IRAN’S World Cup campaign went off to a great start when they grasped a late winner against Morocco in the Group ‘B’ opener and all eyes will be on them when they face Spain today in their second outing.

One player who needs to be talked about and kept an eye on is Iran’s forward Sardar Azmoun who got his first cap for Iran in 2014 and is the country’s all time fifth highest goalscorer.

The 23-year-old’s heading ability has been compared to Swede star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic while, due to his swift moves, fans find him similar to Argentina’s Lionel Messi and therefore he has been named as the ‘Iranian Messi’.

Azmoun moved to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan last year and has scored five goals in 26 appearances for the club since.

He will have to play a pivotal role in Iran’s attack if they have any chance of beating 2010 champions Spain.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2018