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World Cup: Mexico beat Iran 3-1
Mexico who finished a surprising fourth in the FIFA confederations cup last year have made an impressive start to the World Cup beating Iran 3-1.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 10:34 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Nuremberg:
Mexico who finished a surprising fourth in the FIFA confederations cup last year have made an impressive start to the World Cup beating Iran 3-1. Iran playing their third World Cup would be disappointed as they were holding out at 1-1 before Mexico scored twice in the last 20 minutes. It was Mexico who struck first in an action-packed first half. Iran equalised in less than ten minutes, but a late spurt from Mexico in the 76th and 79th minutes saw them sail to a 3-1 victory. It was a crucial first game for both teams and it came alive early, with Iran creating some good chances. Bravo scores Omar Bravo tapped home from less than five yards after the Iranian defence failed to deal with a free-kick in the 28th minute. The Brazilian-born striker justified coach Ricardo La Volpe's decision to include him despite a controversy back home over his descent. Iran equalised in less than ten minutes. Mexican goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez flapping at a corner kick, and Yahya Golmohammadi was on hand to restore parity in the 36th minute. The teams going in at half-time locked at one-all - a fair reflection of the state of affairs. The Iranians continued their good work from the first half. Mehdi Mahdavikia letting fly from 25 metres. Sanchez though was alert in dealing with a tough bouncing ball. Good move Rafael Marquez was at the centre of a fabulous passing move, playing two brilliant one-twos before falling under a heavy challenge from Yahya Golmohammadi in the box, but referee Roberto Rosetti incredibly asked for goal kick. Mexican skipper Rafael Marquez then inspired a string of passes, but the Barcelona defender was brought down by Golmohammadi to end what looked like a promising move. The referee quite incredibly awarded a goal-kick despite being clear that Marquez had been fouled. But the Mexicans were not to be denied for long. The Guadalajara marksman was bang on target once again. Omar Bravo's ninth goal in 34 matches put his team in the driver's seat. And Mexico showed just why they're ranked the fourth best team in the world. Antonio Naelson Zinha with a free header sealed the game. The Iranian defence completely falling apart in the last half an hour.Topics mentioned in this article
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