Iran routs Thailand 3-0 in AFC Asian Cup qualifier

On Friday, the Iranian squad routed the hosts 3-0 in Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium to remain on the top of Group B with 10 points.

The Thais started the match with vigor and valor and dominated the first few minutes of the game. The Iranians could then establish themselves and had a number of obvious scoring opportunities, which were cleared to safety by Thailand’s goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool.

Iran’s attacking midfielder Ashkan Dejagah, who plays for Britain’s professional football club Fulham, seized a golden opportunity in the 28th minute and slammed the ball into the back of the net to open the scoring.

Shortly before the break, Iranian striker Reza Qouchan-Nejad, who currently plays for Belgian club Standard Liege, doubled the lead for the visitors in the 43rd minute.

Iranian footballers did not stop at that and continued to exert a spell of pressure on their rivals after the interval.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 92nd minute after striker Puwadon Suwannachart received a direct red card and was sent off for a rash tackle on Iranian player Ehsan Hajsafi.

Iran’s Alireza Jahanbakhsh completed the rout in the 94th minute.

“We go to Lebanon next week with 10 points which was our goal. I think it will be enough to qualify for the Asian Cup finals. It was a good game for us tonight, especially in the first half. We were 2-0 up and had control of the game after 45 minutes,” Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz said after the match.

He added, “We slowed down a bit in the second half and played with less energy and speed. My players know there is a long trip to Lebanon. We came here with the right attitude, very professional. I am very happy with the attitude of my players.”

The 2015 AFC Asian Cup will be held between January 9 and 31 in Australia. The winner of the tournament will earn the right to compete for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia.