Iran have become only the second team to qualify for the FIFA 2018 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tehran on Monday.
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Goals from youngster Sardar Azmoun, who then turned provider for Mehdi Taremi either side of half time were enough for the Persian Gulf nation booked their place at a second successive World Cup finals.
“I am very happy that we have qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row and that we have brought happiness to the Iranian people,” Mehdi Taremi, said speaking to the AFC after the victory.
“I feel so happy that I was able to score a goal and that my goal was able to help us win the match. We are very happy and it shows the great progress we are making in Asia. I hope we continue to perform like this in the future and qualify for the World Cup every four years.”
Iran join Brazil and host country Russia as the three teams so far who will officially take part in the 2018 tournament, which will take place in 12 stadiums across 11 different Russian cities from June 14 to July 15.
'Team Melli', coached by former Portugal head coach and Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, sit top of their Asian World Cup qualifying group with 20 points, ahead of South Korea on 13.
“I want to thank all the fans for their support during the qualification campaign,” Iran midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said after the game.
“The results we have achieved are for you and I hope we can now win the last two games. We all have happiness in our hearts.”