Iranians go home feeling good, vow to come back stronger

MONTPELLIER (Jun 25, 1998 - 21:21 EDT) -- Iran goes home from its second World Cup with a sense of mission accomplished after a politically charged victory over the United States, and a sense of determination to come back stronger next time.

Thursday's 2-0 defeat by Germany was not without its moments for the lively Iranian attack spearheaded by Bayern Munich-bound Ali Daei, and coach Jalal Talebi pronounced himself fully satisfied. "I'm very happy with the Iranian team's performance," he said. "This is good for the future of football in Iran."

Thursday's game saw the more powerful Germans take control only after a halftime dressing-down from coach Berti Vogts. "We'll gain a lot of experience from this," said Talebi, who took over just before the finals began when Croatian Tomislav Ivic was fired during a miserable warm-up campaign.

"We've learned a lot," said attacking midfielder Karim Bagheri, who plays in Germany for Arminia Bielefeld. "I'm sure we'll come back with a stronger team that will compete on a world level. We have to profit from this experience and keep on working. Believe me, we will put this to good use."

Iran, long a leading force in Asian soccer, first reached the World Cup finals in Argentina in 1978. It earned just a point but impressed many with its skills. A year later, the Islamic revolution and subsequent long war with neighboring Iraq were to stunt the growth of Iranian football. Iran only qualified for France '98 on the away goals rule after an extraordinary two-goal comeback in a playoff in Australia. It goes out in the first round after beating the Americans but losing to Germany and also 1-0 to group F runners-up Yugoslavia.

The cautious opening up of the Islamic republic, notably with the number of players being hired by European clubs, may continue to bring dividends. "Playing in Europe has been very good for our players in making progress," Daei said, "and if more come here, then I think it will help Iranian football." The wild rejoicing that greeted last Sunday's 2-1 victory over Tehran's arch political foe the United States leaves little doubt what will be the abiding memory of France '98 for the Iranian public.

The players, who presented their German opponents, like the Americans, with flowers before kickoff, played down the soccer significance of that propaganda victory.

They know that soccer is one area in which the United States is no superpower. "It was a game like any other," said defender Mohammad Khakpour. "We always go for three points in every game. But what

was important for us is that we were here. The main goal was to play well, and I think we've played very well." Coach Talebi, who has spent much of the last few years in the United States, took care to voice his gratitude that politics had not got in the way of his side returning to international competition in the West.

"I want to thank FIFA for giving this wonderful opportunity for countries to play together," he said.

By ALASTAIR MACDONALD, Reuters

Battling Germany end Iran's World Cup dream

by Niall Edworthy

MONTPELLIER, France, June 25 (AFP) - A reshuffled Germany needed to draw on all their famous battling qualities as they ended Iran's World Cup dream with a hard-fought 2-0 win here at the Stade de la Mosson on Thursday.

Second-half goals from Olivier Bierhoff, Jurgen Klinsmann ensured Bertie Vogts's side finished top of Group F -- on goal difference from Yugoslavia -- and the Germans will now return to Montpellier for a second stage clash with Mexico.

But the European Champions were made to fight for their right to join the last 16 as Iran took the game to them in the first half before running out of steam in the second. Udinese star Bierhoff calmed German nerves when he broke the deadlock five minutes after the interval with his 18th goal in 28 international appearances.

Jorg Heinrich released Thomas Hassler down the right and the veteran midfielder delivered a perfect cross for Bierhoff who rose above the challenges of two Iranian defenders to head home. Klinsmann, who was earlier booked for dissent in a frustrating first half for the Europeans, made virtually certain of Germany's passage to the second stage seven minutes later.

Lothar Matthaus created the chance with a long ball over the top for Jorg Heinrich who had stormed forwad to the edge of the box before heading the ball down into the path of Bierhoff. He struck a ferocious shot but was denied a second goal when he saw the ball ricochet off the post -- but only as far as Klinsmann who pounced with a header for his 46th goal in 105 matches for Germany.

The goals came as a relief to the German players and fans who had been rattled by an Iranian side boosted by their historic 2-1 win over the United States.

The Asians, playing in their second World Cup, kept alive their hopes of reaching the second stage as they matched the European champions chance for chance in the first half.  The Germans went into the match showing four changes from the side that went two goals down against Yugoslavia in Lens last week before veteran Matthaus came on to inspire a fightback for a 2-2 draw.

Coach Bertie Vogts dumped his entire midfield with Andy Moller, Christian Ziege, Jens Jeremies and Dietmar Hamann all relegated to the bench and replaced by Matthaus, Michael Tarnat, Hassler and Jorg Heinrich.  Germany came close to an early breakthrough when Klinsmann turned the Iranian defence inside the area and set up Olivier Bierhoff who struck a sweet first time half-volley that whistled just over the bar.

Iran were the equal of the three-times world champions and had two good efforts inside the first 15 minutes -- both from players who earn their living in Germany's Bundesliga. First, Ali Daei, who plays for Arminia Bielefeld, brought a smart save from German goalkeeper Andreas Kopke with a powerful, low drive from 20 yards. His club colleague Karim Bagheri went even closer moments later with a low, skidding freekick which Kopke spilled but gathered at the second attempt as the Iranians pounced for the rebound.

