The field was set for an explosive match between historic rivals. Just twenty years prior Iran had prevented Australia's admission to Argentina '78 after a 1-0 defeat at home and away.
Australia, now with a more skilled team and one of the best coaches (Terry Venables) was looking to finally qualify after 24 years. It had all along feared a match up against Iran. However, after Iran's failure to defeat Japan in 100% humidity of Malaysia, there was no choice but for history to be repeated.
Prior to this match, Iran and Australia had played in Tehran for the first of two World Cup qualifying games. In Tehran Iran dominated the whole match and failed to score on numerous opportunities. The Australians were simply out skilled and out played by Iran in Azadi Stadium. Nevertheless Australia managed to walk away from that match with a 1-1 draw. This meant it now needed either a win or 0-0 draw to qualify.
The games was to be held in a cricket arena in Melbourne, southern most city of Australia [depends on how you define city, but Hobart must feel aggrieved - TE]. Thousands of Iranians from both within and outside Australia went to the stadium to witness this game and see their heroes from a close distance. Overall 95,000 people showed up, with 85,000 seats going to Australia. [There were 85,000 all up, around 5000 or so Iranians - TE] The pre-game celebrations began as though it was the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Flags of all countries that have qualified were displayed, but one last space (space 32) was left open for either Iran or Australia to occupy.
The Australians tried to make it look professional and a parachute was made into the stadium in attempt to raise the excitement in the stadium. The Australians, who claimed that Iranians were "inferior" and "violent", were themselves the rude hosts [I should like to know who made these allegations because I have not heard them - TE]. While the Iranian anthem was being played Australian hooligans began to whistle and "boo". Thus making the world see who was the uncivilized country.
Nevertheless, the game kick off and the match began. From the start Australia put pressure on Iran. Australians knew that the best way to insure their place in World Cup was to score and do it as early as possible. Numerous attacks on the goal were made, one more dangerous than the other. In just first minute Australia's number 10 (Aurelio Vidmar) almost scored an early goal when Iranian defense failed to cover him. He was able to go through the defense and manage a one on one challenge with Iranian keeper Abedzadeh. Abedzadeh's experience enabled him to easily block Vidmar's ground shot. Nevertheless, the attacks continued. Just minutes later a powerful shot by 19 year old Harry Kewell (Number 11), who also scored the goal in Tehran, was blocked by Iranian defender Pashazadeh. It was extremely close for Iran.
Iran was forced to play defense as Australia's pressure increased with each minute. Although the techniques of the Australians was poor, they had excellent team work and use their physical strength and height to threaten Iranian goal. Australia managed to find its way through the Iranian defense in minute 32 when a cross by Vidmar from the left was not cleared by Iranian defense and Kewell easily put it past Abedzadeh.
Australia was 1-0 ahead and Iran was struggling to get itself reorganized. The team work that was evident in Tehran was no where to be seen. The Australians, who have proven themselves to be a capable side after beating numerous European sides (Hungary, Macedonia, Norway) and thrashed Tunisia 3-0, were increasing pressure on Iranian side. It was as if the tables were turned and now Australia was to direct the game. The first half ended with 1-0 lead for Australia.
In start of second half, Australia began its onslaught on Iran. Using the two wings, they terrorized Iranian goal numerous times. Defensive mishaps brought the Aussies closer to their second goal.
Just 3 minutes after start of second half, Australia managed to score their 2nd goal. The goal was result of a cross from left side. Iran's Naim Sadavi was not able to perform as well as he had in Tehran. He was shut down from the start. Sadavi failed to block the Australian striker and a cross was made over to the Iranian goal, where another header put the ball over Abedzadeh and into the goal post. When the ball bounced back Australia's leading striker Aurelio Vidmar, who failed to score numerous times in the match, finally scored from the left side. Khakpour and Pashazadeh were not able to react to the ball, that had bounced back after hitting the top of the goal post. Even Abedzadeh thought it was heading out. However the ball came back and Vidmar was there to make sure it went in. Australia was ahead 2-0 now.
Many Iranians in the stadium fell totally silent and hopes of qualifying were shattered. The good news was that the Iranian players did not lose confidence. Soon after the goal, an Australian maniac ran unto the stadium and tore Iranian net.
The police were quick to apprehend the person and charges were filed against the 34 year old. Again, the uncivilized ways of the Australian fans was surfaced. In a show of gesture the Australians gave the ball to Abedzadeh.
Indeed what this hooligan did was to give Iran the ability to reorganize and get some energy. After that incident, Iran began to take charge. It was all or nothing now for Iran. The first major attack for Iran in the whole game came after Mahdavikia went through the Australian defense but failed to cross it for Daei and Azizi.
Just minutes later Azizi took the ball from Mahdavi Kia and charged the left defense of Australia. There was confusion and Azizi was able to give a short cross to Karim Bagheri who was infront of an open goal. Bagheri took that pass and put it into the Aussie goal in minute 77. Iran was now back in the game. Australian keeper, Bosnich, began to lose his confidence. Iran knew that only one more goal would mean France 98.
Just 3 minutes later Iran launched another attack. This time Ali Daei gave a beautiful pass behind the Australian defense to Azizi who ran through and left the Australians behind. It was one on one, the same as the one between Vidmar and Abedzadeh. Azizi ran to the keeper and in the right time put the ball to the left of Bosnich and into the Australian goal.
Iran was now minutes from World Cup!!
Azizi goal paralyzed the 85,000 Australians in the stadium. They were destroyed beyond words. Azizi had destroyed Australia's hopes with one beautiful and timely attack on the Australian goal.
After the 2-2 draw, Iranian coach Valdeir Vieira made some smart substitutions. He brought in Ostad Asadi and tried to strengthen the defense. Iran managed to successfully hold back the destroyed Australian for extra 15 minutes. There was exactly 8 minutes extra time given, and to Iranian fans it seemed like 8 years. Abedzadeh caught some dangerous attacks on the goal in dying minutes.
When he shot the ball, the Hungarian referee whistled the end of the game and the entrance of Iran into France 98. Twenty years had passed since Argentina '78, now Iran had gained entrance to the most prestigious event in soccer. Iranians within the stadium and in Iran started celebrating. Thousands gathered in the streets to cheer. It was as if it was New Years Celebration in Iran. Thousands of people gave flowers to each other and sweets were passed out in celebration of the victory over Australia. Iranian political leaders expressed their joy for Iran's victory and called a nation wide celebration.
Iran managed to get through with 2-2 because it had scored one extra away goal than Australia. Australians meanwhile were devastated and began to notice that they are not as good as they thought they were. Even with all the fuss David Hill of Soccer Australia had made, their team did not manage to defeat Iran. Iran played well in Tehran while Australia played well in Melbourne. What mattered was that Iran got the better result and Terry Venable's team was left to think what went wrong. The rude Australian fans in the stadium left in despair.
What was a beautiful story, eventually ended with a beautiful ending. The "good guys" [and here's me think it was just two teams with a common, mutually exclusive goal - TE] had triumphed. Indeed this qualification is a major boost for soccer in Iran. Not only Iran gets 3 million for qualifying, they are able to play quality sides. Playing quality sides gives confidence.
Now there is for the first time in history four Asian teams in the World Cup: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea.
On behalf of Persian Gulf Soccer, we would like to congratulate Iranian National Team and Coaches. Also congratulations to Iranians all over the world for this historic win. PGS is proud to have been with you throughout this whole adventure.