As part of a long term preparation plan, Iran’s youth team (U-19) played its Indonesian counterpart in a friendly match yesterday.  The Iranian youth won the first match 4-2 with goals scored by Yasin Salmani in the first half, Ali Sobhani, Aria Barzegar and Mehdi Hashemi.

Iran is hosting Indonesia for a two-match series and will be playing the next after a day’s rest before leaving home to Jakarta.

In yesterday’s match, Iran started well as the neatly distributed the ball. Under the leadership of head coach Siruspour Mousavi, the team looked well balanced and finished the half victorious.   The U-19 team taking full advantage of hosting and support of the home crowds. Iranian youth quickly controlled the game and its pace with a high percentage of ball possession.  In minute 15, a foul on Ali Sobhani by the Indonesian defender in the box resulted in a penalty for Iran. Yasin Salmani scored the spot-kick , 1 -0 for Iran.

The home side continued to look for opportunities, but Indonesians piled up the defenders to limit the Iranian threats.

The first half finished with Iran leading 1-0.

At the beginning of the second half Indonesia were able to draw level with a fine goal, but that equalizer was short-lived as Ali Sobhani put Iran 2-1 ahead in the 50th minute.

Seven minutes later Aria Barzegar scored Iran’s 3rd goal to put the host in full control. With Iran pressing upfront looking for more goals, the Indonesian counter-attacks were threating. However, Mehdi Hashemi killed off the game in the 60th minute when he scored Iran’s fourth.

Indonesia managed a late consolation goal five minutes before the end in a match which gave the Iranians a decisive 4 – 2 victory.