The win means Australia are back in the race for a quarter-final spot after having lost their opener to Vietnam while Iran’s defeat means they will have to do it the hard after failing to build on their victory against Qatar.
Australia, who were aiming to bounce back from their opening day defeat to Vietnam, were almost caught napping seconds into the start when Panashe Madanha failed to clear a dangerous ball which allowed Farhad Zavoshi to stab in a shot but keeper Jack Warshawsky was up to the challenge.
Australia, however, found the breakthrough in the eighth minute when Adrian Segecic released Jed Drew, who in turn fed Aidan Simmons to strike home from close range.
Iran struggled to find their rhythm with Ghorbani barely threatening the Australian backline and the Central Asian side conceded again in the 19th minute.
Australia’s second was spectacular with Segecic squeezing in his free-kick into the bottom left corner, with Iran keeper Adib Zarei left with no chance.
Iran came back fighting and reduced the deficit in the 25th minute with Amirreza Eslamtalab finishing off Mersad Seifi’s cross from the left flank.
Iran almost drew level in the closing seconds of the first half with Ghorbani finding space on the turn before forcing Zarei into a fine save.
Australia were quick off the blocks at the start of the second half and made it 3-1 in the 46th minute, thanks to a well crafted move set up by Alessandro Lopane, who started at the centre before supplying a cutback for Segecic (pictured above, left) to finish.
Iran, desperate to get back into the game, almost replied with an effort of their own moments later with Eslamtalab striking the ball from a tight angle, forcing Warshawsky into a one-handed save.
Australia wasted opportunities to further their advantage in the 67th minute with Drew finishing tamely from the centre of the box before Bernando Oliveira saw his shot saved in the 79th minute.
Iran reduced the deficit in the 80th minute off Alireza Enayatzadeh’s strike from inside the box but Australia stood firm to seal the win and revive their hopes.
Australia will meet Qatar on Tuesday with Iran to face Vietnam.
While the Iranian team was careful not to fall prey to the Qataris' quick counter-attacks and opportunism, they continued pressing the Qataris until they were awarded a penalty. In the 65th minute of this match, Iran finally took the lead and scored the winning goal on a penalty kick by Amin Hizbavipour.
Iran always looked the better side in control limiting Qatar to the occasional attacks which bore no fruit for the Marooni of Qatar.
While the team looked side physically and technically with an added bonus of individual skills, There were however those perennial shortfalls in Iranian players, like slowness, poor finishing, wastefulness, and mental strength. These are fundamental weaknesses that have their origin in grassroots football as the result of poor infrastructure, antiquated basic training methods from early ages, and poor tactical discipline. A coach such as Samad Marfavi can do so much in the short span of time that he has with the group to prepare a team for a major championship, however, he must be commended on the fine display by this Javanan team.
Next Match
on Saturday, the 13th of March, Iran will meet Australia at 15:00 local time and (13:30 Tehran). The Australians lost their first match against Vietnam in the match earlier.
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