Russia 2-0 Iran: Golovin double seals friendly win in Kazan (full match highlights)

Russia continued their preparations with a comfortable 2-0 friendly victory over Iran at the Ak Bars Arena in Kazan. Captain Aleksandr Golovin was the star of the show, scoring both goals inside the first 36 minutes. The Monaco midfielder opened the scoring in the 21st minute, latching onto a clever through ball from Aleksei Batrakov and finishing past the Iranian goalkeeper. Fifteen minutes later, Golovin doubled the lead with a beautifully struck free-kick that curled around the wall and into the net. It was his first brace for the national team and his fifth goal in his last six Russia appearances. Iran had their chances, particularly through Serdar Azmun, who raced clear on goal in the first half but was denied by Matvei Safonov. Mehdi Taremi also headed narrowly wide. Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei admitted after the match that Azmun is not in ideal physical condition and said the game was very useful for his team's development ahead of the Asian Cup. Valerii Karpin praised his players in the dressing room but noted that the second half was less cohesive than the first, with Iran creating opportunities on the counter-attack. Russia kept a clean sheet, something Safonov highlighted as particularly pleasing in front of a near-full stadium. What does this performance tell us about Russia's readiness for their upcoming fixtures and can Golovin maintain this remarkable scoring form.