Iran - Ireland News Clips

We can win says Daei

Former Asian Player of the Year Ali Daei believes his Iran side can overturn favourites the Republic of Ireland in the AFC/UEFA play-off for a place at next year's World Cup finals.

The Hertha Berlin striker, Iran's top goalscorer of all time, says Iran can defeat Mick McCarthy's side over two legs, just as they defeated Australia four years ago to qualify for France 98.

"If the Iran players play up to their full potential I have no doubt we can beat Ireland," said Daei. "We always play well against good teams and we have played well in the past against European teams.

"Two years ago we drew with Denmark 0-0 in Copenhagen and I do not think Ireland is better than Denmark. Also, we recently we beat Slovakia 4-3 so Ireland is beatable."

The two nations have never met before but the Irish are the favourites to win the game over two legs and qualify for Korea/Japan 2002.

However, veteran Irish forward Niall Quinn has warned his side not to underestimate the Iranian threat.

"Blazevic has got them organised. They are far better organised than any other team in the Asian qualifiers," said the Sunderland forward.

The Irish have a history of failure in vital play-offs, losing out to Belgium and Turkey for places in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 respectively, and Quinn says the Irish need a good start on Saturday.

"The first leg is the all-important game for us," he said in the Irish Independent newspaper. "In the last two play-offs we haven't performed in the first leg at home. We stuttered along, were nervous and it just didn't happen.

"We have been too tentative in the past and we have learned some very hard lessons as a result, but I think we are now a much better team than we were against Belgium and Turkey."

 

Keane fit for Iran playoff - McCarthy

DUBLIN, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane will be fit for Saturday's World Cup playoff first leg against Iran, national team manager Mick McCarthy said on Wednesday.
Ireland fans had feared they might be without the inspirational midfielder for the match at Lansdowne Road after Alex Ferguson said this week he was ``very doubtful'' after missing Manchester United's last five games with a knee injury.
``I've just spoken to Alex, he (Keane) will be joining the rest of the team tomorrow and he'll be playing on Saturday,'' McCarthy said on Wednesday.
``It's a niggle more than anything else. He's had his rest, Alex hasn't got a problem with it and he says he wants to come here and play.''
The availability of Keane, a towering presence in key games against Portugal and the Netherlands in the group stage of the qualifying campaign, is a major boost for Ireland as they look to establish a lead to take into the return leg in Tehran on November 15.
McCarthy also paid tribute to Iran, who he watched in both legs of their recent Asian playoff against the United Arab Emirates.
``They are a good, attacking team who are very well organised,'' he said.
McCarthy was asked if he expected the Iranians to adopt a very defensive approach in Dublin.
``I don't know about ultra defensive, because they've got players who like to play with the ball, that is a strength of theirs,'' he said.
``But I imagine they will try to avoid conceding goals and try to nick one, that's the way people play away from home.''
The winners of the two-legged playoff will qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

 

Another World Cup, another play-off for Iran
by Michael Church

The echoes surrounding the build up to Iran's showdown with the Republic of Ireland in the two-legged play-off to decide who will take the half place attributed to Asia and Europe will be heartwarming for fans of Iranian football.
For it was in similar circumstances that the Persians qualified for their first World Cup in 20 years when they ousted Australia on the away goals rule four years ago in Melbourne's MCG Stadium.

Then, after leading their qualifying group for most of the tournament, Iran blew up in the run-in, emotion and nerves overcoming their footballing talents to send them into a play-off with Japan as runners-up in their group behind Saudi Arabia.
A loss in Johor Bahru in one of the most thrilling matches in the history of the Asian game saw Japan reach their first-ever World Cup finals while Badu Vieira's side were left to face what was seen as the insurmountable task of beating Terry Venables' Australian side.

A 1-1 draw in Tehran was the opening gambit in a tie that was to end in the most thrilling of finales.

