Iran Shocks Chile in Friendly in Austria
TEHRAN (Tasnim) –Iran football team beat Copa America host Chile 2-0 in a friendly match on Thursday.
In the match held at St Polten's NV Arena in Austria, the two teams observed a minute's silence before the game in memory of the two Iranian journalists- Milad Hojjatoleslami and Hossein Javadi - who died in the Alps air crash on Tuesday.
Iran Captain Javad Nekounam was on target for Team Melli in the 21st minute from Andranik Teymourian's corner.
Vahid Amiri made it 2-0 for the Iranian outfit in the 50th minute.
It was Iran's first match since losing to Iraq on penalties in the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup in January.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli rested several key players, including Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, though the striker came on to replace Fabian Orellana in the second half.
The South American dominated ball possession for most of the match but lacked efficiency in attack.
Chile will face Brazil in London on Sunday and Iran will meet Sweden in Stockholm on March 31.
