Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Karim Ansarifard rose to the occasion to secure Islamic Republic of Iran a 1-0 win over Lithuania in their pre-2018 FIFA World Cup Russia friendly on Friday.
Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh led Iran’s attacking force but a goal eluded them as the game went into the break 0-0.
Having had to endure two cancelled friendlies with Greece and Kosovo, the match with Lithuania was Team Melli’s final preparation before starting their Russia 2018 campaign.
In the 80th minute, Ansarifard came off the bench, replacing Taremi and just eight minutes later, the 28-year-old scored the winner.
It was a needed win for the Iranians as it served as a boost in confidence and will look to continue their momentum as they take on Morocco in their opening match in Group B of Russia 2018 on June 15, before taking on Spain and Portugal on the 20th and 25th respectively.
Photo: AFP