FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Iran 4-0 India - Five Talking Points

A brace each from Ehsan Haji Safi and goals from Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jahan Baksh helped Iran thrash India 4-0 as the visitors succumbed to an embarrassing defeat in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match.

Gurpreet’s value rises on a demanding evening

If some of the Iranian players did at times cut a frustrating figure, it was due to the heroics of certain number 23. Goalkeeper, Gurpreet was comfortably India’s best player on the pitch tonight. The likes of Sardar Azmoun and Taremi were denied on multiple occasions by the lanky shot stopper.

He was a commanding figure in the box and effectively dealt with the oppositions aerial balls from the wings. Iran’s Ezatolahi coerced Singh into making a wonderful save to deny the hosts from running riot in the first half. He seems to have evolved as a Goalkeeper and continues to prove his importance as the man in between India’s posts.

Gurpreet’s distribution skills too would have impressed coach Constantine on an otherwise disappointing night for the Blue Tigers.