For all their pedigree Germany were unable to impose themselves on an Iranian side and their frustration was compounded when Klinsmann was booked for dissent.  Bagheri went close again with another low drive from long range but on this occasion his effort was held by Kopke.  At the other end, Tarnat and Jorg Heinrich both forced saves out of Ahmad Abedzadah with long range efforts of their own.

The second half had promised an upset but that was quickly averted by Bierhoff and Klinsmann's double act which deflated the Iranians and allowed Germany to control the pace of the game.

Unconvincing Germans struggle past Iran

by Niall Edworthy

MONTPELLIER, France, June 25 (AFP) - Germany needed to draw on all their famous battling qualities as they ended Iran's World Cup dream with an unconvincing 2-0 win here at La Mosson stadium on Thursday. The three-times world champions, whose fightback in the 2-2 draw against Yugoslavia distracted from a poor first-half display, were equally out of sorts in the first 45 minutes against an enterprising Iranian side.

Germany struggled to find their rhythm against the Asians and there was little to choose between the two sides at the turnaround.

But some strong words from Bertie Vogts in the dressing room sparked his team into action as goals from Olivier Bierhoff and Jurgen Klinsmann ensured Germany finished top of Group F -- on goal difference from Yugoslavia. The Germans will now return to Montpellier for a second stage clash with Mexico, but the Central Americans will have taken heart after watching the European champions struggle to impose themselves on one of the tournament's weakest sides.

"It is true that we were not very good in the first half," admitted Vogts. At half-time I had to calm the players down and in the second half I thought we played much better. "The Iranians were creating a lot of chances and so I had to reorganizes the midfield and it seemed to work," said Vogts.

"We knew Iran would be a tough game. I said long before the World Cup began but no-one believed me. Tonight I was proved right."

Vogts clearly has problems in the middle of the pitch as Germany once again struggled to take control of the game. The German coach dumped his entire midfield from the side that went two goals down against Yugoslavia in Lens last week before veteran Lothar Matthaus came on to inspire a fightback for a 2-2 draw.

Out went Andy Moller, Christian Ziege, Jens Jeremies and Dietmar Hamann to be replaced by Matthaus, Michael Tarnat, Hassler and Jorg Heinrich.

But the radical shake-up failed to work as Iran matched one of the tournament favourites chance for chance in the first half.

Udinese star Bierhoff finally calmed German nerves when he broke the deadlock five minutes after the interval with his 18^th goal in 28 international appearances.

Jorg Heinrich released Thomas Hassler down the right and the veteran midfielder delivered a perfect cross for Bierhoff who rose above the challenges of two Iranian defenders to head home.

Klinsmann, who was earlier booked for dissent in a frustrating first half for the Europeans, made virtually certain of Germany's passage to the second stage seven minutes later.

Lothar Matthaus created the chance with a long ball over the top for Jorg Heinrich who had stormed forward to the edge of the box before heading the ball down into the path of Bierhoff.

He struck a ferocious shot but was denied a second goal when he saw the ball ricochet off the post -- but only as far as Klinsmann who pounced with a header for his 46th goal in 105 matches for Germany.

The goals came as a relief to the German players and fans who had been rattled by an Iranian side boosted by their historic 2-1 win over the United States.

The Asians, playing in their second World Cup, kept alive their hopes of reaching the second stage as they matched the European champions with another vibrant display. Butmafter conceding two goals in quick succession their heads dropped while the Germans were allowed to control the pace of the game.

Coach Jalal Talebi said Iran's performance in their second ever World Cup finals will have given his country a huge boost. "Iran will benefit in many ways from what we have achieved here in France -- and not just in football terms, but in all areas of life," said Talebi.

"It has been a wonderful experience for all the players as well as for everyone back home. We leave with very positive, happy memories," he added.

Germany v Iran quotes

MONTPELLIER, June 25 (AFP) - German coach Berti Vogts revealed Thursday that his team had panicked at half-time after failing to score against Iran in their final Group F game here.

Germany won 2-0 but Vogts was clearly a worried man after the goalless first 45 minutes. The Iranians on numerous occasions looked like they could have taken the lead. "To tell the truth we needed that goal in the first half," he said. And when it did not come, the German coach had to tell his experienced side to calm down.

"At half-time I had to calm them down, and in the second half we did better."

"As you saw the Iranians had a lot of chances in the first period so I had to reorganize my midfield. And it worked."

He paid tribute to the plucky Iranians for whom defeat spelt the end of their World Cup.

"I said a long time ago that we had to be careful about Iran and tonight I was proved right."

"We don't have any choice about which team we play in the next round so whomever we play we have to play our best," he added.

The Germans play Mexico who qualified for the last 16 after a 2-2 draw against Holland.

Iran coach Jalal Talebi admitted his side were beaten by a better team but insisted that his nation's football would benefit from their experience at the World Cup.

Said Talebi: "We have had a wonderful experience at the World Cup and we did our best and we will always remember our time here and our achievements. "I think Iranian football will benefit from what happened here for many years to come.

"As for tonight, in the end we were beaten by a stronger team both physically and in terms of experience."

German striker Oliver Bierhoff said: "We certainly felt under a lot of pressure in the first half.

"There's always a fear at 0-0 but after the first goal we relaxed and played a lot better."

German coach Berti Vogts switched his midfield during the game and the striker commented: "I think it worked much better tonight than it has done in the last two matches."