Iran national team crashed to defeat in their third game in 2022 World Cup qualification campaign on Tuesday as an enterprising Bahrain refused to be intimidated and came away 1-0 winners at jam-packed Bahrain national stadium.
Iran had won Hong Kong and Cambodia 16-0 in aggregate but they were sloppy and impotent against Bahrain and the host finally secured priceless three points.
After a goalless draw in first half, Bahrain’s winner came through a penalty kick in 66th minute. Majid Hosseini’s foul on Mahdi Al-Himaidan convinced Uzbek referee to give a penalty to Bahrain. Mohammad Al-Hardan took the responsibility, sent Alireza Beiranvand to the wrong way and slotted home from the spot.
But more than the result, it was Bahrain fans behavior before the start of the match that infuriated Iranians. They jeered Iran national anthem while the host players were smiling.
With this defeat, Iran have dropped to third place of the group and Bahrain sit the second behind Iraq because of goal difference. Iran will meet table topper Iraq next month in Basra.