Iran laid down a marker to claim a record-equaling fourth Asian Cup title with a 5-0 romp against debutants Yemen.
Three goals in 13 first half minutes sent them on their way in Abu Dhabi, with Mehdi Taremi bagging a brace and Ashkan Dejagah making it 3-0. Sardar Azmoun and Saman Ghoddos sealed the win in the second half.
Here we take a closer look at the performance of livewire forward Taremi, who was absolutely dazzling for Team Melli.
30-SECOND REPORT
Minnows Yemen threatened to cause un upset early on as they took the game to their more illustrious opponents in the opening stages. But once Iran found their feet they moved through the gears effortlessly, with Taremi showing persistence and poise when he was on hand to tap in the opener, before glancing in a fine header to almost seal the points. He then teed up Azmoun to round off a perfect individual night.
GOT RIGHT
Predatory instincts: Playing from the left of four-man attacking midfield, the dynamic Al Gharafa forward was able to drift into the centre and utilise his height and goalscoring knack. As lone front man Azmoun’s snapshot was spilled by the goalkeeper the 26-year-old reacted sharply and was on hand to snaffle up a golden chance and sidefoot his side ahead.
As Iran cut loose thereafter, Taremi sealed the three points with a third Iran goal in 13 minutes, rising sublimely to nod in a perfect Ramin Rezaeian cross into the corner to give the keeper no chance whatsoever.
GOT WRONG
Ball retention: Hard to criticise a man who enjoyed such an all-round superb display, but if we’re being supremely picky, he could have kept hold of the ball a bit better. When he had it, he was devastating, as his two goals, assist and passing accuracy confirm, but he did lose the ball 12 times.
He made five recoveries having lost possession, so even when he did lose it he must be given credit for tirelessly chasing down opposition players. It feels very wrong to fling any criticism his way though, he had a stellar night.
VERDICT 9/10
With players like Taremi in the ranks, it’s easy to see why Iran are such a dangerous opponent going forward. Carlos Queiroz has an abundance of attacking talent at his disposal, so much so that Brighton forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who was topscorer in the Netherlands last season, was left on the bench kicking his heels.
And with Taremi in this sort of form, that’s where he might stay too, because there’s no way he won’t be the first name on the teamsheet for the Vietnam match.
