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Iran fight back to draw 2-2 with China
THRILLER:
China paid for their second half negativity as Iran took full advantage of empty spaces in midfield to eventually force an equalizer after being two goals down
AGENCIES, KUALA LUMPUR
Monday, Jul 16, 2007, Page 20
Iran rallied from a two-goal deficit yesterday to draw their Asian Cup Group C clash with China 2-2.
The battle of the group favorites lived up to its billing with China looking impressive in the first half before Iran's big-name players responded in style to outclass their opponents in the final 45 minutes.
Shao Jiayi and Mao Jianqing gave China a 2-0 lead inside the first 33 minutes before Ferydoon Zandi pulled one back for Iran on the stroke of half-time and Javad Nekounam equalized midway through the second period.
The result leaves China and Iran level on four points at the top of the group with the Chinese ahead on goal difference. Uzbekistan are third on three points with co-hosts Malaysia bottom of the standings following two losses.
China deservedly took the lead after seven minutes when Shao converted a free-kick from 30m.
He floated his shot over the wall and past Iran goalkeeper Hassan Roudbarian, who got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.
The goal stirred a lackluster Iran into action with Mehdi Mahdavikia abandoning his right back position in an attempt to strengthen the attack.
Just when it looked like Iran had China's measure, the 2004 Asian Cup runners-up doubled their lead.
Zheng Zhi crossed from the right and found Mao free in the place where Mahdavikia would normally patrol.
The striker had plenty of time to bring the ball down and crash his shot past a diving Roudbarian.
Iran refused to buckle and three minutes later had their first real attempt on goal when Vahid Hashemian's header from Mahdavikia's cross was saved by Li Leilei.
The Iranians broke through as half-time approached when Mahdavikia touched a free kick to Zandi, who sent a curling 25m shot from the right beyond Li's grasp.
China emerged with a defensive formation for the second half with goal-scorer Mao and winger Wang Dong substituted.
With their attacking options limited, China allowed Iran a lot of space in midfield as Reza Enayati and Rahman Rezaei both came close before Iran punished their opponents for their negativity with an equalizer in the 72nd minute.
From a corner Mahdavikia floated the ball into the box and Nekounam sparked wild celebrations on the Iran bench by rising high to head the ball past Li into the right-hand corner.
The group concludes on Wednesday when Iran take on Malaysia and China face Uzbekistan.
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