Margao/Guwahati: Iran played a tactical game to outwit Mexico 2-1 in Margao and set up a clash with Spain who beat France 2-1 with a last-minute winner in Guwahati in the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup played Tuesday. Asian powerhouse Iran will now travel to Kochi for the quarterfinal tie with Spain.
It was indeed a very creditable win for the Asian side as they defeated the two-time former champions with goals from Mohammed Sharifi (seventh minute) and Allahyar Sayyad (11th). Mexico’s only goal came from Roberto De la Rosa who scored in the 37th minute. Iranian keeper Ali Gholam Zadeh was outstanding under the bar as he pulled off a series of outstanding saves.
After Mexico were down by two goals, they played quick short passes to unsettle Iran’s defence, who were playing with five defenders. Each time Iran’s defence fell apart, it was keeper Zadeh who came up with some smart saves, especially in the second half, to deny the South Americans.
Iran earned a penalty in the seventh minute when Mexico defender Adrian Vazquez brought down Mohammed Ghaderi while going for the ball inside the box and referee Anthony Taylor had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, which Sharifi converted with aplomb.
Mexico’s defence was exposed again four minutes later off a quick counter-attack. An unmarked Sayyad placed the ball into the net, past the advancing keeper Cesar Lopez.
The second half was more livelier as both teams went on the attacking mode and both the goalkeepers made some good saves.
Mexico could have got the equaliser but luck was not on their side as Jairo Torres’ shot from a difficult angle off a free-kick hit the post.
Meanwhile in Guwahati European champions Spain rallied after falling a goal behind.
Juan Miranda (44th minute) and Abel Ruiz (90th) scored for Spain, while Lenny Pintor struck for France in the 34th minute at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati.
Pintor put France ahead after a cross from the left by Amine Gouiri. However, Spain came back strongly and with a minute to go before half time, Miranda rose powerfully to head in a cross from the right by Ferran Torres.
Just when it appeared that the match between the two European giants would go into extra time, the Spanish were awarded a penalty, which Barcelona starlet Ruiz duly converted to break the French hearts and knock them out of the tournament.
Press Trust of India
