Iranian youth beat Maldives in Qatar Asian Games football

Iran's National Youth Football Team beat Maldives 3 to 1 in 2006 Doha Asian Games here on Wednesday night.

Arash Borhani scored at 15th minute of the first half, Maziar Zare on 22nd minute of the same half, and Adel Kaj-Kolah two minute before the end of the game.

Defending champions Iran thus got the defence of their title off to a winning start with a 3-1 win over the Maldives.

But at least the Indian Ocean side didn't suffer as they did the last time these two sides met when Iran racked up a 17-0 scoreline in a World Cup qualifier in 1997.

Iran went into the match in a state of turmoil having been banned then reinstated by FIFA at the weekend in a row with the Tehran government over interference in footballing affairs.

Iran, coached by veteran Brazilian Rene Simoes, were always on top in the Group D clash but will regret not adding to their total.

"I am upset that we only won 3-1," said Simoes.

"It's worth three points. We are the defending champions, but this is a new team, it's not the same as the one four years ago."

Source: irna.ir