Iran will enter the World Cup in good spirits after a 2-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago in Sao Paulo on Sunday.
Carlos Queiroz's men picked an ideal time to end a four-match winless streak as goals from Ehsan Haji Safi and Reza Ghoochannejad gave them victory.
Iran were held to goalless draws against Belarus and Iran last month before a 1-1 draw with Angola.But they returned to winning ways thanks to an impressive performance that will give them hope ahead of their World Cup opener against Nigeria a week on Monday.
Iran started brightly and although Lester Peltier dragged a shot just wide at the other end, captain Javad Nekounam was a constant threat for the victors.
Nekounam first headed just wide in the 26th minute and - after a clash between Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams and Iran's Ashkan Dejagah that saw both players require treatment - he went close again.
This time Nekounam shot wide from a corner before Haji Safi gave Iran the lead in first-half stoppage time.
The Sepahan midfielder scored when, following a corner, he thrashed an effort into the top-right corner.
And Nekounam was denied by Williams two minutes into the second half as Iran looked to double their lead.Iran won a penalty in the 50th minute after Dejagah was brought down in the area, but Nekounam could not convert the chance.
Nekounam's effort was saved by a diving Williams and the rebound grazed the upright before the goalkeeper required more treatment.
Iran did get their second goal, though, as Ghoochannejad ran on to a through-ball and fired past an advancing Williams in the 54th minute.
Karim Ansari Fard had a low shot saved with eight minutes left, but the second half, littered with substitutions, petered out after Ghoochannejad's strike.
Monday, June 9, 2014
IRAN BEATS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
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