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Iran thrashes Qatar 2-0 in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Xinhua, September 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

Iran beat Qatar 2-0 in the opening third-round match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Two injury time goals by striker Reza Ghoochannejhad and midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh granted the victory to Iran.

Iran tried to control the match from the beginning, but lacked precision in their passing game and Qatar became increasingly dangerous with counter attacks, but barely created real danger out of them.

When everything seemed to end in a goalless draw, Qatar's goalkeeper hit the ball straight at substitute striker Karim Ansarifard.

The Panionios hitman managed to control the ball and lay it square to Ghoochannejhad.

Following the goal, turmoil broke out on the field, with many reserve players involved, but with the help of the Iranian security guards the game could continue after a few minutes.

While Qatar hoped to cancel the Iranian lead, Jahanbakhsh dribbled towards center from the right wing and managed to score with a well-placed but not too powerful left-footed shot into the lower right corner.

Iran now lead the group after matchday one ahead of South Korea, who defeated China 3-2, and Uzbekistan, who beat Syria 1-0.

Carlos Queiroz's men will now travel to China where they will play the second group game on Tuesday. Endit