It was a tough start to the World Cup in Qatar for Iran as they suffered a 6-2 defeat at the hands of 2018 semi-finalists England. Mehdi Taremi was able to score a brace for Team Melli but ultimately, they were outclassed by the Three Lions. Here are our Iran player ratings for England’s 6-2 win over Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Iran (5-4-1):
Alireza Beiranvand – 6
Made a decent save from a Harry Kane cross that was heading towards Raheem Sterling inside the first ten but had a nasty clash of heads with defender Majid Hosseini and was forced off due to the injury.
Sadegh Moharrami – 4
Offered a decent outlet down the right at times for Iran but found it hard to contain Luke Shaw down the flank and could have got closer to him when he crossed for the opener.
Morteza Pouraliganji – 4
Made a couple of decent challenges in the match but was booked for a late challenge on Harry Kane to start the second half.
Roozbeh Cheshmi – 3
Beaten by Harry Maguire following a corner in the build up for England’s second goal. Found it hard against the quality of England’s offense and was subbed off at half time as a result.
Majid Hosseini – 3
Struggled over towards England’s right flank and did not get close enough to Bellingham for the first goal of the match. Also could have done better for Marcus Rashford’s goal. A tough day for the Iranian defense.
Milad Mohammadi – 3
A lot of threat came down his side of the pitch with Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane all causing a threat down the right. Subbed off for Mehdi Torabi in the second half.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh – 5
Looked fairly sharp in the opening phases and was Iran’s most lively player. Had a decent opportunity to score but couldn’t keep his shot on target and didn’t keep his composure. Booked for a late challenge on Shaw in the first half and was subbed off at the break.
Ahmad Noorollahi – 5
Battled in the midfield as well as he could but it was a tough game all round.
Ali Karimi – 4
Lucky not to be penalised early on for a challenge on Maguire in the box. Was overran in the midfield and struggled up against Jude Bellingham before being replaced at half time.
Ehsan Hajsafi – 5
The captain for the Persian side struggled today alongside his teammates. However, played the full 90 minutes and put his all in to the match.
Mehdi Taremi – 7.5
Struggled to get into the match for the most part with a lack of attacking play by Iran. However, when he did get his chance, he was able to convert, getting a goal back with a fantastic finish. Flashed at times and was Iran’s only real threat, also scoring Iran’s second from the spot deep into injury time.
Substitutions
Hossein Hosseini – 2
Subbed on for injured ‘keeper Beiranvand in the first half but would go on to concede all six goals.
Ali Gholizadeh – 6
Was able to provide the assist for Taremi with a decent through ball.
Saeid Ezatolahi – N/A
Hossein Kanaani – N/A
Mehdi Torabi – N/A
Sardar Azmoun – 5
Struck the bar late on with a decent effort.