With strong counter-attacking play, the Iranians caught the young Kurukuru off-guard on several occasions and were lethal with their set plays.
The Solomon Islands were in control during the opening exchanges and went close through Micah Lea’alafa whose shot went just wide.
But inside five minutes Iran were 1-0 up after a well taken set play. They followed that up with a second strike in the 8th minute, again from a dead ball situation, to double the lead.
The Kurukuru regrouped and started making advances but struggled to find a way through the Iranian defensive blockade.
With a goalkeeper in top form, Iran thwarted any shots that did make it through, and grabbed two more goals at the other end to take a 4-0 lead into the break.
Solomon Islands fought strongly in the second period using pace and skill to good effect and had the Iranians back peddling for extended periods. But Iran scored two more goals in quick succession to put the game out of reach.
The result was well deserved for the Asian champions who showed their class and strong strategic play. Nevertheless, the young Kurukuru side took heart from solid performances throughout the tournament where they had drawn huge support from an admiring crowd.
Story courtesy of SIFF Media