As part of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Iran traveled to Laos this Thursday to face North Korea. Author of a superb first half with three assists delivered, Mehdi Taremi then collapsed. After scoring an own goal, the Iranian striker missed a penalty.
Mehdi Taremi went through all the emotions. As part of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Iran faced North Korea this Thursday afternoon. A meeting where the Iranian leader of group A traveled to Laos (on neutral ground) to face the red lantern. The logic was respected in the first period, thanks in particular to one man: Mehdi Taremi. The Inter Milan striker turned into a passer, delivering three assists (one for Ghadeyi and two for Mohebi). If until now everything was going perfectly with a clear advantage at the break (3-0), the match quickly took another turn.
A CSC and a missed penalty
In seven minutes, the meeting was completely turned upside down. Originally: the red card from central defender Shoja Khalilzadeh (52nd). Only four minutes later, North Korea reduced the gap through… Mehdi Taremi, who scored against his side. The “locals” only came back with a small goal in the 59th, after the achievement of Yu-Song Kim (2-3).
The bleeding then stopped. And Iran even thought they were getting a breath of fresh air, thanks to Taremi who caused a penalty, kindly awarded by the referee. The former Porto scorer takes charge of shooting it himself, but it misses (67th). The striker's ordeal ended in the 81st minute, replaced by Moghaniou.
The Iranians finally managed to keep this short lead to win and remain undefeated. Taremi can breathe easy, he and his compatriots thus consolidate their first place in Asian Group A, with a view to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with 13 points after five days, while North Korea remains at the bottom with two small dots. Iran will then meet Kyrgyzstan (5th) next Tuesday.
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