Republic of Ireland got off to a poor start and were on the back foot right from the whistle with Iran penning the Irish into their half and pressing the Irish defence with some good chances at goal.

Ireland's first chance of the game came in the 22nd minute when a foul outside the penalty box awarded Sinclair and Byrne the opportunity to strike home with a dummy cross. The attempt sailed over the bar.

Despite Iran getting a player sent off, Ireland could not capitalise despite several efforts on goal. Babb connected with a cross but could only see his header go inches wide of the post.

The first goal of the game came in the 54th minute when Iran took a surprise lead when player Aliakbar scored a smashing goal from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom right hand corner of the Irish net. The Iranians continued to punish the weakened Irish defence on 56 minutes when they managed to push the ball into the Irish net after a scramble in the six yard box.

The boys in green responded positively on the counter attack started as Sinclair's bullet of a header edged just over the cross bar. An error by O'Donnell gave away a free kick who shot a 25 yarder from outside of the penalty box goal but Walsh could only parry it into the path of the onrushing Aliakbar who fired the ball into the empty net. (64')

Despite keeping possession of the ball for long spells, Ireland struggled to create many clear cut opportunities at goal. Johnson pulled a goal back after some positive attacking play. Ireland continued to fight back with another chance on 86 minutes when Watson took a corner and O'Donnell rose above the defence to head the ball past the keeper.

Ireland threw everything at the Iranians in the last few minutes to an equaliser but some resolute defending from all areas of the field and a couple of unfortunate escapes earned Iran a win.

Captain Dunne said "We have a history with Iran from the Deaflympics in Melbourne when they beat us 3-2 in the semi finals. They have great team fitness. The hot weather was against us and we gave away two stupid goals but we did fight back extremely hard but it was too late."

Republic of Ireland: Walsh (GK), Dunne, Mc Mahon, Watson, O'Donnell, Byrne, Sinclair, Daly, Maguire, Babb, Moore

Subs: Johnson for Burns, Wynne for Maguire, Jordan for Babb