Haidar Sharifi , the head coach of Iran’s U-14 team currently participating in the AFC U14 Championship 2014 in Hamadan and, admitted that the “North Korean teams was stronger than us and whatever we tried , we could not shake them.”

North Korea defeated Iran U14 yesterday by one goal to nil in Haj Babaei Stadium. The goal scored from just inside the Korean half, about 50 meters out , was worthy of winning any match in style. The powerful free kick flew into the upper net from long-range.   Goals like this is hardly seen at this level of football, however , the Korean superiority was evident all around and they could have easily scored a few more on Iran U14. While the Koreans played a modern type of total football and nice exchanges, Iranian players , as usual , depended on their individual skill that failed them against a well-organized and very fit Koreans.  There is little doubt that the Koreans will be the major contender for the title as they have swept past the teams in the qualification with an astonishing ease.

“We are considering this defeat as a lesson learnt and hope that shortfalls are covered in the next vital match.” Sharif added.

Iran will meet Saudi Arabia on Friday and must win the match in order to qualify as the second of the group. The Saudi’s are without any points after losing the first against North Korea 2-0 and then surprisingly against Timor Leste 2-1 yesterday. Provided Korea defeats Timor Leste, Iran will qualify without having to defeat Saudi Arabia. Both matches will be played at the same time.