Abedzadeh had previously stolen the show in the 1990 Asian Games, helping win the gold medal in Beijing after 16 years. Two years before, he saved three penalties in the 1988 AFC Asian Cup third-place match against China and sent the Iranians home with a medal. Abedzadeh will stay in heart forever. Happy birthday to you, the Legend. Led by young strikers Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell, the Socceroos spent the entire first half laying siege to the goal. With Stan Lazaridis and Robbie Slater making inroads on the flanks, and Aurelio Vidmar pushing forward from midfield, it seemed an Aussie avalanche was inevitable. The nation will never forget Abedzadeh’s smile during the game while the match could be chaotic for Iran. But the Captain kept the score level with some inspired goalkeeping. The Persepolis legend turns 55 today.
