Iran have become the first team in Asia to qualify for 2018 World Cup finals after a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tehran on Monday.
Sardar Azmoun’s first-half goal in the 23rd minute set the Iranians on their way to victory at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran.
Masoud Shojaei had the chance to double the lead for Team Melli five minutes into the second half, however, the captain fired a penalty kick over the bar.
However, the victory was sealed for Team Melli when Mehdi Taremi curled a low shot into the corner of Lobanov’s goal in injury time.
The win over Uzbekistan secures Iran to be one of two teams heading to Russia 2018 from Group A of the third round of Asian Zone qualification.
With eight rounds of matches, Team Melli has amassed 20 points at the top of the group and have yet to concede a goal.