IRN 2-0 YEM: Nikolic sees psychological boost

AFC - Coach Nenad Nikolic was pleased to see Iran end their AFC U-19 Championship in positive fashion as they overcame Yemen 2-0 at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium on Tuesday.

Having lost their two previous Group A games to Japan and Saudi Arabia, goals from Seyediman Moosavi and Jalalaldin Alimohammad saw them pick up their first points despite having Ahmad Amirkamdar dismissed in the 26th minute.

"I'm satisfied with the win today and the good performance of the players," said Nikolic.

"It was a very hard match for us but the important thing is that we got the three points and finished our campaign with a win.

"We changed seven players because the spirit of the team was low after losing the previous two matches. This win will be good for the psychology of the players."

"It was very hard to motivate the players when we were one man down," added Nikolic.

"However, we asked them to calm down and hold on to the lead before we scored the second goal late in the game.

"I previously said that our group is strong and both Japan and Saudi Arabia have what it takes to make it to the final of the competition. I hope our players gained enough experience for future commitments."

Despite the loss, Yemen coach Abdullah Fodel hailed the determination of his side - who were also reduced to 10 men after 66 minutes when Mohammed Fuad was booked for a second time – but felt a lack of adequate preparation contributed to a campaign that saw them fail to pick up a point.

"I want to congratulate Iran for their win but at the same time congratulate our players for their good performance," he said.

"Our performance improved each game and that shows that we are a good side.

"We controlled the game after Iran were reduced to 10 men and we had a lot of chances but we were unlucky not to score them. Iran scored two goals from two chances.

"We didn't have enough preparation as we played friendly matches against clubs from Hungary and Turkey but these matches were not enough.

“Our only international match was against Syria and that is not sufficient to prepare the team.”

Fodel also took full responsibility for his side’s disappointing results in Saudi Arabia and revealed he will recommend to the Yemen FA not to retain him as coach

"This team should be well taken care of because they have plenty of talent," he added.

"Coaching is not a nice job as there is a lot of responsibility and I will recommend for me not to continue leading the team as I want to take the blame off our young players."