TEHRAN – Iran national football team defeated Vietnam 2-0 thanks to a brace from Sardar Azmoun at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Dubai, the UAE on Saturday.

Team Melli assured themselves of a spot in the competition Round of 16.

Carlos Queiroz’s side have made it six points from six – an impressive start to a campaign which will see the three-time champions of Asia assured of qualification should Yemen draw or lose when they play Iraq in the group’s later game.

Fresh from a 5-0 defeat of Yemen on Matchday One, Iran controlled the match and put Vietnam under pressure.

Vietnam goalkeeper Dang Van Lâm denied Saman Ghoddos with a sprawling save, before the custodian produced another fine stop to repel a fierce Azmoun drive shortly before the half-hour mark.

In the 38th minute, Azmoun found the back of the net with a header from Goddos cross.

Vietnam began the second period brightly, and they could – very possibly should – have drawn level in the 52nd minute when substitute Nguyen Van Toàn's pass found Nguyen Công Phuong, whose shot from 12 yards was parried to safety by the advancing Alireza Beiranvand.

Iran, clearly intent on scoring a second, continued to press, and their patience was duly rewarded on 68 minutes, Azmoun neatly gathering a Mehdi Torabi pass and firing past Van Lâm to extend his side’s advantage and register his third goal of the tournament.

Iran are set to complete their group stage fixtures against Iraq next Wednesday in Dubai, with Vietnam scheduled to face Yemen in Al Ain on the same day.