“Aleksandr Golovin opens the scoring after Russia's early pressure finally pays off, finishing an assist from Alexey Batrakov following a string of chances from Azmoun and Glushenkov.”
Pivotal“Golovin doubles Russia's lead, capitalizing after blocked efforts from Aria Yousefi and Maksim Glushenkov moments earlier, putting the game out of Iran's reach before halftime.”
Pivotal
Russia
Iran
Outstanding performance
Russia•AttackerRussia controlled this friendly from the opening whistle, racking up 67% possession and doubling Iran's shot count on the way to a routine 2-0 win. Aleksandr Golovin was the difference, converting two clear chances either side of Iran's best spell of pressure, with Alexey Batrakov's assist setting up the opener after sustained early pressure from Sardar Azmoun and Maksim Glushenkov had gone unrewarded. The first half told the whole story, with all the meaningful action - both goals, a yellow card, and Iran's brief resistance - packed before the break, while the second 45 minutes became a rotation exercise with ten substitutions and zero clear-cut chances of note. For Russia this is another solid marker in their form, while Iran will need to find more control in midfield having managed just 61% pass accuracy and been out-passed by more than two-to-one on the night.
How entertaining was this match?
Daniil Krugovoy takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Lechii Sadulaev takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shahab Zahedi takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shahab Zahedi takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Daniil Krugovoy takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
On Amirhossein Mahmoudi, Off Ramin Rezaeian.
Mingiyan Beveev is substituted for Ilya Vakhania.
Lechii Sadulaev comes on for Aleksandr Golovin.
Yellow card issued.
Alexander Sobolev replaces Konstantin Tyukavin.
On comes Nail Umyarov, replacing Alexey Batrakov.
Yellow card issued.
Ali NematiYellow CardYellow card shown to Ali Nemati.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Omid Noorafkan comes on for Mohammad Ghorbani.
Aref Haji Eidi is on, and Saeid Ezzatolahi Afagh is off.
Shahab Zahedi is substituted off for Aria Yousefi.
Danil Prutsev comes on for Ivan Oblyakov.
Aleksey Miranchuk comes on for Maksim Glushenkov.
Mohammad Ghorbani takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shoja Khalilzadeh attempts a header but misses the shot.
Konstantin Tyukavin takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Corner awarded.
Ramin Rezaeian takes a right-footed shot, but it misses the target.
Maksim GlushenkovYellow CardYellow card for Maksim Glushenkov.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Viktor Melekhin takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Payam Niazmand comes on for Seyed Hossein Hosseini.
On Saman Fallah, off Saleh Hardani.
Corner awarded.
First half ends with the score at 2-0.
Daniil Krugovoy takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Aleksandr GolovinShot by Aleksandr Golovin with his right foot results in a goal.
Goal! Aleksandr Golovin scores, making it 2-0.
Maksim Glushenkov takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Aria Yousefi takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Saleh HardaniYellow CardYellow card shown to Saleh Hardani.
Ehsan Hajsafi comes on for Mohammadmehdi Mohebi.
Aleksandr GolovinShot by Aleksandr Golovin with his right foot results in a goal.
assist: Aleksey Batrakov
Goal! Aleksandr Golovin scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Alexey Batrakov.
Corner awarded.
Maksim Glushenkov takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Sardar Azmoun takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
Aria Yousefi takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Kick-off has occurred!
Russia welcome Iran to the Ak Bars Arena for a straight knockout friendly where a big-name cast on both sides — from Golovin to Taremi — will battle for pride and momentum. With no second leg to fall back on, one bad night ends the run.
