Iran vs Australia, AFC Women's Asian Cup, Today Match Prediction

Iran vs Australia Match Prediction & Analysis

After a winning start in Perth, Australia head to the Gold Coast knowing another victory over Iran on Thursday at 2:30 PM IST will seal their place in the next round. For Iran, it’s a shot at redemption. Following a heavy opening defeat, they’ll be determined to restore pride and produce a far more competitive performance against the hosts.

Current Standings: Despite being level on points, Australia are second in the group behind South Korea on goal difference, while Iran are rooted to the bottom of the table in Group A. 

Head-to-head Record: It will be the first time that the teams meet each other in the AFC Asian Cup.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Iran Preview

As hosts, the Matildas carried the pressure into their opening game and delivered. A 14th-minute strike from superstar Sam Kerr sealed a 1-0 win over the Philippines to kick off their campaign in style. 

Australia dominated with 85% possession and 15 shots, six on target, but credit to the Philippines and their goalkeeper for pulling off five saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Meanwhile, with the first-choice keeper injured, Chloe Lincoln stepped up between the posts for the Matildas.

Despite the depth in the squad, Sam Kerr remains the Matildas’ driving force. After opening her account early, she now faces an Iran side with defensive frailties—an opportunity tailor-made to add to her tally and begin chasing the seven goals she struck in the 2022 edition.

Australia  Probable Starting Lineup - Chloe Lincoln (GK); ​Ellie Carpenter, ​Clare Hunt, Clare Wheeler, ​Steph Catley, ​Katrina Gorry, Wini Heatley​, ​Mary Fowler, ​Hayley Raso, ​Caitlin Foord, ​Sam Kerr.  

Australia Preview

Given the turmoil back home and their lack of preparation coming into the tournament, little was expected from the Lionesses—and it showed in a 3-0 defeat to South Korea. They were overwhelmed, facing 33 shots—20 in the first half alone—while managing just 22% possession. 

On the brighter side of things, they did test the South Korean  keeper twice.  Thursday may bring more of the same, only this time with the added pressure of the Aussie home crowd backing their team. 

All eyes will once again be on Iranian goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei, who stood tall against South Korea with eight crucial saves. On Thursday, she’s likely to be busier than ever as she is set for another night of relentless pressure between the posts.

Iran Probable Starting Lineup - Maryam Yektaei (GK) ; ​Atefeh Imani, Melika Motevalli, Fatemeh Amineh , ​Jafarizadeh, ​Zahra Sarbali, ​Beheshti,  Makhdoumi, Zahra Ghanbari, ​Sara Didar, ​Fatemeh Shaban

IRAN vs AUSTRALIA
Winning Prediction

The only previous competitive meeting came in the 2023 Olympic qualifiers, where Iran impressed but fell 2-0 to Australia. On Thursday, a spirited fight may be the best they can aim for. The Matildas, meanwhile, will look to sharpen their finishing after a modest opener. Barring a miracle, another comfortable win seems on the horizon for the Matildas.  

Australia to win (4-0)

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