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FT: This is it for India in the tournament. Nicolai had put the semis as target but the Indians fell well short. One thing we can give the kids is that they played their hearts out, all three games. They were unlucky to lose out on the first game, and probably deserved more.
Pros and cons, we must work on our weaknesses without forgetting our strengths.
90' Another penalty for Iran. Another goal.
85' Stalin skies the free kick, and with that probably the hope of India qualifying.
84' Freekick for India, can they score one now?
80' Iran score again. Goal! They got the penalty and score it, Ghaderi got it and his captain, Sharifi scores the winner.
79' Amarjit with a lovely ball, but Aman Chhetri pushed off the ball.
75' Anything good today for India has come through Komal, he has really grabbed the mantle in the absence of Aniket and Aman.
71' The Indians haven't once let their heads down, even after they went down to ten men.
69' Aniket with a chance to counter, but he is called back by the referee for a foul. Disappointing.
61' India clearing their lines, but they're not able to build up a sustainable attack.
58' Ghaderi with a huge chance to finish the game as a contest, but Dheeraj makes a brilliant save to deny the visitors.
57' If they do it from here, it will be really really herculean for India. But they are firmly on the backfoot, with Iran bossing possession.
56' Boris Singh is sent off. This is a huge blow for India.
53' Boris with a huge chance to cross into the box. But he shins his cross and it goes behind for a goal-kick.
50' Aniket looks hungry up-front, he is absolutely closing down everything.
48' India look much more vibrant in the second half, but they haven't yet made any clear cut chances though.
ANKIKET has come on for India. For the build up I give him, hope he turns up.
HT: India have been poor in the first half, it feels like they are saving their energy for the second half. They were outdone in the last two games generally because they lost momentum and energy. This is a conscious tactic by Nicolai Adam, there is no doubt he'll be a genius if this works out. But the question is, will it?
44' India getting just a bit better here, playing more directly, but the balls are getting gobbled up by the Iranian defence.
41' Iran are controlling the tempo of the game, India are playing into the hands of Iran here.
39' India need Aniket,it seems just the kind of game for him and his body swerves and shoulder drops.
35' Great move out together by India. Komal with an exquisite turn to beat multiple defenders, but nothing productive comes of it. Nice play, but no end product.
33' What a save by Dheeraj, he palms away the ball, and Ghaderi's shot hits the bar and goes to safety! Ufff, that was close.
29' India haven't managed to get the ball since Iran's goal. Need a change in style.
24' India have to come out now. If they fall further behind, it'll be really difficult for India to get back.
23' GOAL! Iran score. Ghaderi and Sayyad play a one-two at the edge of the box, and Ghaderi unleashes ann unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
21' Iran with a corner. They are aiming at Shariati at every corner, this time it's a tad overhit and goes behind for a goalkick.
19' India have come out with good organisation, the Iranians are getting a tad frustrated and trying to force it a bit. Indians have tried to counter at speed at that moment.
16' Huge chance for India, Stalin plays the ball over the head of the Iranian defence, and Komal runs onto it, and drives into the box, but the angle helps the Iranian goalkeeper to collect the ball.
13' Indians playing a more defensive style of football, they're not pressing as high as they did in the last game. Remember, India need to win this to have a chance to go through.
11' India with some good build-up play as Komal plays a one-two with Khumanthem, but his touch is a bit too heavy and goes out for a goal-kick.
8' Iran have started the better of the two teams, and they have a corner here, which gets worked to the edge of the box, and the cross is almost put into the box,attacked by Shariati.
7' Suresh with some good hold up play in midfield, butt his pass goes out to touch.
4' India with an opportunity to put the ball into the box, and they do from the free kick but the ball straight into the hands of the Tae Thong.
2' India have got on the ball, and have started passing it around, and they're as direct as ever. Box to box stuff.
1' Iran start the proceedings, they start on the front foot too.
Remember India need to win this game to get into the quarterfinals.
The big news for India is Aniket and Aman Chhetri are on the bench. A change of tactics from the Indian boss?
It's pouring in Goa. Both in terms of the weather and the crowd
India faces IR Iran in an important match & here is the Starting XI.#INDvIRN #StarsofTomorrow #AFCU16 #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/ENQxZ7vjiN
— Indian Football Team (@AiffMedia) September 21, 2016
We are just under 30 minutes to kick off and the lineups are out
Nicolai Adam hopes that his side will have the backing from the fans. " Talk to your employers and get a permission of maybe coming in an hour late to office on Thursday. The boys deserve the numbers in the stands. I promise we won't be easy to beat. We will give our best. "
Prediction: This is a must win for India while Iran would be happy with a point. Nicolai Adam's side were unlucky to have not got at least 1 win in their 2 previous games but I expect them to get one tonight in a high scoring encounter.
Predicted score: India 3-2 Iran
Both sides are expected to retain the same starting XI after impressing last time around
For India, Aman Chhetri has been outstanding and along with Aniket, will provide most of India's attacking threat.
Asadabadi scored within minutes of coming on for Iran last time around but he should to miss out again with Sayyed expected to lead the line
India probable XI: Dheeraj; Boris, Jeetendra, Mohammad Sarif, Stalin; Wangjam, Amarjit, Chhetri, Komal. Aniket; Rakip
Iran probable XI: Esmaeli; Ahani, Esmaeilzadeh, Mohammadalipour, Shariati; Amir, Sharifi, Namdari, Ghaderi, Mohammad Reza; Sayyed
India kept their hopes of qualification alive with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Saudi Arabia last time around. Like in the game against UAE, the Blues started the game strongly but faded away in the second half. A penalty with the last kick of the game ,however, earned them a point and ensured that a win tonight would all but result in a spot in the quarterfinals.
Coach, Nicolai Adam is confident of his side’s chances of progression. “It will be a very difficult match against Iran but we will give it our best,” he said. “ There have been a lot of results at this tournament that have not been expected. Honestly, I believe it can happen. If you can imagine it and believe in it then it is possible and that is how we will go into the match.”
Iran currently sit top of Group A and require just a draw to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
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That's it from us now. We'll see you again soon. SK out.