Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manama: The AFC U-19 Championship Bahrain 2016 quarter-final encounter between Uzbekistan and Islamic Republic of Iran, both Central Asian heavyweights, had all the markings of a classic match, made more significant by a coveted slot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017.
For large portions, the match was a battle for midfield supremacy. The finishing half, however, was basically a Reza Jafari show, with the Iran striker dazzling his way to register a brace against the young White Wolves.
“I am so grateful to get the goals tonight. After hitting the bar both against Yemen and Japan, I really needed a good performance in the tournament. I could not have asked for a better time to score than today,” the Saipa FC player told the-AFC.com.
The teenager’s quick feet and lethal finishing not only ensured Iran’s safe passage to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea 2017, it breathes new hope to finally end a 40-year title drought for the Iranians.
“Yes I am aware of our record. We don’t see it as added pressure but as added motivation. Our senior players are our role models. We want to succeed just as they have,” said the striker who reveres Reza Ghoochannejhad of Eredivisie side Heenreveen as one of his idols.
Iran’s senior side have been on an impressive run recently which has seen them reaffirm their position as the continent’s best team after leaping 10 places to occupy 27th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
“The matches he played in the recent World Cup qualifiers have really inspired me and I hope we can follow his example,” added the teenager.
Despite their convincing victory, Jafari warned caution against Saudi Arabia in their upcoming semi-final match. “We cannot underestimate them. They have continued to improve with each match in the competition. But as we said before, we did not come here to just qualify for Korea Republic, we came here to win.”
Photo: AFC