Month: January 2014

Queiroz defends cancellation of the African camp and takes a swipe at league club coaches.

Tehran

Source:  Mehr News Agency.

In his first interview since returning from abroad, Carlos Queiroz , commented on the cancellation of the Team Melli camp in South Africa by saying “the issue is very clear”

“The camp is part of our preparation for the World Cup . The camp was designed especially for Iran’s domestic players to enhance their skills and also to change their playing style  especially since we have Nigeria in our own group and four friendly matches were arranged. Conducting the camp would have been very useful for the team.” Queiroz said. ” The second reason I chose this plan , relates to my experiences . We need to have a higher level of football to win any match the World Cup. We are facing quality opponents. Their players are playing in high level leagues and in every game that they are playing, they run an average of 10 to 12 kms.”

According to Team Melli coach “Nigerian players , Bosnian and Argentinians play in the European leagues. On average they get 64 minutes of active play time every game in every competition , but in Iran the figure is 50 or 52 minutes. According to the latest figures I have from Iran’s domestic league, players run an average of only 7 to 8 km only.”

Queiroz continued “my third reason for this was that I feel and carry the responsibility of 70 million on my shoulders . So my interest in independent to the interest of clubs like Esteghlal , Foolad or Sepahan but also to the interests of 80 million Iranians across the globe. I think . That is why I needed it . The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation and the League had approved the plan . If you look at the formation of the national team just a few of our players are in Europe , they are of course in a good environment , but most players are involved in the Iranian league .”

“In this regard ” he noted “When I saw the four main players of the team out of six , have left the domestic league , it did not make sense to hold this camp (…). When you do not have your team’s main players , this camp is not logical . The next reason was that we did not receive support of any kind . However, I have always believed that since we will be playing against the best in the world, our players need to have a specific plan and the decision was taken by the board . My concern was , our players are not available and we did not receive support financially . That’s why I suggested canceling the training program yesterday at a meeting with Mohammad Nabi and Kafashian. I want to stress, though, that we will continue the program but in our own backyard.”

In response to criticism by club coaches like Ghalenoei , Faraki and Kranjčar about the Team Melli program and the long league suspension , Queiroz said ” Tell me, what is my primary responsibility? When the Iranian flag is flying high on the mast during the World Cup , I see happiness in the picture . I know it is my duty to defend the flag . Not the interests of one or two people who only think about their own interest and defend themselves . The first league games were delayed because of the benefits of a club  . Everyone knows that for the interests Ghalenoei and Fathollahzadeh , the league was delayed. The club that complains constantly .”

Queiroz noted “the issue here is not about someone called Queiroz , that does not matter. I ‘ve heard from the former President and the current President of the Republic, that the priorities for this year is Team Melli. I was in a meeting , when we heard from them since this year’s Team Melli has qualified to the World Cup . The reason that the league program has fallen apart is because is was solely for the benefit of Fathollahzadeh and Ghalenoei . Now , for the benefit of Ghalenoei and Krancjar , the league is postponed for 5 weeks .

Queiroz said “the real question is if the football team is the first priority , then why does not it receive the support necessary? Why all the protection of clubs interests , but not the support for Team Melli ? I know that everyone , including Ghalenoei and Krancjar. I agree this was not planned, however , let’s talk about the expectations of the fans of the national team . that Kranjcar talked about FIFA rules, which I know them a lot better than him. No one in this country knows FIFA better than me, because I was present from the beginning to develop them.”
He stated ” FIFA rules was not made to cater to the Iranian success. Do you think that other countries do not want us to succeed , we will attach importance to the World Cup ?

Queiroz continued his verbal onslaught on Ghalenoei and Kranjcar, mocking or dismissing all their statements and claiming his own superior knowledge with 33 years in football.

Yet another setback for Team Melli!

Tehran.

The Secretary General of the Iranian football federation announced the cancellation of  Team Melli training camp in South Africa. The  camp was arranged by Carlos Queiroz and approved by the federation administration however, it was abruptly cancelled like the last camp that was supposed to be held in Portugal. Team Melli was suppose to play a friendly match in South Africa as well.

