Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi was happy to help Iran secure a win over North Korea, but not with the display.
The 32-year-old had an eventful afternoon, cementing himself as the main protagonist in the World Cup qualifier.
The Nerazzurri summer signing provided all three assists in Iran’s 3-2 victory over their hosts North Korea. Mehdi Ghayedi scored Team Melli’s first, while Mohammad Mohebi bagged a brace.
Taremi could have put the match to bed with a fourth goal, but failed to convert from the spot. On the other hand, he scored an own-goal that kickstarted a Korean uprising in the second half.
Nevertheless, the 10-man Iran managed to cling to their slim lead to earn a valuable win in the World Cup qualifiers.
Therefore, Taremi felt the three points were the only good takeaway from the encounter.
“Thank God we won the match, which was the most important thing for us,” said the Inter striker in his post-match interview with Tasnim news agency via FcInterNews.
“In the first half, we had good chances and scored three goals, but in the second half, we lacked concentration and conceded two goals.
“We later recovered, but it was too late. We didn’t want this type of match, the only positive note was the victory.
“We had little time to train, but we need to be more concentrated. Overall, the match could have gone better, but good thing we won in the end.
“In the second half, the whole team is to blame for the performance.”
Iran’s next encounter takes place next Tuesday. They’ll take on Kyrgyzstan away from home. Team Melli currently tops their group after assembling four wins and a draw in the first five matchdays.
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