TEHRAN, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran started their 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign with 5-0 win over Yemen in the United Arab Emirates on Monday.
Determined to end their 43-year title drought in the tournament, Carlos Queiroz's men played aggressively against Yemen at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Mehdi Taremi scored Iran's first and third goals on 12 and 25 minutes. Midfielder Ashkan Dejagah's free-kick registered Iran's another goal in 23rd minute.
After the interval, striker Sardar Azmoun scored the fourth goal in the 53rd minute, and substitute Saman Ghoddos was on target in the 78th with a powerful shot from the right side of the box.
Iran have been drawn along with Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam in Group D.
Iran will play Vietnam On January 12 and with Iraq on January 16.
The tournament is running from January 5 to February 1.