In a statement to the press, Mohammad Nabi expressed his regret and disappointment for this cancellation , while reminding Queiroz that the preparation for the World Cup should not be halted by any means (…) !”We will arrange another camp , the site in not known yet , but we need to keep the momentum going and do not stop the Team Melli preparation program. It really does not matter where the camp is , be it in Azadi ,  in the park , or Taleghani avenue or even in Queiroz back garden (…), the schedule is set for the training camp is set and the training will continue.” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi insisted.

“Of course, we have a few players playing abroad. I will personally travel to those countries and request the players to join the camp even if we have to pay the penalties for their absence.” Mohammad Nabi boasted.

Team Melli camp is set to start on the 11th of April 2014. The location is not known, but it is highly doubtful if Queiroz back-garden can accommodate about 30 players and the coaching staff that was suggested by Mohammad Nabi.

 

 

 

 

 

Reza Ghoochannejhad joins Charlton Athletics.

Charlton have completed the signings of Standard Liege striker Reza Ghoochannejhad and Ujpest right-back Loic Nego for undisclosed fees.

Iran forward Ghoochannejhad, 26, has agreed a deal until the summer of 2016.

Frenchman Nego, 23, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Championship club.

Both Belgian side Liege and Hungarian outfit Ujpest are owned by Roland Duchatelet, the businessman who took over the Addicks earlier this month.

Reza Ghoochannejhad

“He is hard-working and he likes to get in the areas to score goals, so we need him to do that straight away”

Charlton manager Chris Powell on Reza Goochannejhad

The pair take the number of January signings by Charlton to five, with the previous three, midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic, goalkeeperYohann Thuram-Ulien and winger Anil Koc, also coming from Belgian side Standard Liege.

Ghoochannejhad began his senior career in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and subsequently had spells with Go Ahead Eagles, Cambuur and Belgian side STVV – another side owned by Belgian millionaire Duchatelet.

He joined Standard Liege in January 2013 and has made eight appearances this season, with seven of those coming in the Europa League.

Having represented the Netherlands at youth international level, he made his debut for Iran in 2012 and has won a total of 10 caps, scoring eight goals.

Charlton boss Chris Powell said the arrival of Ghoochannejhad, who is expected to feature for his country at the World Cup in Brazil this summer, will boost his forward line.

 

Charlton manager Chris Powell told his club’s official website: “He has scored goals at different levels in Belgium and Holland.

“He has signed as a permanent and he comes into the stable of strikers. We haven’t scored enough goals this season and we have to boost that area.

“He is hard-working and he likes to get in the areas to score goals, so we need him to do that straight away.

“He has got pace and wins fouls, which you want to happen – especially in the attacking third. He has decent link-up play, but he wants to get in the box and in that regard you have to give him the service and create more chances.”

The transfer of Gucci to Charlton is like a double edge sword.  The Team Melli forward would be quite relieved to leave a team where he had no future and the coach was adamant not to include him in his plan. While he will get much better opportunities in London, however , Chartlon is struggling close to the bottom of the league and is under real threat of relegation to the third tier of English league.

 

Esteghlal stars exodus continues, Ando wants out!

 

Andranik Teymourian announced  he wants to leave the Persian Gulf League leader , Esteghlal.

In the wake of Midfield Dynamo Mojtaba  Jabbari , Team Melli Captain Javad Nekounam  and Defender Pejman Montazzeri , Andranik “Ando” Teymourian will be the fourth Esteghlal superstar / Team Melli player to leave the club. Although the reasons behind his intentions are not clearly defined in his request to leave, it is assumed that financial problems and payment arrears by the club is a major reason.

Teymourian has been doing well with his club Esteghlal which he re-joined after a stint in the Qatar league.  Despite the internal disputes within the blues of Tehran, and the money issues, Esteghlal has been leading the table and showing good quality of football. Teymourian , uncharacteristically has played some rough football recently which lead to his one match ban by the FFIRI. His recent demeanor and clashes with opponents and referees was perhaps an early sign that Ando was unsettled in Esteghlal. With only a few months to go to the World Cup , a number of players are on their way to change clubs which could have a negative effect on their form.

A spokesman for Esteghlal club has insisted that the Club CEO , Fathollahzade , is adamant to keep Ando in Esteghlal and will not let him go. Then Again, he said the same thing about the other stars who left,except for Jabbari who was an antagonist of Fathollazadeh.

 

Steven Beitashour to Vancouver Whaitecaps.