With the away goal, the Australians were overwhelming favourites in the second match and the 85,000-capacity stadium, scene of many momentous Australian sporting occasions, was packed to the rafters.
In the opening minutes it appeared that victory over Iran and qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 would be another of those achievements attained at Australia's most famous sporting venue.

Venables' side dominated but were unable to make their superiority count until Kewell finally struck. 13 minutes before the end of the first half. It was 2-0 three minutes after the restart as Aurelio Vidmar doubled the advantage and Australia looked sure to be on their way to France 98.
Then the game took the first of several bizarre twists when the match was stopped for eight minutes when a fan ran onto the field and tore down the net in the Iranian goal. As referee Sandor Puhl and his assistant's repaired the damage, the Aussies lost their momentum.

Soon Iran were pushing forward, Khodadad Azizi forcing his way down the right before cutting back to Karim Bagheri, who halved the deficit from close range with 15 minutes to go.
Still it seemed like nothing more than a consolation as Australia continued to control the game. Five minutes later, though, it proved to be the first of two nails in Australia's World Cup coffin.

Ali Daei's turn and flick forward found Azizi behind the home defence and racing in on Mark Bosnich. The Aston Villa goalkeeper was helpless as the former Pirouzi striker stroked his right-footed shot around him and into the far corner of the goal.

The stadium went deathly silent, save for a small band of boisterous Iranian fans who
Do Miroslav Balzevic's side have a similar conclusion in store this year? Certainly Mick McCarthy's side are seen as favourites for the game, just as the Australians were four years ago.
But, argue the critics, today's Iran are not as strong as the side that went on to perform admirably in France, when they recorded that thrilling win over the United States in Lyon. Gone are Azizi, Mohammed Khakpour, Javad Zarincheh, Ahmedreza Abedzadeh and Hamed Estili, key components of one of Iran's most successful sides ever.

Now, though. Would be the perfect time for the new boys to step out of the shadows of the heroes of Melbourne to become legends themselves.

 

Manchester United captain Roy Keane remains a doubt for the Republic of Ireland ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifying play-off against Iran at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

Keane has missed the last five matches for the English champions with a knee injury and only resumed training at the weekend.

Irish manager Mick McCarthy has said Keane will be fit to play but United manager Alex Ferguson has cast doubt on his captain's ability to face Iran in the opening game.

Definitely out of the match are Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Mark Kenedy and Blackburn's Damien Duff while Kevin Kilbane of Sunderland remains a major doubt.

Millwall's Steve reid is also a major doubt and McCarthy has called Leeds United defender Gary Kelly into his squad.
 

Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan says that he and his team-mates are looking forward to travelling to Iran for their World Cup play-off later this month.
Mick McCarthy's team plays in Tehran on November 15 for the second leg of a play-off tie to qualify for next year?s finals in Japan and South Korea.

The first leg takes place in Dublin on November 10.
Finnan said he could not imagine the Irish would elect not to travel as six Chelsea players did for their recent UEFA Cup clash in Tel Aviv.
The Chelsea six cited security concerns following the September attacks on the United States and U.S. strikes on Afghanistan, as their reason for staying at home.
"Either we all go or none of us go," said Finnan.
"Chelsea gave the players the chance not to go. I can understand that, obviously players have families to think of, but I am sure that won't happen with Ireland.?

"Mick McCarthy has been out there and said everything is fine so I don't see a problem at all.
McCarthy watched both legs of Iran's playoff against the United Arab Emirates, and has said he is not worried about playing in Tehran.
"I was there (Iran) for the first leg against the UAE last week and we were treated with great respect and friendliness and given a very warm welcome," he told Irish state broadcaster RTE.
"I wouldn't ask the players to do anything I wouldn't do and there is not a problem. The only problem we have got is beating Iran -- they are pretty good."
McCarthy is confident his captain Roy Keane will be fit for the first leg in the Irish capital.
 

