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Iran Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand Throws Ball 80+ Yards Against Syria In World Cup Qualifier

Iran Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand Throws Ball 80+ Yards Against Syria In World Cup Qualifier

That is INSANE.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is known throughout world football for his ridiculously long throws and on Thursday night, he produced a quite remarkable 80+ yard catapult in their World Cup qualifier against Syria.

The 28-year-old shot-stopper, who currently plays on loan at Primeira Liga side Boavista, helped the Iranian national team to an important 1-0 win in the Group A clash, with former Brighton man Alireza Jahanbakhsh grabbing that all-important goal in the 56th minute.

Beiranvand also capped his 45th international appearance with arguably his longest throw yet in the second half of Friday's clash at the Azadi Stadium. This is actually insane. How does he manage to get so much distance on this? Incredible stuff.

In addition to his ability to throw a ball long distances, Beiranvand's story is nothing short of inspirational. As a youngster, he ran away from home to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer and because he moved away, he was homeless for some time.

He proceeded to work in a dress factory, a car wash and as a street cleaner before making it, according to The Guardian.

Then, at the 2018 World Cup, the Iranian's story went viral after he saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.

Beiranvand isn't the only goalkeeper with a unique talent. Ibrahim Alma, the 29-year-old Syrian shot-stopper, has become a viral sensation of late for his far-from-normal clearance technique.

Alma, who has played for a number of Syrian Premier League sides down the years, including the likes of Al-Wahda, Al-Shorta and Al-Wathba, has made 61 appearances for his national side since 2012.

He has also spent 10 successful years in the professional game, making over 150 appearances throughout his career. But many know the goalkeeper most for 'that' incredible punching technique. Just take a look.

Alma's talent first came to prominence on a global scale in 2018 during an international friendly against Japan. In the 10th minute of the game, Alma decided to mix up his clearance routine with a volleyball-like punt up the pitch, sending the ball past the halfway line and towards a teammate.

The Syrian goalkeeper has, however, performed the stunt on a number of occasions down the years.

You can see a selection of his punches from the below YouTube clip.

Featured Image Credit: Twitter

Topics: Football, World Cup