Whitecaps acquire all-star Steven Beitashour from Earthquakes

Steven Beitashour (left) defends against Vancouver Whitecaps forward Omar Salgado during a May 2012 Major League Soccer game at BC Place Stadium. Beitashour, an MLS all-star in 2012, was acquired by the Whitecaps in a trade on Monday.

Photograph by: Les Bazso , PNG

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps took a huge step on Monday in filling the right fullback vacancy left by the retired Y.P. Lee, acquiring all-star defender Steven Beitashour from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money.

“Steven is arguably the best right back in the league,” Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said in a statement. “He is fantastic on the defensive side of the ball and his ability to join the attack will make him a great addition to our club.”

The soon-to-be 27-year-old Beitashour (his birthday is on Saturday) was a Major League all-star at right back in the league’s 2012 all-star game. He has recorded more assists than any other MLS defender over the last three seasons.

“I’m very excited about this new opportunity,” Beitashour said in a statement. “Whitecaps FC are an excellent club with fantastic supporters and a great stadium. From what I’ve seen the last few years and from my conversations with the coaching staff, this club is heading in the right direction. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and I can’t wait for our home opener on March 8 against the Red Bulls.”

Beitashour was taken in the second round (30th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Earthquakes and spent four seasons in the Bay Area. While born in San Jose, he is of Iranian heritage and may well represent that country at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

In the meantime, he will be an immediate fix for a position left vacant by the retiring Lee, a former South Korean international who was a standout at right back for the past two seasons

Ghoochannejad “Gucci” set for Charlton switch

Team Melli striker Reza Ghoochannejhad is poised to become the fourth Standard Liege player to join Charlton Athletic on loan.

The Championship side, who were taken over by Standard Liege’s owner Roland Duchatelet earlier this month, have already brought in Astrit Ajdarevic, Yohann Thuram-Ulien and Anil Koc on temporary deals.

And now Chris Powell is closing in on Ghoochannejhad as he bids to guide the south London team away from the relegation zone.

Ghoochannejhad, 26, started out at Heerenveen and has previously spent time at Go Ahead Eagles and Cambuur.

A prolific stint at Sint-Truiden, which yielded 17 league goals in 33 appearances, prompted Standard Liege to snap him up during the 2012/13 season.

Friendly matches announced for Team Melli

Team Melli will be playing against Belarus and Montenegro during the European camp on may 2014.

As part of the preparation for the FIFA World Cup , Carlos Queiroz will be taking Team Melli squad to Europe , most probably a camp in Austria, which would last for two weeks. During this training camp , two friendly matches have been arranged with East European teams, Belarus and Montenegro.

After the completion of the European camp , Team Melli will continue the preparation program in Tehran where a another friendly match is scheduled on the 31st of May. The opponents will be an African country , either Angola or South Africa. Thus Team Melli would have played with teams that are tactically and physically close to two opponents in the Group F, Nigeria and Bosnia. Iran will still be looking for a Latin American team to play a friendly match against to gauge its capabilities with Argentina in mind. Such opponent team might be available when Team Melli sets camp in Brazil , early in June. At the moment, 8th of June 2014 is booked for a match against Montenegro in Brazil, however the opponent might change to a South American team pending negotiations.

 

Team Melli Training Camp matches.

18th May 2014 vs Belarus in Europe (Austria)

26th May 2014 vs Montenegro in Europe (Austria)

31st May 2014 vs Angola or South Africa @ Azadi

8th June 2014 vs Montenegro in Brazil

 

 

Payam Sadeghian makes an emotional appeal.

Payam Sadeghian made an emotional appeal on Navad program against his accuser(s) after being named along with his teammate Mohsen Mosalman , in a Shisha smoking scandal.

Sadeghian , a promising young player who is showing immense potential this season with Persepolis , was named by Alipour, the head of Ethics Committee  in the IRIFF , in a case of Shisha smoking along with Moslaman and several others on the hotel in Kish while Team Melli U-22 was camping for  friendly match against South Korea.

The media announced that the two Persepolis Players are banned from selections to national teams at all levels until full investigation are carried out. Subsequently, the pair missed the team taking part in the first Asian U-22 championship in Oman. Iran did not qualify from the group stages coming third after Japan and Australia.

