With former MetroStars head coach Carlos Queiroz and Portuguese-American goalkeeper coach Dan Gaspar once again on its coaching staff, Iran became the first Asian team to clinch a berthin the 2018 World Cup finals when it beat Uzbekistan, 2-0, on goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi. The win touched off impromptu street parties across the country as thousands ofIranians celebrated.