InterNationals: Taremi bags winner against Kyrgyzstan

Portuguese overpower the Czech Republic

Mehdi Taremi's second-half goal earned Iran a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan in a friendly on Thursday.

The Porto forward struck in the 56th minute, meeting Alireza Jahanbakhsh's cross with a fine header.

Iran dominated the match from start to finish, with Taremi and Jahanbakhsh both going close on several occasions.

The victory will give Iran confidence ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Iraq next week.

Ronaldo brace in Portugal triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal beat the Czech Republic 4-0 in a friendly on Thursday.

The Manchester United forward opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, converting a penalty after Jakub Jankto had fouled Diogo Dalot.

Ronaldo made it 2-0 in the 45th minute, finishing off a fine move involving Bernardo Silva and Joao Mario.

Bruno Fernandes extended Portugal's lead in the 47th minute, before Diogo Dalot added a fourth in the 82nd minute.

The victory was a welcome boost for Portugal, who will now turn their attention to their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland next week.