Team Melli scored a famous win in Azadi despite being down to 10 men , when they defeated the group leader Korea Republic 1-0 from a strike by Javad Nekounam in the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Qualifying match of the Asian Zone. Azadi stadium was full to the brim with over 110,000 fans hours before the kickoff for this match. The surprise of Carlos Queiroz line up was starting with Reza Ghoochanejad , who made his debut and the benching of Ali Karimi , else the Team Melli was playing with full strength.
The match first real threat came in the 12th minute when Nouri missed a setter but was called offside anyway.
In the first quarter of an hour of the lively game with a great atmosphere. On the 19′ Iran having most of the play and possession and debutant Reza Ghoochannejhad stings the hands of the Korean Goalkeeper JUNG Sungryong with a shot from the edge of the box which the keeper does well to turn away for a corner.
23’ first shoot by Korean from 30 meters easily saved by Rahmati.
30′ Brave goalkeeping from Seyed Mehdi RAHMATI denies Korea Republic the opening goal. KIM Bokyung (KOR) hits the underside of the bar with a header – and hits the rebound towards goal, but Rahmati gets his body in the way!
38′ PARK Jongwoo (KOR) is cautioned.
45+3 Corner Koreans hit the bar from strong header.
The South Koreans were clearly the more threatening of the two teams. Rahamati saved at least two goals while the woodwork deprived the Koreans on two occasions.
With the begining of the second half , Team Melli received two quick yellow cards card shojaei (47′) and then Mehrdad Pooladi (52′)
55′ a reckless uncalled for foul by the visibly frustrated Shojaei results in his secondThe card was awarded for a late challenge on OH Beom Seok (KOR), which left Shojaei with little cause for complaint. Iran playing with 10 men for the next 35 mints. It was drama in Azadi as Iran, needing a win are reduced to ten men following a dismissal for Masoud SOLEIMANI SHOJAEI . The Osasuna midfielder leaves the pitch in tears.
59′ Iran go close with a spectacular overhead kick from Reza Ghoochannejhad . The ten men are showing great spirit against the Group A leaders.
74′ Azadi explodes as Captain Javad Nekounam scores with a fine half-volley from 14 yards which left JUNG Sungryong (KOR) with absolutely no chance. The Azadi has gone wild.
81′ Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has been sent to the stands for repeated protests as his team hang on. The home fans are tense, while the visitors are looking on
Nervous minutes pass and Iran holds up to the final whistle as Team Melli scores a very crucial win.