The Journey to Glory
Iran’s journey to the World Cup was far from smooth. After falling short in the previous qualifications, the team entered the 1998 qualifiers determined to make history. However, their campaign was filled with dramatic twists, including a grueling playoff against Japan and then the final two-legged clash with Australia.
The first leg against Australia, played at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Although the team managed to avoid defeat at home, the result left them vulnerable as they headed to Melbourne for the return leg. The odds were stacked against them, and few believed that Iran could overcome the Australians on their home turf. But as history would later prove, the Iranian team’s resilience and determination turned the seemingly impossible into reality.
The Melbourne Miracle
The second leg, held on November 29, 1997, at Melbourne Cricket Ground, was nothing short of dramatic. Australia dominated much of the game, scoring two goals and appearing to seal their place in the World Cup. However, in the dying moments of the match, Iran staged an incredible comeback. Goals by Karim Bagheri and Khodad Azizi leveled the score at 2-2, allowing Iran to qualify on the away goals rule.