Iran create their own handball history, downing Chile in Krakow

12 Jan. 2023

Iran create their own handball history, downing Chile in Krakow

Veselin Vujović made history with his Islamic Republic of Iran team as he led them to their first-ever IHF Men's World Championship preliminary group win.

Leading for long periods of the match, including the entire first half, the Asian side looked in control, but Chile played the long game and came back. However, Iran would not be denied, taking a crucial victory as Poland/Sweden 2023 opened up for business at the Tauron Arena in Krakow.

Group A

Chile vs Islamic Republic of Iran 24:25 (11:13)

Iran have put one foot in the main round as they held their nerve to take an opening-day win at Poland/Sweden 2023.

"The Chile players were amazing," said Vujović about the win. "It was a really, really tough match from the beginning. I don't have an explanation for how we won this match, [but] our goalkeeper was amazing."

That goalkeeper was Mohammad Siavoshishahenayati, and thanks to his first-half display, Vujović's side appeared in control.

They went ahead by three goals for the first time just before the end of the first quarter (8:5, 15th minute) and repeated that feat twice more until halftime, going into the break two up (13:11).

But with three teams from each group going through to the main round at Poland/Sweden 2023, Chile knew this was a good opportunity to take two points before they face a tough test against Spain, and they pushed ahead through Erwin Feuchtmann for the first time in the 43rd minute (18:17). 

Siavoshishahenayati did his best to ensure Chile did not extend their lead, but the rest of his squad had other ideas.

The South Americans were one ahead with less than 10 minutes remaining (21:20), but a miscommunication on the Iran bench saw Mohammad Reza Oraei press the time-out buzzer, resulting in a two-minute suspension.

"At that moment, I thought we had lost [the match]," said Vujović about the incident. "But it's history now."

Worse was to come as Afshin Sadeghi Askari caught Erwin Feuchtmann on the line and received a direct red card. 

Two players down and four minutes later, Chile had a handsome three-goal lead (23:20), with Iran maybe thinking that Javier Frelijj's fast-break goal was the end for them.

But Vujović's side never gave up and then clawed their way back equal (23:23) through Mohammadreza Kazemi to set up an exhilarating final 150 seconds.

Siavoshishahenayati then went into superhero mode, saving a double penalty from Sebastián Ceballos to set up a fast-break for Oraei, who redeemed himself with a go-ahead strike (24:23).

There was still time for a behind-the-back assist from Erwin Feuchtmann (24:24) to draw the team's level with 60 seconds left, but Mohammadmahdi Behnamnia kept his Iran side in the lead with 26 seconds left (25:24).

However, Siavoshishahenayati made the most crucial of his total of 17 saves right at the end, his stop from Luciano Scaramelli ensuring he ended his performance with a 43% save rate.

"It was a tough match," said Chile's Emil Feuchtmann. "At the end I think we didn't have the luck to close the match, they made a really good match. It's going to be a hard night for us, but that's sport."

Next up for Chile is a clash against Spain, while Iran will play Montenegro. Both matches are on Saturday (14 January).

hummel Player of the Match: Mohammad Siavoshishahenayati (Islamic Republic of Iran)