Early goals steer Iran to win over Panama
Kuala Lumpur: Two early goals saw Islamic Republic of Iran score a 2-1 win over Panama in a friendly match played at the UPC Arena in Graz, Austria on Thursday.
The win saw Iran, the first Asian team to seal FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia qualification, continue their recent fine form.
Against Panama, Asia's top ranked team took the lead in the 16th minute through Ashkan Dejagah who converted from the penalty spot.
Two minutes later, Team Melli widened their lead thanks to Saman Ghoddos.
Gabriel Arturo Torres pulled one back for Panama in the 38th minute but Iran held on for the win, as they stretched their unbeaten run to nine matches.
Iran's last defeat was a 1-0 reversal against Iraq in a friendly in March.
Carlos Queiroz's team will continue their buildup to the FIFA World Cup 2018 with another friendly against Venezuela at the The Goffertstadion in Nijmegen, Netherlands on Monday.
Japan's players take part in a training session at Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq on Thursday.
Asia's other FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be in action later on Friday as they continue their buildup to Russia 2018.
Korea Republic will be aiming to put an end to their six-game winless streak when they face Colombia at the Suwon World Cup Stadium .
Japan will face five-time world champions Brazil at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille while Saudi Arabia will take on Portugal at the Estádio do Fontelo in Viseu, Portugal.
Photos: AFP
Source: the-afc.com
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