Saudi Arabia came from behind to collect a precious three points in Tehran after beating Asia’s other powerhouse Iran 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Iran, seeking a fourth appearance in the finals, are now fourth in Group B with six points from five games, while the Saudis leapfrogged their rivals with seven points from five matches.
The two Asian powerhouses met at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, filled almost to its 100,000 capacity.
PHOTO: AP
Enthusiastic home fans chanted from the outset: “As always, Iran wins again,” and waved Iranian flags. However, their hopes were shattered with the loss, that allowed the Saudis to leapfrog them into third spot.
Iran drew first blood in the 56th minute when Masoud Shojaei, who plays at Osasuna in Spain, fired home a screamer from outside the penalty area to send the home crowd wild.
But defensive mix-ups cost the Iranians dear as the Saudis suddenly turned things around.
Ahamd al-Hazazi scored in the 78th minute from inside the box off a pass from Naif al-Dusari and Osama al-Harbi scored the winner in the 87th minute, stunning the fans into silence, with some chanting slogans against Iran national team coach Ali Daei and demanding his sacking.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is an avid player and fan, entered the stadium after 30 minutes amid cheers.
Newly appointed Saudi coach Jose Peseiro told reporters he was happy to secure an away win.
“Our players were able to take their chances and we secured a sweet victory in Tehran, which was like playing in an extraordinary situation,” said Peseiro, in reference to the massive crowd. “Currently both Koreas, Iran and we have the opportunity to make it to the World Cup finals, but I am telling you, we will fight to the end.”
Daei reacted angrily when he was inundated by reporters asking whether he would resign after his lackluster performance to date as national team coach.
“You reporters are not in a position to talk about my resignation. This is football — we lost to the Saudis on two accidents, but you should know that you can not mark the day I resign,” Daei said. “I accept the [responsibility for the] defeat and I apologize to the Iranian people. But we still have the opportunity to make it to the World Cup.”
Iran appeared in the World Cup finals in 1978, 1998 and 2006, but their only win to date was over the US in France in 1998.
Twelve days after winning her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, Coco Gauff fell at the first hurdle on grass in Berlin on Thursday as beaten Paris finalist Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the quarter-finals. Recipient of a first round bye, American Gauff lost 6-3, 6-3 to Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu as world number one Sabalenka beat Rebeka Masarova 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) in her second round tie. Winner of 10 main tour titles, including the US Open in 2023 and the WTA Finals last year, Gauff has yet to lift a trophy in a grass-court tournament. “After I won the first
Lionel Messi drew vast crowds and showed flashes of his brilliance when his Inter Miami side were held to a goalless draw by African giants Al-Ahly as the revamped FIFA Club World Cup got off to a festive start on Saturday. Fans showed up en masse for the Group A clash at the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, but Messi could not fully deliver, his best chance coming through a last-second attempt that was deflected onto the crossbar. Inter Miami next face FC Porto on Thursday in Atlanta, while Al-Ahly, who benefited from raucous, massive support, are to
Aaron Civale got a little wild in the right-hander’s first start for the Chicago White Sox two days after he was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers. Civale on Sunday walked four of the first seven hitters he faced in a 2-1 loss to the Texas Rangers. The 30-year-old finished with four walks, one off his career high, while allowing six hits and two runs in five innings. He threw 65 strikes and 39 balls. Chicago trailed 2-1 when he was replaced by Dan Altavilla to start the sixth. “Not the cleanest,” Civale said. “It’s been a whirlwind of a week. First couple
Sergio Ramos on Tuesday outfoxed two Inter players and artfully headed home the first goal for Monterrey at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 39-year-old Ramos slipped through the penalty area for the score just as he did for so many years in the shirts of Real Madrid and Spain’s national team, with whom he combined smarts, timing and physicality. Ramos’ clever goal and his overall defensive play at the Rose Bowl were major factors in Monterrey’s impressive 1-1 draw against the UEFA Champions League finalists in the clubs’ first match of the tournament. “There is always a joy to contribute to the