Iran, Iraq begin with victories

In the first match of the tournament, also in Group A, Iraq cruised to a 2-0 victory over Thailand in the southern Lebanese Port of Sidon.

While there was a sparse crowd in Sidon, a capacity crowd of 50,000 filled Beirut8217;s rebuilt Cite Sportive Sports City stadium to watch the opening ceremony and the ensuing match.

After a ceremony that involved three Phoenician ship floats to reflect Lebanon8217;s long history and a display by white-clad soldiers and girls wearing colourful costumes dancing to the tunes of the 12 participating nations, smoke engulfed the stadium in the fireworks that ended the show.There was little for the crowd to cheer in the match, as Iran quickly displayed their class to rout the home team.

Iran went ahead through Karim Bagheri in the 19th minute and substitute Hamidreza Estili notched two more in the 75th and 86th to secure Iran8217;s well-deserved victory. Ali Daei added the fourth in the 90th.

8220;We played very well,8221; said, Daei, one of the two Iranians who plays in Germany8217;s Bundesliga. 8220;But we must look ahead and try to continue playing like this.8221;