Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran President Hassan Rouhani has hailed Team Melli for their spectacular performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
The Official website of the President, in a message addressing the "Proud athletes and heroes of the national football team!", conveyed his appreciation to the coaching staff led by head coach Carlos Queiroz, and the players.
"You fought for the realisation of a great nation's dreams and made yourself proud with admirable self-confidence. You bring honour to the nation whose name is interwoven with heroism and championship and is grateful for its athletes' self-sacrifice.
"I wish all athletes of our country growing success in different athletic fields."
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/iran_fans_celebrate_2.html
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has called for Carlos Queiroz to stay on as coach after Islamic Republic of Iran were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia despite drawing 1-1 with European champions Portugal on Monday.
Beiranvand saved a second half penalty from Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after Ricardo Queresma had put the Portuguese in front and Karim Ansarifard’s penalty ensured the Iranians took a share of the spoils.
But while the result ensured Iran finished the World Cup with their best-ever haul of four points from three games, it was not enough to earn the country a spot in the knockout phase for the first time.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Karim Ansarifard's penalty in added time secured a battling Islamic Republic of Iran a 1-1 draw with Portugal on Monday but it was not enough for Team Melli to advance to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before Portugal conceded an injury-time spot-kick as the European champions set up a last-16 clash with Uruguay.
Ricardo Quaresma curled in a trademark trivela goal on the stroke of half-time at the Mordovia Arena, but Ansarifard's late penalty dropped Portugal to second in Group B behind Spain.
Ronaldo won a second-half spot-kick after a video review but saw his effort saved, with the Real Madrid star unable to add to his four-goal tally at the tournament.
Portugal will face Uruguay in Sochi on July 30 for a place in the quarter-finals after ending IR Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
Ronaldo, scorer of all four Portugal goals in his country's first two games, forced IR Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand into an early save after barging his way into the box.
Joao Mario should have put Portugal in front after a defensive mix-up between Saeid Ezatolahi and Beiranvand, but the Inter Milan midfielder blazed over.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Two Asian teams have departed while three remain, for now, in a FIFA World Cup in which the continent's sides are offering up gripping drama. The-AFC.com takes you behind the scenes to check out life in Russia through the social media accounts of those involved.
Training ground fun, high fives, a motivational speech, tributes to teams gone by and a happy homecoming all feature in the latest selection of what Asia’s finest have doing in between games in Russia.