Iran World Cup boss fears "total lack of weakness" in Irish side

TEHRAN, Nov 7 (AFP)
Iran coach Miroslav Blazevic said Ireland was one of the world's strongest sides ahead of the World Cup 2002 qualification play-off first-leg tie between the two countries in Dublin on Saturday.
"We have seen Ireland's matches several times and, unhappily, we have noticed a total lack of weakness anywhere in the side," Blazevic told AFP a few minutes before the Iran squad boarded a flight for Dublin.
Blazevic, who coached his native Croatia to the semi-finals at the 1998 World Cup in France, predicted a tough, physical encounter as the two countries compete for a place at the finals in Japan and South Korea next summer.
"Ireland are one of the best teams in the world and we'll need to be in peak physical condition to qualify. We are ready for the challenge and we'll do everything possible to achieve our aim," said Blazevic.
"Anything can happen in a match like this and I'm making no predictions. But if we lost 4-2 for example, we would still be in with a chance," he added.
After several under-par performances in the second round of Asian qualifiers, which allowed Saudi Arabia to take the automatic qualifying place, Iran were forced into a play-off against the United Arab Emirates.
A sparkling performance in the 3-0 second-leg win in Abu Dhabi earned Iran the home-and-away clash with Ireland.
Blazevic predicted that Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane would shake off his knee injury and play in the first-leg.
"He is a great moral force for the Irish side," he explained.
Iranian football federation president Mohssen Safai-Farahani was taking the most sporting of attitudes ahead of the clash.
"Above all, I'm hoping the side plays well, the result is secondary," he said.
Meanwhile, Hertha Berlin striker Ali Daei felt the match was the most difficult Iran had faced since the 1998 World Cup but insisted he and his teammates would be playing to win at Lansdowne Road.
"It's in Dublin where we really need to win," he said.
The second leg of the play-off takes place in Tehran on November 15 where a crowd of 110,000 will turn out - including a group of women Irish spectators, the first time women fans have been allowed to watch a match alongside men since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Irish women permitted to attend Iran World Cup match in Tehran

TEHRAN, Nov 6 (AFP)
Irish women football fans will be allowed to attend next week's World Cup playoff second leg match between Iran and Ireland in Tehran, Iranian officials said Tuesday.
Questioned by phone, an Iranian embassy official in Dublin said "they will be given a special section of the stadium," adding that the embassy had been permitted to issue visas to them.
"Iranian women however are not permitted to attend the match," he added.
The return game at the Azadi Stadium on November 15 is expected to be a 110,000 sell-out. The result of the two legs will determine which team goes to the World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.
In Islamic Iran, female football fans are not permitted to attend matches. But officials do make exceptions for foreign women coming either from abroad, or linked to diplomatic missions inside Iran.
In 1998, hundreds of Iranian women managed to break through the barriers of the Azadi staduim in Tehran and join the welcoming ceremony of the national football team on their return from a World Cup victory against Australia.



 

Irish embassy in Iran faces flood of visa applicants ahead of match

TEHRAN, Nov 6 (AFP)
The Irish embassy in Tehran has been flooded with a wave of visa applications from Iranian football fans hoping to attend Saturday's crucial World Cup tie with Ireland in Dublin.
"We have had a great increase in applicants," Irish embassy official Kyle O'Sullivan, told AFP on Tuesday.
"Usually, we issue between three and four visas a week. This week we have had 200 applicants," O'Sullivan said.
"We have been instructed to facilitate the process that the visas are issued in good time to the football fans."
"We have accelerated the process. Normally, it would take three to six weeks before applicants receive their visas, now we can issue them within 24 hours. The match is on Saturday," he said.
Iranians are fanatical football fans, with huge celebrations after every win or even loss in Tehran and other major cities, a cause for great concern among the Islamic state's officials.


