Iran hand India third consecutive defeat in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

[caption id=“attachment_2426652” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  A brilliant second half performance from Iran saw them outclass India 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at the Sree Kanteerawa Stadium, Bangalore. AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426654” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Iranian player Sardar Azmoun (C) and Indian player Jackichand Singh Talem (R) vie for the ball while Indian goal keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (L) looks on. India were impressive in the first half, they did well to restrict Iran to 1-0. There was just one mistake in the half and they were made to pay for it. Sardar Azmoun headed ball home off a brilliant, long free-kick by Andranik Teymourian to give Iran the lead in the 29th minute. AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426656” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  India were pretty much on the defensive in the first half. But Iran came out all guns blazing in the second half. Andranik Teymourian doubled the lead in the 47th minute as Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh was guilty of ball watching and the Indian defense allowed Taromi to head back an outgoing ball to Andranik who smashed it home from inside the box. (In pic) Iranian player Mehdi Taremi (L) vies for the ball with Indian player Rowllin (C). AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426658” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Within four minutes of the second goal, Mehdi Taromi made it game it 3-0. It was another defensive lapse as Azmoun surged forward to sneak in a pass between two Indian defenders, the others failed to intercept and the ball and it fell to Taremi who took his own time to shoot from outside of the boot to beat the diving Gurpreet. (In pic): Iranian player Sardar Azmoun (L) vies for the ball with Indian Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426660” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  The Iran fans had thronged the stadium in numbers and their team didn’t disappoint them. (In pic): An Iranian football fan stands alongside the national flag during the match. AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426662” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Sunil Chhetri wasn’t at his best, Pronay hit a couple of volleys late in the match, one went sailing into the crowd while the other whizzed just over the crossbar. (In pic): India’s Sunil Chettri competes the ball with Andranik Teymourian. PTI[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2426664” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]  Iran missed a host of chances late in the game and India were lucky with the scoreline. For India, Sandesh Jhingan was the man of the match as he put in a marathon effort. He was there diving, heading, creeping on the ground and clearing the balls by putting his body on line. (In pic): Iranian players Mahedi Taremi (2-L) attempts to score a goal while Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C) looks on. AFP[/caption]