Iran crashes Lebanon

In the opening game of the Asian Cup Lebanon 2000, the host team disappointed the local crowd and went on a heavy defeat to the experienced Iranian team, in an over packed stadium.

Lebanese team collapsed in the last 15 minutes of its opening match against Iran, which netted four easy goals. As expected, Lebanon failed to score any goals and missed a numerous chances to equalize with Iran, which had the upperhand throughout the game. 

Talibi Proud, Skoblar Still Hopeful

Iran's coach Jalal Talibi said, his team achieved a wonderful game and got off to an ideal start. "
We took advantage of the scoring chances we got during the game and that explains the high scoreline by the end of the game, said Talibi in a press conference held directly after the 4-0 thrashing of Lebanon.
"Lebanon's problem is in the defense line," he added

It’s not a disaster, it’s only a football match We have to put the result behind us and think about our next games,",” said Josip Skoblar at the post-match press conference. “We made too many mistakes, and it’s normal against a team like Iran that you get this kind of result. This is a lesson of what happens when you play this way against this kind of team. In such a game and such a tournament, some players should be more serious. I hope it will be a lesson for them.” 

The coach stressed the psychological challenge of recovering for the game against Iraq on Sunday