Two strikers who have outlasted their national teams through a decade of change meet in the twilight of their careers. Azmoun is an experienced poacher steeped in Persian positional football, Wood a English centre-forward hardened in the Premier League and versed in surviving tight defences. This match will determine who can impose their rhythm in the battle for second balls and space around the penalty area.

Galeone inherits the Iranian school of positional football built on experience with Esteghlal and Sepahan — here every move is calculated. Beasley, meanwhile, brings the directness of the British approach, where a classical back four and physical pressure matter more than refined build-up play. The contrast between calculation and intensity could shape the entire encounter.

Asadi will bring to the right flank the experience of a player accustomed to the tight defences of Persian football, where every centimetre is contested. Bindon, meanwhile, is a defender from the Australian league, where tempo and physicality demand constant readiness for pressing. On this part of the pitch, two schools will meet: calculated positional play against dynamic directness.