PFDC – Iran defeated the\u00a0La Roja, the silver medalists in the 2013 edition, by a score of 6-5 in a hard fought and exciting opener for both teams in Espinho, Portugal.<\/p>\n
Team Melli\u00a0took the lead early in the first period with a delightful shot from Boulokbashi with 1:39 on the clock. \u00a0But Spain equalized and took the lead within a minute with two back-to-back headers from Antonio and Nico.<\/p>\n
Spain were in the driver seat for the remainder of the match with Iran playing catch-up, until a strike from Mokhtari in the closing minute of the match, gave him a brace and finally put Team Melli ahead.<\/p>\n
Iran take the lead in Group C with Brazil and Mexico, the other two teams in the group of death playing their match later today. \u00a0Iran’s coach Marco Octavio had said that Iran are aiming to win the World Cup prior to the match and he delivered an open offensive game plan to start the campaign.<\/p>\n
The match was marred by some poor officiating decisions from Uruguayan referee Javier Bentancor, including a red card to Iran’s Kiani and a shocking free kick to Spain in the 3rd period that led to their 5th goal.<\/p>\n
Ironically, Team Melli had finished the last edition with a heart-breaking 6-5 loss to Russia in the quarterfinals, and opening the new campaign with the same score increased the odds of improving on their 5th place finish in 2013.<\/p>\n
Iran’s Goals:<\/p>\n
F. BOULOKBASHI<\/a>: \u00a0<\/span>1’39”, 14’06<\/p>\n M. MESIGAR<\/a>: \u00a0<\/span>4’53”<\/p>\n