In this quick interview believed to be recorded after Perspeolis match against Foolad Khuzestan in the Hazfi Cup quarter finals; Sadeghian declared his innocence and defied Alipour to produce any concrete evidence including alleged pictures of him and his teammate Moslaman smoking. A highly emotional Sadeghian admitted that he was disillusioned and hurt by such accusation and the ban from representing his country especially at a stage when he is playing quite well and hoping to make his senior Team Melli squad.

The Football Association has been quiet after the initial breaking of the news that lead to suspension of the team doctor, a Manager and another official.

Sadeghian , who has made many headlines for the wrong reasons, has been given a one match suspension for his violent foul on an Esteghlal player in the local derby. Despite his skills and on the field, he has been having issues with self-discipline and attitude.

 

Nigerians eying their World Cup foes!

The Nigerian website Punch , published an interesting article about Group F opponents of Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup 2014

With the World Cup set to kick off in less than five months time in Brazil, ’TANA AIYEJINA looks at how the Super Eagles’ group opponents are preparing for the event

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil begins in June but it’s been different tales for Nigerian opponents in terms of preparations ahead of the event.

The Super Eagles are in Group F alongside two-time champions Argentina, debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran.

On June 16, the African champions begin their World Cup campaign against Iran in Curitiba before facing Bosnia five days later in Cuiaba. They round off their group campaign against Argentina on June 25 in Porto Alegre.

Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi, who has been in South Africa with the home-based Eagles for the African Nations Championship, had proposed the team train in either Miami or Houston in the United States for the World Cup, but Head, Technical Department, Nigeria Football Federation, Chris Green, disclosed that Nigeria had opted to train in Houston.

“This is the fifth time we will be appearing at the World Cup but this time, we are going there (Brazil) to make a statement.

“We will first camp in Houston before going to the team base in Brazil. The team will play Mexico in a friendly match on March 5,” Green said.

Green added that Nigeria, who will open their training camp on May 25, would play four more warm-up games before their World Cup opener against Iran.

A look at the Eagles’ group opponents has shown that they have been experiencing different fortunes in terms of preparations as the journey to Brazil gradually gathers momentum.

IRAN

TM 2012412
Team Melli Dec 2012

 

 

For the Asian side, it’s not been the best in terms of preparations for Brazil 2014 but nevertheless, Carlos Queiroz’s side are hoping to make an impact at the World Cup.

Iran will be competing in their fourth World Cup after previous appearances in 1978, 1998 and 2006 and Queiroz admits that their Group F opponents have left them facing a huge task.

Iran are Asia’s top-ranked team but Queiroz acknowledges that his squad, made up largely of home-based players, lacks the quality needed to make a serious impact.

“This is our mission impossible once, twice and three times,” Queiroz, the 60-year-old, who took charge as head coach in April 2011, told AFP in Tehran.

“But that is what makes the tournament attractive,” he added.

For Queiroz, who coached his native Portugal to the last 16 stage at the last edition, achieving such a feat with Iran looks “like an unrealistic dream” but he insists they have “a duty to try our luck.”

Iran’s preparations for this year’s finals are a daily struggle in a country whose access to the global banking system has been cut due to international sanctions.

As a result, a scheduled training camp in Portugal was cancelled in September due to a lack of funds, and Queiroz admits Iran are way behind in their plans.

“We lost six months. I hope we will be able to find a solution as nothing is clearly scheduled for the moment,” he said.

But despite the difficulties, Queiroz believes the passion for the game in Iran can help them spring a surprise or two in Brazil.

“Iranians have football in their blood and soul. You don’t need to promote football through marketing here,” he said of a country that has enjoyed considerable success at youth level as well as in futsal and in beach soccer.

“It is amazing to see that — with so few resources and capabilities— the federation has achieved so much.”

When Queiroz took over as coach, he arrived to find a national federation that was “lethargic, lacking ambition.”

But he tried to make changes, bringing in Iranian players with dual nationality like Daniel Davari of Germany’s Eintracht Braunschweig, Fulham midfielder Ashkan Dejagah, Dutch-Iranian striker Reza Ghoochannejhad and, most recently, American-born right-back Steven Beitashour of San Jose Earthquakes.

However, his efforts were met with skepticism.

