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Austria fail to scale Iran

Seyyedi scores match-winner in the 36th minute in Group E

Austria took in the sights of Dubai and had scaled the heights of the tallest building in the world — the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. But they failed to replicate that on the football pitch.

Austria travelled to the serene surroundings of the Garden City of Al Ain but their sojourn could go no further as they went down to a stoic Iran in the Fifa Under-17 World Cup at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain late, on Friday night.

The solitary goal loss in their final Group E meant Austria, who held more possession, will be packing their bags and taking the next flight home.

Yousef Seyyedi scored the match-winner on 36 minutes as Iran booked a spot in the Round of 16. Iran finished second behind table toppers Argentina, who defeated Canada, in Dubai. Argentina finished with seven points, while Iran ended with five points. Canada and Austria finished with two and one point respectively.

The Austrians were held to a 2-2 draw by Canada and they agonisingly went down to Argentina 3-2 after conceding the winner at the fag end of the game.

Iran will take on Group F toppers Nigeria in the Round of 16 at Al Ain on Tuesday.

Playing at a new venue didn’t matter as both teams created a flurry of chances during the game. Austria came close on 16 minutes but David Domej header from a corner, went over the cross bar.

They came looking again three minutes later and came close through Adrian Grbic, but his freekick from 25 yards hit the woodwork after having the goalkeeper Mahdi Amini beaten. Iran had an opportunity on 27 minutes through a set-piece but Ali Hazimi’s freekick sailed over the cross bar.

They did take on the lead though on 36 minutes through Yousef Seyyedi, who worked his way past three defenders before tapping it home from close range.

Austria pressed hard for the equaliser with Daniel Ripic at the forefront of their attacks. Austria felt they were denied a penalty after Ripic was brought down in the penalty area but the Bolivian referee Raul Orosco thought otherwise.

Austria came close to getting the equaliser on 66 minutes but substitute Michael Endlicher’s effort was kept out by Mahdi Amini.

Iran could have added another but Amir Mazloum fluffed his effort.

james@khaleejtimes.com