Despite missing captain Andranik Teymourian and three other players reportedly due to visa issues, Iran thrashed Guam 6-0 on Tuesday to move into top spot in Group D in Asian qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Media reports in Tehran said some players and staff were unable to enter Guam, but Carlos Queiroz's Iran squad had few difficulties on the field.
Mehdi Taremi opened the scoring after 12 minutes and Iran, aiming to reach a fifth World Cup, dominated throughout the game to move three points ahead of Oman in the group.
During a press conference Monday, Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz was asked about, of all things, the artificial turf the match will be played on. His response was interesting.
“After many years in the game, I’ve been all over the world,” Queiroz said.
The eight group winners and four best second-place teams will progress to the last stage of Asian qualifying.
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