 

Beware 'Australia effect' McCarthy warns as Ireland face Iran
 

DUBLIN, Nov 9 (AFP)
Wary Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to tackle Iran in their World Cup play-off first leg match against Iran here Saturday.
Ireland, who reached the play-offs against the odds at the expense of Holland, stand on the threshold of next year's finals in Japan and South Korea and start as heavy favourites to safely ease past the Iranians.
Ireland's status as favourites was enhanced on Thursday when talismanic skipper Roy Keane was ruled fit for the first leg after recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out of action at club level for Manchester United.
Keane will take his place at the heart of an Irish team that McCarthy's Iranian counterpart Miroslav Blazevic gloomily described as having a "total lack of weakness" this week.
There is no danger of McCarthy letting Blazevic's appraisal of Ireland go to his players' collective heads however, citing Australia's 1998 World Cup play-off defeat to Iran as evidence of the dangers of complacency.
After drawing 1-1 with Iran in Tehran, Australia looked destined for the finals after taking a 2-0 lead in the second leg only for Iran to fight back for a draw and to qualify on away goals.
"That was a good Australia side and they got turned over," McCarthy said. "It just goes to show that you can never take anything for granted at this level. I've told the boys to expect a tough game against well-organised opponents, and that is what I expect we will get.
"I've seen Iran play and they are a good team - players like Ali Daei, Karim Bagheri and Ali Karimi could hold their own in most leagues in the world," he added.
McCarthy, who watched Iran in their play-off matches against the United Arab Emirates last month, said he expected Blazevic, who guided Croatia to third place at the last World Cup, to adopt a cagey game-plan.
"Blazevic is a wily old fox and demands respect," McCarthy said. "I would expect that Iran will be cautious in their approach to the game hoping to get what they would perceive to be a good result," he said.
Nevertheless McCarthy remains optimistic that Ireland can qualify for the World Cup over the two-leg encounter which concludes in Tehran next Thursday.
"I feel confident and positive going into these games. Our performances to date are a reason for optimism," he said.
Ireland are also likely to benefit from the fact that for several veteran members of their squad this could well be their last opportunity to play in a World Cup.
Defender Steve Staunton admitted successful qualification would represent the crowning glory of an international career that has seen the Aston Villa man accumulate 92 caps. He is likely to make it 93 on Saturday.
"For Niall Quinn and myself it would be the ultimate. It would also benefit all the young players in our side," said Staunton, who like McCarthy is also approaching Saturday's first leg with the utmost respect for Iran.
"The priority is to keep a clean sheet and hopefully score at least a couple of goals," he said.
"This game won't be as easy as some people have suggested. Having watched videos of some of Iran's Asian Group qualifying matches, I came to the conclusion that they were a big, strong team.
"It certainly will be a lot tougher than our 4-0 victory over Cyprus in Dublin last month," he said.
Meanwhile, Iran, who touched down in Ireland on Wednesday, approach the match with spirits renewed after their comfortable Asian play-off win against the UAE. They had been in disarray after a shock 3-1 defeat to Bahrain wrecked their hopes of an automatic spot.
While lauding the Irish, Iran coach Blazevic has been quick to talk up his own side's chances.
"Ireland are one of the best teams in the world and we'll need to be in peak physical condition to qualify. We are ready for the challenge and we'll do everything possible to achieve our aim," said Blazevic.
"Anything can happen in a match like this and I'm making no predictions. But if we lost 4-2 for example, we would still be in with a chance," he added.
Blazevic has full squad of players to choose from, although Hertha Berlin striker Daei did not take part in training on Tuesday as he attempts to shake off a heavy cold.




 

Al Wahda chasing Iran striker Daei

DUBAI, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Iran striker Ali Daei is a target for United Arab Emirates champions Al Wahda as they aim to defend their league title.

The 32-year-old former Asian Player of the Year, currently with German side Hertha Berlin, has been approached by the club and is considering the offer, Gulf News reported on Thursday.

