Asian Qualifiers. I.R. Iran vs Uzbekistan Preview

After Australia defeated Saudi Arabia on Thursday to throw Group B of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifiers wide open, the ten remaining teams on the continent return to action on Monday and Tuesday as Groups A and B head towards what is sure to be a gripping finale.

Iran will host Uzbekistan knowing that they can book a place at the FIFA World Cup as they defeat third-placed Uzbekistan in Group A on Monday, but a win for the visitors would close the gap to two points and offer real hope of a top-two finish with two games remaining.

Uzbekistan faced Iran in seven international matches and five of them were ended with a victory of Persian side. The White Wolves could win the only match which took place at Azadi stadium in 2012. Also, they signed a draw in another match against Iran.

Here are the results of the clashes between Uzbekistan and Iran.

14.12.1998 Uzbekistan – Iran 0:4 | Asian Games. Quarter-Finals

11.07.2007 Iran – Uzbekistan 2:1 | AFC Asian Cup. Group Stage

05.09.2009 Uzbekistan – Iran 0:0 | Friendly

03.06.2012 Uzbekistan – Iran 0:1 | 2014 World Cup – Asian Qualifiers

14.11.2012 Iran – Uzbekistan 0:1 | 2014 World Cup – Asian Qualifiers

11.06.2015 Uzbekistan – Iran 0:1 | Friendly

06.10.2016 Uzbekistan – Iran 0:1 | 2018 World Cup – Asian Qualifiers

Ahead of this crucial game against Iran, Uzbekistan organized a friendly match against Group B outsiders Thailand at Bunyodkor Stadium on June 6. The White Wolves secured a 2-0 victory as Temurkhuja Abdukholikov broke the deadlock before Sardor Rashidov doubled the scoring from a long-range shot. Iran traveled to Podgorica for a friendly match against Montenegro and earned a 2-0 victory through FC Rostov centre-forward Serdar Azmoun’s two goals.

Uzbekistan lost some key players who could not help Samvel Babayan’s side because of injury. First, main important defenders Vitaliy Denisov (FC Lokomotiv Moscow), Islom Tukhtakhujaev (FC Lokomotiv Tashkent), and Aleksandr Merzlyakov (FC Kokand-1912) were announced as they injured ahead of the crucial match against Iran. Also, it was announced that Odil Khamrobekov (FC Nasaf) and Marat Bikmaev (FC Lokomotiv Tashkent) will not be fielded in Iran clash.

2018 FIFA World Cup – Asian Qualifiers

Matchday Eight | June 12

Venue: Azadi Stadium

Kick-off: 21:15 GMT+4.30

Referee: Al Kaf Ahmed Abu Bakar Said (Oman)

Assistant Referee 1: Al Mahayi Hamed Sulaiman Marhoun (Oman)

Assistant Referee 2: Al Amri Abu Bakar Salim Mahad (Oman)

Fourth Official: Al Yaqoubi Omar Mubarak Mazaroua (Oman)

Referee Assessor: Mohd Salleh Subkhiddin (Malaysia)

Commissioner: Kaise Tomohiro (Japan)

Security-Officer: Tara Singh Mohan Singh (Malaysia)