Asia World Cup 2018 Qualifying: Iran 3 – 1 Turkmenistan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran topped Group D of the Asia World Cup 2018 Qualifying after beating Turkmenistan 3-1 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Thursday.
Morteza Pouraliganji opened the scoring for Team Melli just seven minutes into the match with a header.
Carlos Queiroz’s men were dominant in the second half and hit the bar twice but failed to extend their lead.
In the 62nd minute, Turkmenistan defender Mekan Saparow equalized the match.
Just two minutes later, right-footed Saeid Ezzatollahi found the back of the net.
Iran captain Ashkan Dejagah made it 3-1 in the 83rd minute from the penalty spot.
Iran moved top of Group D with 11 points ahead of Oman on goal difference.
The eight group winners and four best runners-up advance to the third round, which will eventually decide the four automatic qualifiers for Russia in 2018.
Iran’s next match is away to Guam on Tuesday.