``We are still waiting for the player's reply which we expect within the next few days,'' Al Wahda president Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed was quoted as saying. ``We will not stop our search for outstanding players as we are looking to win the championship.''

Daei, his country's most-capped player and scorer of over 60 international goals, is currently in Dublin with the Iran squad preparing for their World Cup playoff first leg against the Republic of Ireland.

The former Pirouzi striker has struggled to hold down a first-team place in Berlin since joining from Bayern Munich in August 1999.
 

Ireland hope to lay playoff jinx to rest against Iran
By Alex Richardson

DUBLIN, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Three times Ireland have been in the playoffs for a major soccer championship and three times they have lost out, so Irish fans are understandably nervous ahead of the weekend's World Cup showdown against Iran.

The Irish team are full of confidence in the run-up to Saturday's first leg after beating the Netherlands 1-0 and holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road in the group stage, but their playoff jinx still hangs heavy in the air.

The 1990s were full of playoff pain but Ireland's first unhappy experience occurred in 1965, when Syria's withdrawal from the republic's qualifying group for the 1966 World Cup in England left them in a straight fight against Spain.

In the days before goal difference was used to separate teams, a 1-0 win in Dublin and a 5-1 defeat away in Spain cancelled each other out and qualification was settled by a one-off game in Paris, which the Spaniards won 1-0.

Thirty years later Ireland found themselves facing another one-off match on neutral soil to qualify for a tournament in England, this time the 1996 European Championships.

Ireland, coached by English 1966 World Cup winner Jack Charlton, were missing key players Roy Keane, Niall Quinn and Steve Staunton against the Netherlands at Liverpool's Anfield stadium and were beaten 2-0 after two goals by Patrick Kluivert.

The game marked the end of the Charlton era, during which the inspirational Englishman had led Ireland to their first major tournament -- the 1988 European Championships -- a quarter-final at the 1990 World Cup, and a victory over eventual runners-up Italy in the 1994 World Cup finals in the U.S.

Mick McCarthy, a key member of Charlton's 1990 side, took over and, despite murmurs about his inexperience as a manager, guided Ireland to the playoffs for the 1998 World Cup in France.

They faced Belgium in a two-legged tie in November 1997, but could only manage a 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road before losing 2-1 in the return fixture at the Heysel Stadium.

McCarthy's side appeared to have avoided the playoff route in the qualification stages for the 2000 European championships, until a last-minute equaliser conceded against Macedonia condemned them to face Turkey in another two-leg knockout tie.

Once again, the Irish could only manage a 1-1 draw at home, and a 0-0 stalemate in the return leg in Bursa sent Turkey through on the ``away goal'' rule.

Ireland will be hoping that this time they can lay their playoff jinx to rest over two legs against Iran starting on Saturday and in the return in Tehran on November 15.
 

Iran's Blazevic heaps praise on Irish opponents
By Jon Hemming
 

TEHRAN, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Iran soccer coach Miroslav Blazevic heaped praise on his Irish opponents on Tuesday ahead of the first leg of their World Cup play-off but said his side had the will to beat them.

The Iranian squad held their last training session on home soil before leaving for Dublin on Wednesday to prepare for Saturday's game. The return leg is on November 15.

``Our chances are not too big,'' Blazevic told Reuters at the training ground. ``The Irish team are absolute favourites. They eliminated the Netherlands and beat Portugal... They don't have any weaknesses, they are one of the best teams in Europe.''

Iran wasted their chance of automatic qualification for next year's World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan by losing 3-1 against Bahrain last month.

But they went on to beat the United Arab Emirates comfortably in two play-offs to earn the chance of facing Ireland for a place in the finals.

Though strong in Asia, Iran may find it tougher tackling a resurgent Ireland, especially in Dublin.

``Leeds United are top of the table in England and the backbone of the team are from Leeds,'' Blazevic said.

``Their strength is in their togetherness, their traditional resistance. But we have our own weapons; the willingness take on and beat the favourites.''

