1966 Asian Games (December 1966)

 

In the 1966 Asian Games, Iran was grouped with Burma, Japan and Malaysia and in a tense and physical match, opened its campaign against Malaysia. Goals by Shirzadegan and Behzadi gave Iran full points. Iran next faced Japan. Late in the first half, Shirzadegan gave Iran the lead with a well timed shot and went to the break with the lead. The second half started with both teams intensifying their physical play resulting in numerous fouls and ultimately an equalizing and subsequent leading goal by the Japanese. Moments later Aziz Asli, Iran’s keeper, collided with a Japanese player which resulted in a penalty kick. The call was protested by Mohammad Ranjbar, Iran’s captain, which lead to his sending off. Japan converted and went on to win the game 3-1. Upon its conclusion, Hossein Mobasher, IFF’s representative, entered the field to voice his dissatisfaction with the ref’s decisions, however, it resulted in a bench-clearing brawl by both teams which even had the spectators involved. 

When the dust finally settled, IFF announced that they were withdrawing from the tournament and returning to Iran, however, due to traveling issues, the return trip did not take place and Iran faced India in its final group game. Needing a win to advance, behind goals from Fariborz Esmaeili (twice), Ali Jabbari and Jalal Talebi, India was defeated 4-1, sending Iran to the quarterfinal group phase.

Grouped with Burma and Indonesia and with the top two teams advancing to the semifinals, Iran took the field against Indonesia. In the first half, following a foul on Esmaeili, Iran earned a freekick which Behzadi perfectly curled beyond the Indonesian wall and into the net. A tense, defensive effort preserved the lead and 1-0 result. In the next match Iran fell victim to Burma’s speed and conceded the game’s only goal in a 1-0 loss but by virtue of its previous win advanced into the semifinals to face the top team of the other group, Japan, albeit without an injured Shirzadegan who would play no further part in the tournament. This game was unlike the 1^st game between the two teams and was played at a high level with both teams attacking each other’s goal, but it was Esmaeili’s shot that finally broke the deadlock and in spite of Japan’s increasing pressure, Iran managed to avenge the earlier defeat and advance to the championship game. The final was played against Burma with Iran attempting to utilize its height and aerial game and Burma its speed. While the game itself was fairly even, one single mistake determined the outcome. On a ball that probably should have been cleared by the defense, Asli left his goalline leaving Burma to score from one of the easiest opportunities. The game ended with a 1-0 win for Burma, giving them the championship and having Iran settle for silver medals. 

Iran roster: Asli, Zelli, Jasemian, Hasan Habibi, Goodarz Habibi, Arab, Ranjbar, Shahrokhi, Aminkhah, Jabbari, Esmaeili, Talebi, Farzami, Ghelichkhani, Saedi, Mirza-Hasan, Behzadi, Eftekhari, Shirzadgan. Coach: Fekri