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Preview: Kyrgyzstan vs. Iran - prediction, team news, lineups from
Kyrgyzstan vs. Iran: Preview, Team News, Lineups
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan will be looking to build on their impressive performance in the AFC Asian Cup when they take on Iran in a friendly on Thursday. The Kyrgyz surprised many by reaching the knockout stages of the tournament in the United Arab Emirates, where they were eventually eliminated by Japan in the last 16.
Kyrgyzstan's success in the Asian Cup was built on a solid defense, and they will need to be at their best against an Iran side that is always dangerous going forward. The Kyrgyz will also need to take their chances in front of goal, as they did in the Asian Cup, where they scored eight goals in four matches.
Team News
Kyrgyzstan will be without the services of several key players for the match against Iran. Midfielder Edgar Bernhardt is suspended, while defender Valery Kichin and forward Mirlan Murzaev are both injured.
Iran
Iran will be looking to continue their good form when they take on Kyrgyzstan in a friendly on Thursday. The Iranians are ranked 22nd in the world, and they are coming off a successful AFC Asian Cup campaign, where they reached the semi-finals.
Iran's success in the Asian Cup was built on a strong defense, and they will need to be at their best against a Kyrgyzstan side that is always dangerous going forward. The Iranians will also need to take their chances in front of goal, as they did in the Asian Cup, where they scored 12 goals in five matches.
Team News
Iran will be without the services of several key players for the match against Kyrgyzstan. Midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi is suspended, while defender Morteza Pouraliganji and forward Sardar Azmoun are both injured.
Prediction
Iran is the clear favorite heading into the match against Kyrgyzstan. The Iranians are ranked much higher than their opponents, and they have a better recent record. However, Kyrgyzstan has shown that they are capable of surprising teams, and they will be looking to do so again on Thursday.
The match is likely to be a close one, but Iran should have enough quality to win. The Iranians are likely to dominate possession, and they will create more chances than their opponents. Kyrgyzstan will need to be disciplined in defense and take their chances when they come.
