India lose 0-4 to Iran in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers

Tehran, March 24: Indian football team's dismal run continued as they suffered a humiliating 0-4 loss to Iran in a Group D match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Azadi Stadium here today (March 24).

Haji Safi (33rd, 66th) scored twice, while Azmoun (61st) and Alireza (78th) also got on the score sheet as the highest-ranked team in Asia blanked India.

File photo: Indian players training in Tehran before their match

With this win, Iran finished as Group D leaders with 17 points, while a winless India remained fifth with just three points to their name ahead of their final game against Turkmenistan in Kochi on March 29.

Iran made eight changes and fielded a young team, while for India, the injured duo of Sunil Chhetri and Eugeneson Lyngdoh were replaced by Udanta Singh, who made his senior debut, and Pronay Halder.

Arnab Mondal and Pritam Kotal made way for Sandesh Jhingan and Aibor Khongjee.

PTI