Team Melli defeated Uzbekistan 1-0 in front of disappointing number of fans in Azadi Stadium on Saturday. The goal was scored in the 17th minute by Esteghlal’s defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi from a beautiful header following a corner by Ehsan Haj Safy, to register his goal first with the National Team.
Queiroz opted for an experimental line up with two debutants included , Amir Ahmadzadeh in goal and Majeed Hosseini in defence. The rest of the line up was a mixture of players.
On the other hand, Uzbekistan selected a very mew look team after the disappointment of not making the World Cup while being so close, for the third time running. The young team. coached by ex-National Team Captain Timur Kapadze gave the more experienced Iranians a run for their money. the goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev who has left Pakhtakor in February to join Navbahor , was absolutely brilliant in Uzbekistan goal.
On the other end, many eyes were focused on Amir Abedzadeh who plays in the Portuguese league and has the legacy of his father on his shoulder. Abedzadeh junior , did not disappoint although he played one half only. Signs that Carlos Queiroz is not happy with the standard of current no 1 , Alireza Biranvand was confirmed as he sent Hossein Hosseini in the second half. Biranvand has been a liability with Persepolis recently and his performance has made many observers nervous and skeptical about him guarding the goals in Russia.
Team Melli revealed the official Jersey supplied by Adidas.
In general, it was a good practise for the team , with the Saipa pair Gholizadeh and Torabi playing really well and making a strong case for themselves for a place in the final squad. The only real worry is the poor finishing at the front. Although all the main offensive players and the fire-power of Ansarifard, Taremi and Ghoochannejad were playing, their performance was lacklustre and not oozing with confidence. They also failed to score in front of the young Uzbek team creating little threat.
Team Melli will be leaving Tehran on Monday after meeting the President Dr. Rouhani , on a long training camp starting with a trip to Istanbul were they will continue preparing with a friendly against Turkey.