A gallant Pararoos outfit have fallen in their opening game of the 2022 IFCPF World Cup, losing 2-0 to Iran on Thursday afternoon in Spain.
Coming into the game as underdogs, Australia were forced to weather an early storm, as Iran surged forward in the early embers of the game.
Despite this, Aussie goalkeeper Christopher Barty was hardly tested, as most Iranian efforts in the opening 15 minutes sailed well over the crossbar.
Eventually though, pressure told, as an exquisitely-worked corner routine found its way to Yaser Rostami, whose shot from outside the area arrowed into the bottom corner to give Iran a deserved lead.
Despite that, Australian heads would not drop as they searched for a response, which they almost garnered just before the break, when Daniel Campbell’s wicked delivery from the left almost crept underneath the crossbar.
In Australia’s last attack before the break, Taj Lynch forced a smart save from Iran’s goalkeeper, as his shot, heading for the bottom left corner, was well stopped.
While the Pararoos went into the break on the back foot, the never say die attitude of the green and gold was displayed in microcosm in the second half.
Parity was almost restored when Campbell against caused problems for Iranian defence, with the Aussie star desperately unlucky to see his effort cannon off the upright.
Only a minute later, the #3 ranked outfit put the game beyond doubt, a goal kick flicked on allowed Hossein Tiz Bor to run onto the ball, before his powerful drive gave Barty no chance, handing Iran an unassailable two-goal buffer.
Iran’s victory sees them at the summit of Group C, top spot in the group with four points after two games played.
The Pararoos’ next assignment will be their second group game against the United States of America, with kick off set for 8:30pm AEST on Saturday night.
2022 IFCPF World Cup
FINAL SCORE:
Australia 0
Iran 2 (Yaser Rostami 16m, Hossein Tiz Bor 57m)
