Indian hopes recede with loss to Iran

Doha, Dec 06: India are virtually out of the Asian games football event after being beaten by Iran 0-2 in their last Group-D league match at the Al Sadd football stadium here today.

The Indians, who desperately needed a victory to stay in contention, played valiantly and held the strong Iranians at bay till the 78th minute before two late goals dashed their hopes of making further progress in the tournament barring a miracle.

Jalal Akbari Kelishadi fired in the first goal in the 78th minute before Arash Borhani sealed the fate of the Indians in the injury time with another goal.

The Iranians stepped up the tempo of the game in the last quarter and the ploy paid immediate dividends as they scored two goals in that period.