India 0-3 Iran: Blue Tigers suffer third consecutive defeat in FIFA World Cup qualifiers

The resistance from the hosts didn’t last long as Iran finished them off early in the second half

The 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier between India and Iran saw the away side take home a comprehensive 3-0 win over the Indians. Goals from Sardar Azmoun, Andranik Teymourian and Mehdi Taremi saw the Carlos Queiroz coached team get the win without having to break much of a sweat.

The first half started off quite slowly, as both teams tried to size each other up and force the other into a mistake. Iran were physically strong, and let the Indians know they were not going to be complacent. Sunil Chhetri got the first chance of the match as he found himself with a few yards of space, and let fly a long range effort. The end result, though, was not one to remember, as the ball went way wide off the mark.

India's midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh then had to be taken off as he injured himself while trying to defend an Iran attack. The ball was put in from the left, but just as India scrambled to clear the ball, the Pune FC man went down in the melee and had to be stretchered off. He was replaced by RowlinBorges.

Soon after, Iran broke open the deadlock as a dangerous freekick from the left was headed in by Sardar Azmoun. Though the away team tried their best to double their advantage before the break, the Indian defence managed to keep it tight and the teams went in at the break with Iran leading 1-0.

Early goals in the second half from Iran finished off any hopes of a comeback

The second half got off to a cracking start as Iran came flying out of the box and doubled their lead with their first attack of the second period. They kept the ball around the Indian penalty box and continued probing till they got the chance to get the ball in. Indecision from goalkeeper Gurpreet saw him rushing out to meet the deep ball going into the box, where it was put back in.

After a bout of pinball, an onrushing Andranik Teymourian had all the time in the world to score and make it 2-0. Straight from kick off, the Iranians then went back on the front foot and were able to increase their lead further when another spell of decisive possession was capped off by a good ball into the box. Mehdi Taremi made no mistake with a calm and composed finish. The Indians then made a change, bringing on Jackichand Singh for Eugeneson Lyngdoh.

Indian fans came out in numbers at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore

The home side tried their best to make something of their rare forays forward but were unable to create anything very concrete. Iran continued to threaten and saw a couple of attempts go agonisingly wide. They were authoritative in possession and showed the crowd why they are Asia's best-ranked team currently.

India's best chance came through Jeje, after a good run and cross from Jackichand. However, Jeje's header was deflected away for a corner, and that was the end of that. The home team did have a couple of shots from distance fly just over towards the end of the match, but all their tireless running and endeavour didn't yield them any fruit in front of goal. The match ended 3-0 in the away team's favour, as they completely outplayed the hosts in what was a pretty one-sided affair.

Sandesh Jhingan was at his valiant best in the Indian defence, effecting a number of blocks and deflections, while Chhetri, Jeje and Robin Singh were tireless up-front with their running and closing down.

As it stands, India have now lost all three of their matches so far and stand bottom of the group. Iran now have 7 points from their 3 matches, and move up level in first place with Oman, leading them on goal difference.

Highlights