In a lackluster match at Azadi Stadium, Iran and Uzbekistan settled for a goalless draw on Tuesday evening at Azadi Stadium. Despite both teams securing qualification, their lack of urgency was evident throughout the final game of Group E of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
- Player Attitude:
- Iranian players seemed content with a draw, displaying little energy or drive to excel.
- The forwards often fell into the offside trap, allowing Uzbekistan to maintain defensive comfort.
- Uzbekistan, as promised by their coach Katanec, attacked with organized moves but lacked clinical finishing.
- Saleh Hardani was probably the Most Valuable Player with his fine work in the first half.
- Azmoun was hardly been awarded any meaningful ball and surrounded by two and sometimes three markers, he was easily neutralized by the Uzbek.
- Key Moments:
- Taremi came closest to scoring when he rattled the Uzbek upright. The move originated deep within Team Melli’s defense zone.
- Azmoun’s deflection set up Jahanbakhsh, who delivered a sublime ball to Taremi. Unfortunately, the upright denied Iran a goal.
- Omid Nourafkan attempted long-range shots.
- Ali Beiranvand had little work to do but a late blunder nearly Iran the points while he did manage to deflect one Uzbek ball through the game.
- Group Standings:
- Despite the draw, Iran maintains its lead in the group.
- Iran, Japan, and South Korea will be in pot one for the third-round draw.
Lineup:
- Alireza Beiranvand
- Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan
- Shoja Khalilzadeh
- Saleh Hardani (yellow card in the 89th minute)
- Milad Mohammadi
- Omid Nourafken (substituted by Mohammed Ghorbani in the 73rd minute)
- Saman Ghoddos (substituted by Shahriar Mughanlou in the 87th minute)
- Alireza Jahanbakhsh
- Mehdi Torabi (substituted by Abolfazl Jalali in the 87th minute)
- Mehdi Taremi
- Sardar Azmoun
