ABU DHABI, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Star striker Sardar Azmoun's double helped Iran secure a passage to the knockout rounds with a 2-0 victory against Vietnam in the 2019 Asian Cup here on Saturday.
The win gives Iran six points and puts them in pole position to qualify after they overpowered Yemen 5-0 in the first match, while Azmoun is currently the tournament's top scorer with three goals in two matches.
Iran enjoyed more possession throughout and began in particularly aggressive fashion. Iran created the first clear threat in the 16th minute when Ashkan Dejagah sent a smart pass to Saman Ghoddos, whose shot was blocked.
Azmoun nodded Iran in front in the 38th minute, meeting Saman Ghoddos's cross from deep with a close range header.
Vietnam almost found an equaliser 5 minutes after the break when Nguyen Cong Phuong's left footed shot from the centre of the box forced a good save from Alireza Beiranvand.
The three-time continental champions doubled their advantage in the 68th minutes as Azmoun patiently worked the ball onto his left foot and beat keeper Dang Van Lam with an clinical finish to seal the victory, which means the Iranian team won each of their last nine Asian Cup group stages matches conceding just one goal.
Iran will finish group play on January 17th against Iraq, while Vietnam will be up against Yemen that same day.
