Despite dominating, Abdi’s side were left frustrated with only one of their 15 shots on target, allowing Yemen to come within a whisker of advancing to the semifinals.
“My players are playing for their future,” said Abdi. “Their performance was commendable, although at times we had to endure counter-attacks. We tried to intercept their (Yemen) passes, but they put us under a lot of pressure and came close to scoring.
“Thankfully, we emerged victorious. The Yemen players were aware of our strengths on the flanks, and they effectively closed down the ranks, displaying good ball control while patiently waiting for counter-attacks. It was remarkable how dangerous they were both with and without the ball,” he added.
Iran was forced to change its tactics at the start of the second half and despite not being able to break the deadlock, Abdi’s side showed nerves of steel to win the shootout.
“At halftime, I emphasized the importance of intercepting Yemen's passes. We made some changes, and so did Yemen, and unfortunately, the match went to penalties.”
“Football means everything to these players. It is their way of life. As a team, we will analyze and prepare for the next match. We need to pause, reflect, and make necessary changes. This match holds significant importance for us, and now I can finally have a good night's sleep.
“I’m delighted that we have secured our place in the World Cup. However, my priority lies with the players, and I believe they need more support to develop, be inspired, and gain confidence on the field,” Abdi concluded.