Iran defeated Palestine 4-1 in their Asian Cup Group C opener on Sunday at the Education City Stadium, where an outpouring of support from Iranian fans and players was immediately followed by a masterclass from the three-time champions.
Iran took all three points thanks to goals from Karim Ansarifard, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mehdi Ghayedi, and Sardar Azmoun, while Palestine had a consolation from Tamer Seyam.
Huge shouts welcomed the Palestine team before the national anthem, as Iranian supporters displayed solidarity with their Middle Eastern colleagues, with some hoisting the Iran flag alongside the Palestine flag.
Before the game, there was also a moment of silence to remember the lives lost in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has lasted 100 days and killed approximately 24,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza.
However, as the referee blew the whistle for kickoff, Iran got right to work and scored in the second minute when Saman Ghoddos sent the ball to Ansarifard, who curled his effort past the keeper into the far corner.
Iran extended their advantage in the 12th minute with another set piece goal from Ghoddos, whose floating cross to the far post found Khalilzadeh, who cleverly redirected the ball into the net.
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