But just how he intended to bring about such a major upset, the 66-year-old Croat who took over the Iran team in January, would not say.

``If I tell you the strategy now, it won't be effective,'' said the smiling Blazevic, mobbed by fans eager for an autograph.

The Iranian team will welcome the presence of Hertha Berlin's stylish striker Ali Daei who missed the first leg of the UAE game due to suspension. The tall, powerfully built captain has scored more than 60 goals for the national side in fewer than 100 games.

But Blazevic dismissed reports Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane would miss the match because of injury.

``Certainly he will play,'' he said.

Blazevic travelled to Zurich at the weekend to appeal to FIFA over the suspension of midfielder Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht, who was sent off last month after apparently kicking the Bahrain goalkeeper.

``We did whatever we could in Zurich to try to stop Nikbakht's suspension,'' he said. ``I hope that they'll rule in his favour.''



 

The Irish Times ;9th November 2001

Defender in good form

Johnny Watterson talks to a laid-back Mohammed Peyravani, who believes Iran's arrival in the Republic of Ireland is a matter of fate
WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND V IRAN: Mohammed Peyravani walks across the hotel foyer latched to a friend. Another swings through the revolving door swirling cigarette smoke, chewing gum and discharging a high-wattage Iranian smile. More kisses. More hugs.

Peyravani is part of the Iranian team defence which some commentators have condemned with faint praise, others with open derision. But nothing is a problem. not the freezing sleet. Not the fact they have not yet set eyes on Lansdowne Road.

"Come on boy, hey," he shouts at a team-mate. Kisses. hugs.

"Sorry," he apologises. "Irish match videos? "Yes, we watched two of the Irish games - against Portugal and Holland. Holland should have won the game but they didn't," he shrugs. "The Irish players are strong but we are strong players. Iran is a smart team and we are optimistic about this match.

"Ireland's weakness? Maybe they don't score enough goals," he says.

It has been a fateful path for Ireland and Iran. The Asian group play-off winners should have beaten Bahrain in their pool match to avoid this match and didn't, explains the defender. And Ireland should have lost to Holland and didn't. Fate. For that Iran get Ireland and November misery.

"The weather is good sometimes and sometimes not. That will not bother us," he says. Nor will Roy Keane's presence or absence in midfield.

"Yes, we watch the Premiership and we also watch the German bundesliga, so we have seen the players who play in the UK although we do not know all of the Irish players.

"It's our profession, football, so we watch it a lot. It does not matter if Keane is injured or if he is playing. Our goal is to go to the World Cup. We were the better team . . . in our pool but because we lost to Bahrain we are here now."

The Pirouzi club player welcomes Tony Zadeh, an Iranian supporter from New York. He is upbeat about the match, downbeat about the ticket allocations. he says he is one of 50 fans from New York with another 270 coming in from California.

"Supporters are coming from all over," he says, "yet they only give us 3,500 tickets in a stadium of 35,000. it is very hard to get a seat for the match. We are very disappointed. Luckily I know the players so I have a ticket, but as many as 15,000 would have attended if there were tickets available."

Zadeh's complaint seems in part accurate. Most of the 3,500 tickets appear to have gone to the Islamic centre in London because of the large Iranian community living there.

Fans queued for two hours to snap up tickets and the Iranian embassy were considering chartering flights to Dublin for the match.

There is a lightness about the team milling around the Burlington hotel. Anonymously, they lounge about.

"What time's the game?" asks an American tourist to two players seated by the lift. They smile at him. He smiles at them. They smile at him. "Okay, good luck guys," he says, and drifts off. So does Peyravani.
 

Keane and raring to go

By Emmet Malone
WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND V IRAN: The countdown to kick-off continues until six tomorrow evening, but the week's other great waiting game ended yesterday morning at Baldonnel where Roy Keane finally linked up with his Irish team-mates and proved his manager right by doing more than enough in the squad's run out to suggest he will start against the Iranians.

