On this day in 1998, Iran secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, beating USA 2-1, with Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia scoring for Team Melli.
“Everyone reminds me of that goal,” said Estili several years later. “People from five to even 95 admire me for that goal. Many Iranians who are living abroad proudly confess that they’re Iranian. That victory unified all Iranians.
“In the midfield, Bagheri had more freedom to join the forwards than I did. At that moment I saw Bagheri was still in our half. When Mahdavikia and Zarincheh were on the right flank I saw a place between Azizi and Daei. I ran into the box and headed the ball and it went in.”
Once in front, the Iranians never looked like relinquishing the lead. In the 84th minute Team Melli doubled their advantage when Mahdavikia burst into the American half before smashing his low shot past Keller and into the bottom corner.
The US were given a sliver of hope three minutes from time when McBride’s downward header slipped through substitute Naim Sadavi’s legs and defender Mohammad Khakpour was unable to hack the ball clear before it crossed the line.
But it was too little too late for the Americans as Team Melli clinched a historic victory and the United States crashed out of the tournament with a game to play.