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Iran Fight Back to Thrash Bosnia |
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 Iran who were denied a victory 3 days ago against Croatia - after a goal keeping error in the 95th minute - got off to the worst possible start against Bosnia, going 2-0 down in the opening 15 minutes. However, Team Melli hit back 5 times in the remaining minutes of the match and won 5-2.
Iran made two changes to the starting line up against Croatia with Madanchi and Bakhtiarizadeh coming in to the side in place of Karimi and Zandi.
Team Melli started the game very poorly, and Bosnia were 2-0 up within 15 minutes after two defensive mistakes by Iran. First it was Nosrati who presented Bosnia with a chance which was easily put away in the 4th minute, and then it was Yahya GolMohammadi who failed to clear the ball in the 15th minute, and Bosnia doubled their lead.
Iranian players continued to struggle specially in the centre of midfield, and it was Bosnia which was in full control of the game until Iran pulled a goal back in the 25th minute against the run of the play. A beautiful pass by Vahid Hashemian put Madanchi through on goal, and the Perspolis player went past Bosnian goalkeeper and reduced the deficit to 2-1. The goal lifted the mood in the Stadium among the players and the fans, and Iran took complete control of the game in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
Team Melli scored the equaliser on the stroke of half time when Ali Daei’s beautiful pass reached Rahman Rezaei, who beat Bosnian goal keeper from close range. Just a minute later Iran took the lead, to everyone’s surprise, and this time it was Vahid Hashemian who scored his 2nd goal in 3 days to put Iran 3-2 up.
Iran made 3 changes at half time with Roudbarian, Zare and Shajaei coming on. Team Melli was in full control of the game in the second half, and created several chances but the strikers were unlucky not to add to the lead.
With Enayati and Khatibi coming on in the last 15 minutes of the second half, Iran continued to put pressure on Bosnian goal, as players tried to impress the coach. An individual effort by Enayati in the 88th minute resulted in Iran’s 4th goal. With time running out, Khatibi also managed to get his name on the score sheet when he connected with a cross by Madanchi in the injury time. The game finished 5-2 for Iran.
Goals: Misimović (4), Barbarez (15), Madanchi (25), Rezaei (44), Hashemian (45), Enayati (88), Khatibi (90).
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