The Irish skipper took a full part in the training session and looked entirely comfortable in the practise game with which it ended, before the 24 players headed back to their nearby hotel.

"It's good to be able to stop answering questions about him," sighed Mick McCarthy an hour later when he was asked about the 30-year-old midfielder.

"But what's just as welcome is the fact that all 24 players trained this morning and that I don't think that any of them are going to have any problems between now and the game."

While McCarthy's relationship with the Manchester United player rarely looks too easy in public, the Ireland manager makes no bones about how important Keane is to his side's fortunes. Throughout the build-up to the game he has made it clear that the decision on whether he played tomorrow would come down to little more than the call of the Corkman himself. The fact that he was prepared to get so centrally involved on his first day back appears to end any speculation of how he sees the situation.

Keane's inclusion in the side means McCarthy will have to choose between Mark Kinsella and Matt Holland as Keane's partner in central midfield. If his comments yesterday are anything to go by, then Holland, like Steve Finnan at right back and Gary Breen in central defence, looks to have an edge over the opposition.

"It's inevitable that in any successful team some players come in, do well and retain their position, and others miss out through injury or suspension and then find it hard to get back in," he said.

With Holland, Breen and Finnan all having impressed when handed the opportunity to play in recent months, the manager's philosophy may mean Mark Kinsella and Gary Kelly have to settle for places on the bench, where they could be joined by Richard Dunne and Kenny Cunningham.

"I have some decisions to make," observed McCarthy, "but nothing that's troubling me too much. I'd much prefer this sort of thing to having to try to slot somebody in somewhere they don't normally play because we're short of bodies."

In attack, too, McCarthy insisted there were cases to be made for at least two combinations, and the decision appears to boil down to being between the strength and aerial power of Niall Quinn or the pace and agility of David Connolly alongside Robbie Keane.

"There's certainly a case for playing a big man and dropping the ball in to him, but then Robbie and David have always done well when they've played together too and both have been looking very sharp in training."

Some time this evening McCarthy will sit his men down and go through a video of the Iranians, but, he says, "you don't want to do more than give the lads a feel for who they are playing. We'll watch maybe 45 minutes and have a bit of a talk about them, but no more than that. We know the way we play and we don't want to strangle that by getting to wrapped up in what they are going to do.

"It's the toughest game we've had in the entire campaign because with, say, the games away to Holland and Portugal there would have been time to put things right if we'd lost. Not this time.

"We're playing what is arguably the best team in Asia, they have a good manager, several very good players and you have one of them, Ali Daei, saying that they're going to win regardless of whether Roy Keane plays or not, so they're clearly not short of confidence.

"It may be easy to stick the tag of underdogs on the Iranians, but I can assure you we certainly won't be underestimating them."

The Iranians, meanwhile, trained last night at Dalymount Park where leading scorer Ali Daei again looked to be carrying a slight injury to his left leg. Afterwards, though, it was said that all of Miroslav Blazevic's men will be fit and available for selection.

And two others, Alireza Vahedinikbakht and Sirous Dinmohammadi, will also be available after FIFA decided not to increase their suspensions.

Dinmohammadi and Vahedinikbakht were sent off in Bahrain and banned for the games versus UAE.

Dinmohammadi was shown the red card for punching an opponent, while Vahedinikbakht was
 

Triumph of McCarthyism almost complete

Amy Lawrence on Ireland's prospects in this week's World Cup play-off
Sunday November 4, 2001
The Observer

After the long hike of a group stage, a play-off is like a duel from 10 paces. There is no room for error, no possibility of recovery. The rules are simple: win or bust, World Cup or barren summer.
Iran coach Miroslav Blazevic has a radical approach to showdowns of this nature. His team faced a similar challenge against the United Arab Emirates for the right to play the Republic of Ireland in this Saturday's World Cup play-off. Protecting a 1-0 lead as they went into the second leg, he threatened to 'take a rope and hang myself' if his team did not finish the job. His bacon was saved by a final score of UAE 0 Iran 3. Little wonder he spoke after the game of his great relief.

