| TEHRAN, April 20 (Reuters) - World Cup hopefuls Iran and Jamaica were beaten by Hungary and Macedonia respectively on Monday, the opening day of a four-nation soccer tournament in Tehran. Jamaica, preparing for their World Cup debut, were beaten 2-1 by Macedonia, who were drafted into the competition at the last minute after Ghana dropped out at the weekend. Barnsley striker Georgi Hristov scored both goals in the first half for Macedonia. Hristov took advantage of poor marking to open the scoring in the 17th minute and made it two when a long ball caught the Jamaican defence completely flat-footed, driving in with confidence from 16 metres. Jamaica turned to their England-based players in the second-half with Wimbledon's Marcus Gayle and Portsmouth's Paul Hall brought on up front. That pairing gave Jamaica more options and caused Macedonia problems and the pressure paid off when Hall was brought down inside the area in the 69th minute and picked himself up to convert the spot kick. But there was to be no late rally from Jamaica, indeed it was Macedonia who had the better of the last quarter. |
Gosev Vlatko struggles with Durrent Brown
Macedonia's Gosev Vlatko (7) struggles with Jamaica's Durrent Brown during their game at Tehran's Azadi stadium, Monday, April 20, 1998. World Cup qualifier Jamaica lost to Macedonia 2-1 in a warm-up tournament being held ahead of the finals in France in June. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sayyad) |
Linval Dixon follows Sakiri Artim
Jamaica's Linval Dixon, left, follows Macedonia's Sakiri Artim, center, during their game in Tehran's Azadi stadium Monday, April 20, 1998. Jamaica lost to Macedonia 2-1. Jamaica's Paul Hall watches the play at right. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sayyad) |
