EN
Australia, Iran stumble

Australia, Iran stumble

Kuala Lumpur: Australia and Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats in international friendly matches played on Tuesday.
Australia gave Brazil a good fight before losing 4-2 while Iran were second best in a 2-0 loss to Russia.
Australia 2-4 Brazil
Brazil started well and were ahead after three minutes through a team move as Vanderson produced a controlled shot past a diving Patrick Beach.
image content
Australia responded in stunning fashion, Alessandro Circati arriving at the back post on the half-hour mark to nod the ball in from a corner delivery with the goal awarded following a VAR review after it was initially flagged as offside.

Things got even better for the Socceroos four minutes later, Circati playing provider this time, setting up Connor Metcalfe to unleash a powerful left foot strike that nestled in the net.
image content
Brazil regained control soon after, Raphinha levelling the tie with a penalty in the first minute of added time.

The second half was also an even affair until the 70th minute when Bruno Guimaraes finished off Endrick’s pass before Vinicius Junior settled the contest with another penalty 10 minutes later.
Russia 2-0 IR Iran
Iran had a tough night against Russia as Amir Ghalenoei’s side had to bow to Russia’s first half dominance in Kazan.

Aleksandr Golovin put the home side ahead in the 21st minute, picking up Alexey Batrakov’s pass to finish past Payan Niazmand in Iran’s goal.
Injury to Ehsan Hajisafi saw the defender replaced in the 27th minute and Russia took advantage of the uncertainty to double their advantage through Golovin again nine minutes later.

Despite making six changes during the second half, Iran were not able to break down Russia’s defence and in the end, had to succumb to their second straight defeat having lost 3-1 to Uzbekistan on Thursday.

Photos: AFP

Related News

  1. 100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027
    AFC Asian Cup

    100 days to go: Saudi Arabia ready for #AsianCup2027

  2. KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™
    AFC Asian Cup

    KHUZAMA unveiled as Official Match Ball of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™

  3. Div 1: Thailand surge to Group B summit
    FIFA ASEAN Cup

    Div 1: Thailand surge to Group B summit

  4. AG (W): Japan, DPR Korea set up final showdown
    Asian Games

    AG (W): Japan, DPR Korea set up final showdown

  5. Div 1: Derby stalemate keeps Group A open
    FIFA ASEAN Cup

    Div 1: Derby stalemate keeps Group A open

Item 1 of 5