booked their berth in the Finals of Asian Cup 2004 by easily defeating Lebanon in Beirut 3-0 in a Group ‘D’ match. A first half penalty by Ali Daei followed by two header goals from central defender Yahya Golmohammadi (61st Minute) and Substitute Ali Reza Vahedi-Nikbakht (80th minute) assured Iran of all 3 points and eliminated Lebanon from the competition.

Iran is leading Group ‘D’ with 12 points on goal difference ahead of Jordan, who have also clinched a final berth after defeating Korea DPR 3-0 in Amman last night. Both the teams have one game to play.

The match was played in a nearly—deserted stadium, however, a large Iranian expatriates fans were on hand to support Iran. The Lebanese fans had little hope of qualification after their recent poor results which lead to the dismissal of the French coach, Tardi. The Syrian coach Mohammed Quwaidh has taken over on a  temporary basis to salvage Lebanon's final hope in qualifying for the Asian Cup finals, indeed a daunting task under the circumstances. The fans, obviously, had little confidence in achieving this difficult feat hence the poor turn out.

The spiritless Lebanese players were no match for the experienced Iranians who controlled the match at their own pace, alibi a slow one. Although Iran was not at its best, they had little difficulties in penetrating Lebanon’s defense at will. Mehdi Mahdavikia was Iran’s inspirational player and it was his perfect crosses that resulted in the 2nd and 3rd Iranian goals. His darting runs and changes of pace created immense difficulties for Lebanon’s defenders.

On the few occasions that the Lebanese forwards managed to break Iran’s defense, Iran’s goalkeeper, Mirzapour was at his best saving 2 certain goal.

The first half saw little action apart from the dubious penalty by the happy cards-wielding referee. The penalty on the 40th minute against an alleged handball by the Lebanese defense, was furiously contested by Lebanon players. Daei coolly slotted the penalty.
Although the match was a clean one, with neither teams resorting to a rough game, the referee awarded 8 cards, including a double yellow card for Abbas Atawi, the Lebanese forward, towards the end of the match resulting in the marching orders of this player.

The second half was much livelier as the Lebanese , with little to lose,  ventured forward more often and created a few dangerous offensive moves. The advancing Lebanese defenders , however, were caught out on several occasions by the brilliant runs of Mahdavikia on the right flank. On two crosses, he managed to find Golmohammdi and Vahedi-Nikbakht in identical situations each time resulting in header goals.
 

The two teams meet again in Tehran on 28th November in a match where the Lebanese will exercise damage control while Iran is looking for the leadership of Group ‘D’ ahead of rivals Jordan.