DOHA: Iran yesterday beat hosts Qatar 2-1 in their 11th International Friendly Tournament match at Grand Hamad Stadium.
For the winners, the goals were scored Kaveh Rezaei (42) Omid Alishah (58). Qatar’s Murad Nahji Hussein reduced the margin in the 65th minute.
Qatar coach Marcel Van Buuren said: “The first half was very difficult for us. We though the number 10 player in the Iranian side is a very good player. Every time we took possession of the ball, we lost it very quickly and if you’re not comfortable with the ball, you will lose it easily. Fighting with players who are physically stronger made it difficult for us to win.”
Commenting on the win, Iran’s head coach Alireza Mansoriya said: “It was a very good match. Qatar’s level has improved significantly since the last match played in Malaysia. The last few minutes of the match were quite difficult for us.”
In the second match, Turkey defeated Morocco 1-0.
The last round matches will take place tomorrow.
The Peninsula
