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▲ Iran striker Sardar Azmoun strangled head coach Carlos Queiroz in joy
The moment the Iran national soccer team's first ever World Cup victory by two goals approached, Sardar Azmoun, who was replaced after putting all his energy on the ground despite his immature body, seemed to lose his reason for a moment.
He was so happy that he strangled the Iranian national team coach Carlos Queiroz, who was right next to him.
Immediately aware of his actions, Azmoon brought his hand to his face with an awkward smile as if he had originally intended to pinch his cheek.
Director Keiros, who was momentarily taken aback by Azmun's 'attack', soon regained his smile and enjoyed the joy together.
Iran beat Wales 2-0 in the second leg of Group B of the 2022 International Football Federation Qatar World Cup group stage held at Al Rayyan Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Qatar on the 25th Korean time.
The Iranian team, which opened the World Cup in a chaotic atmosphere as anti-government protests continued in Iran, lost 2-6 to England in the first leg.
Iran, which was driven to the brink, repaid the 'British team' for its defeat to the 'British team' and saved the fire of advancing to the round of 16 for the first time in history with 1 win and 1 loss.
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The content of the match was dramatic.
In the 39th minute of the second half, Iran, which had been pushing Wales fiercely, took a numerical advantage when Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy was sent off in the 39th minute of the second half.
In the end, in the 9th minute of added time, Luzbe Chesimi's final mid-range shot broke out with about a minute left before the end of the game, and Ramin Rezaian's key goal was immediately counterattacked.
Azmun, who was in poor physical condition due to an injury to his right calf muscle, stepped on the ground as a starter for the match.
Although he was declared offside no-goal, it was also Azmoun who pricked Ali Goli Zadeh's sharp pass into the Welsh net in the 15th minute.
Azmun, who had been pushing Wales all the way, ended up limping and was substituted in the middle of the second half and left the ground.
He showed a fighting spirit with the responsibility of being Iran's leading striker, but thanks to his teammates, he regained his smile.
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Director Keiros is like a benefactor to Azmun.
Azmoun criticized the Iranian government for suppressing anti-government protests on social media ahead of this World Cup.
Iranian local media said, "The Iranian government is putting pressure on Azmoun and other supporters of anti-government protests not to be selected for the World Cup team."
Azmun was in poor physical condition as well as politically, but Queiros selected him as the representative.
As soon as the second goal was scored, Azmoun, who had 'crossed the line' in excitement, was put on the back of Queiroz when the final whistle blew.
Coach Queiros serves as a strong shield not only for Azmun in this tournament, but also for all Iranian players.
After the match, the Iranian players presented a rinse to coach Queiros, who led the team to his third World Cup victory.
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(Photo = Daily Mail capture, Getty Image Korea, Yonhap News)