“In a conservative society like Iran, it is not easy to talk about reform and change of habits. We cannot be competitive without international experience. But my commitment to Iranians is to make them happy. This is our World Cup, this is our time to tell the world that Iran is a football country,” Queiroz added.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina

When Safet Susic took over from Miroslav Blazevic as Bosnia manager at the end of 2009, a section of the fans kicked against it because he had earlier refused to take the same job.

But he was fortunate to have talented players like Edin Džeko, Asmir Begovic and Roma’s young midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who helped in clinching a first World Cup ticket.

Though there were initial difficulties, the Football Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has reportedly taken important organisational steps, while Susic has instilled order in his team.

Somewhere along the way, he was labelled as an old-fashioned coach, stubborn, not brave enough but Susic has never hidden his desire to ruffle feathers in Brazil since he led the East European country to a historic first qualification for the World Cup.

“In Brazil we want to play seven games, and the seventh one is the final match,” he was quoted as saying by telegraph.co.uk.

And with Nigeria, Argentina and Iran in Group F, anything is possible at that level of the competition before the knockout stage.

In a bid to ensure that the team don’t lack support in Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina Foreign Ministry has announced a plan to open a contemporary consulate in Brazil to provide assistance for the country’s fans during the finals.

BiH Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagundzija said the primary function of the consulate was to provide legal protection and consular services to BiH citizens travelling to Brazil to watch the matches.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 BiH fans are expected to travel to Brazil, local media reported.

 

ARGENTINA

Argentina National Team
Argentina National Team

South American giants and tournament favourites Argentina boast of the most frightening attack worldwide.

With Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel di Maria, Carlos Tevez and the inimitable Lionel Messi in one team, Argentina could be gunning for a third world title later this year.

Indeed, they were the first South American nation to qualify for the World Cup, guaranteeing their place with two games to spare.

Argentina scored 35 goals in 16 games during the qualifiers but there still remains a doubt about the imbalance of the team. For all their abundance of talent, finding the right balance in attack has been problematic.

Coach Alejandro Sabella appears to favour an attacking trio of Messi, Higuain and Aguero.

But the injury picked up by the Barcelona forward late last year forced Sabella to change tactics during the friendly games against Ecuador and Bosnia in November.

Against Bosnia, Sabella switched shape entirely, going for a 4-4-2 with Palacio and Aguero leading the line. The Manchester City forward bagged a brace in a comfortable 2-0 win.

Against Ecuador, Sabella’s three-man attack failed to have the same effect with Messi out of the side. Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria was pushed further forward alongside Lavezzi and Higuain.

The game ended in a goalless draw, Argentina managing just a solitary shot on goal during the 90 minutes.

Analysts also believe their midfield does not possess the cutting edge to rip open difficult opponents.

Javier Mascherano is an excellent midfielder but getting a right partner for him has been a problem. The man who could partner him may well be Valencia’s Ever Banega but the 25-year-old is yet to consistently turn his promise into top-class performances at club level.

Argentina’s main source of concern remains in defense. At the 2010 World Cup, they were tactically undone by a ruthless German outfit, losing 4-0 in the quarter-finals.

In qualifying stages for the 2014 edition, they conceded only 15 goals in 16 games but during the World Cup proper, tactical organization will be key to Argentine progress.

This is definitely good news for Keshi but how his own side prepare for the World Cup will surely determine how far they will go at the tournament.

 

 

“Queiroz touted to replace Igesund” claims New Age Online.

A South African newspaper website, claims that Carlos Queiroz will be taking the helm of the South African national team after the World Cup 2014.

The New Age Online wrote “Talk of a new Bafana Bafana coach is gaining momentum, amid dwindling support for incumbent Gordon Igesund.

Igesund, whose contract expires in June, is reportedly a subject of investigation at the Safa over allegations he influenced his players to demand higher bonuses, weeks before the African Nations Championship kicked off.

The writing appears to be on the wall for Igesund, with weekend reports suggesting his fate has already been sealed.

The Safa top brass could roll back the time and appoint Carlos Queiroz as Igesund’s successor after the 2014 Fifa World Cup. Queiroz is currently in charge of Iran national team and will guide them in Brazil in June.

Queiroz, who has also coached Portugal, was a spectator at the recent Bafana matches in Cape Town adding fuel to growing speculation he could be keen on the job.”

Team Melli coach has already announced his intention that he will leave Iran after his contract expires, however the Portuguese coach did not announce his intention to join any side yet , hence the South African job is just a speculation at this time.