Match report

Iran 2–2 Uzbekistan: Asia's World Cup Qualification Drama

Iran
Iran
2–2
FT
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
Mar 25, 2025

Iran and Uzbekistan played to a 2–2 draw in a highly competitive World Cup Qualification Asia match. Uzbekistan took the lead early through K. Erkinov, but Iran fought back with goals from M. Taremi, one assisted by S. Azmoun, and a late equalizer. Despite numerous substitutions, both teams showcased their determination to secure vital points in the qualification race.

Key Facts

  • • K. Erkinov opened the scoring for Uzbekistan in the 16th minute
  • • M. Taremi equalized for Iran with a goal in the 52nd minute, assisted by S. Azmoun
  • • A. Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan's lead in the 53rd minute
  • • M. Taremi scored again for Iran in the 83rd minute to secure the draw
  • • Iran made multiple substitutions in the latter stages of the match

Lineups

Iran

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 A. Beiranvand (G)
  • 2 S. Hardani (D)
  • 13 H. Kanaani
  • 4 S. Khalilzadeh (D)
  • 5 M. Mohammadi (D)
  • 14 S. Ghoddos (M)
  • 6 S. Ezatolahi (M)
  • 7 A. Jahanbakhsh (M)
  • 9 M. Taremi (M)
  • 10 M. Ghayedi
  • 20 S. Azmoun (F)

Substitutes

  • 3 M. Ghorbani
  • 8 M. Hosseinnejad
  • 12 P. Niazmand
  • 11 A. Gholizadeh
  • 15 M. Hazbavi
  • 16 A. Hosseinzadeh
  • 17 M. Karimi
  • 18 A. Alipour
  • 19 A. Nemati
  • 21 O. Noorafkan
  • 22 H. Hosseini
  • 23 A. Yousefi

Uzbekistan

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting XI

  • 1 U. Yusupov (G)
  • 15 U. Eshmurodov (D)
  • 2 A. Khusanov (D)
  • 5 R. Ashurmatov (D)
  • 3 K. Alizhonov (M)
  • 9 O. Khamrobekov (M)
  • 7 O. Shukurov (M)
  • 4 F. Sayfiev
  • 20 K. Erkinov (F)
  • 14 E. Shomurodov (F)
  • 22 A. Fayzullaev (F)

Substitutes

  • 6 A. Mozgovoy
  • 8 J. Iskanderov
  • 10 B. Abdikholikov
  • 11 R. Jiyanov
  • 12 A. Nematov
  • 13 G. Gaybullaev
  • 16 B. Ergashev
  • 17 A. Buriev
  • 18 A. Abdullaev
  • 19 Z. Abdirakhmatov
  • 21 D. Komilov
  • 23 I. Yuldoshev

Timeline

  1. Uzbekistan
    16' Uzbekistan Goal · Normal Goal
    K. Erkinov
  2. Iran
    52' Iran Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Taremi · Assist: S. Azmoun
  3. Uzbekistan
    53' Uzbekistan Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Fayzullaev
  4. Uzbekistan
    66' Uzbekistan subst · Substitution 1
    Off: K. Erkinov · On: R. Jiyanov
  5. Iran
    69' Iran subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Alireza Jahanbakhsh · On: A. Gholizadeh
  6. Iran
    81' Iran subst · Substitution 2
    Off: S. Ezatolahi · On: M. Karimi
  7. Iran
    81' Iran subst · Substitution 3
    Off: M. Mohammadi · On: O. Noorafkan
  8. Iran
    81' Iran subst · Substitution 4
    Off: S. Hardani · On: A. Yousefi
  9. Iran
    83' Iran Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Taremi
  10. Uzbekistan
    86' Uzbekistan subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Odildzhon Khamrobekov · On: A. Buriev
  11. Iran
    90'+2 Iran subst · Substitution 5
    Off: M. Ghayedi · On: A. Nemati
  12. Uzbekistan
    90'+5 Uzbekistan subst · Substitution 3
    Off: O. Shukurov · On: A. Mozgovoy

Match Stats

Stat Iran Uzbekistan
Fouls 13 11
Pass Accuracy 80% 73%
Offsides 1 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 20 13
Corners 6 5
Total Passes 464 295
Yellow Cards — —
Blocked Shots 6 5
Shots on Target 8 4
xG — —
Shots off Target 6 4
Possession 61% 39%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 370 214
Shots Inside Box 14 8
Saves 2 4
Shots Outside Box 6 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Iran's quick equalizer by M. Taremi in the 52nd minute after Uzbekistan's early lead changed the momentum of the match
  • ▸ The late goal by M. Taremi in the 83rd minute was crucial in ensuring Iran did not lose ground in the qualification race