It is just as well that Mick McCarthy does not come from the same management school of hazardous eccentricity. He has overseen two of Ireland's last three play-offs, which all resulted in the team missing out on international tournaments. In spite of occasional calls for his head, he has carried on unabashed and continued to remould and develop his side so effectively that their appearance in this World Cup play-off is, in itself, a monumental achievement.

A group including Portugal and Holland looked like a dead-end street. Getting this far is, one Irishman quipped, a leprechaun tale. To complete the happy ending, though, Ireland must overcome their play-off paranoia and do to Iran what they failed to do against Turkey (Euro 2000), Belgium (World Cup 98) and Holland (Euro 96).

Consigning that unhappy habit of falling at the last to history would be a mere side issue compared with the real significance of overcoming their Asian opponents. Qualification for the 2002 World Cup would finally relieve the burden of Jack Charlton's miraculous reign.

Reconstructing the side that Jack built has been a long and arduous task, demanding vast reserves of patience, resilience and inner strength from McCarthy. Liam Brady, that legendary son of Irish football, believes McCarthy has done an outstanding job: 'Four years ago, when Ireland lost out on a place at the 1998 World Cup to Belgium, I actually said that Mick had been working with the poorest set of players for 20 years, since I went in the team.

When Mick took over he had to start from scratch. If you analyse his first two campaigns, to actually get Ireland to the play-offs was no mean feat considering what he had to work with. Jack inherited an abundance of fine players, which is why he got the results he did, yet for Mick it was the complete opposite.' Forced to manage a team in a desperate limbo, he had no choice but to deal with the inevitable retirements of ageing stalwarts while waiting for the next promising batch to mature.

Adds Brady: 'The side Jack had for 10 years became old and Mick had to bide his time and be patient with the young players. I remember going to the European under-18 championship in Cyprus in 1998 and Ireland won it. The best player in the tournament was Robbie Keane, but he was wet behind the ears and needed to be blooded. Alongside him was Damien Duff, Stephen McPhail and Richard Dunne. Although they weren't necessarily going to be superstars you knew they were going to be good enough to play for Ireland.'

Their progress has been aided in no small part by the reassuring presence of Roy Keane. If ever the captain's influence were required, it is now. His fitness is paramount to Irish hopes, particularly in the second leg in Tehran, where a chaotic environment of heat and hostility generated by 120,000 fans with a feverish appetite for football awaits.

'I've played in a few "hot" games, as they say, but I can't even imagine what it will be like,' says Brady. 'It will be an alien experience. And that's why Roy Keane's participation is so vital. Because of the pressure on the team it's crucial he is there. He has been inspirational and super-consistent throughout the campaign and is the single main reason Ireland have got themselves into a position to qualify. 'Roy has got the bit between his teeth now when it comes to playing for Ireland. I think before he could take it or leave it, but now he really wants to get this team to the World Cup finals.

His commitment has been questioned in the past, as happened with me. When results are bad people always pick on the most obvious players. It wasn't so long ago that Roy Keane's name on the teamsheet didn't do anything for anybody at home. But now the loudest cheer is reserved for him.' Keane is symbolic of the determined sense of purpose that transmits itself throughout the squad. Brady is impressed by the powerful team spirit that has developed under McCarthy:

'The lads were hurt that Mick was criticised, they felt he was sticking by them. That created a tremendous bond, which has made such a difference. You can't compare the talent in the Irish team to that of the Dutch or Portuguese, but that team spirit helped them to remain unbeaten, and it is likely to see them through to the finals. Jack Charlton's era will never be forgotten, but if Mick gets them there it will be a greater achievement considering the players he has at his disposal.' Just as they did repeatedly under Big Jack, Ireland are on the verge of overachieving once again.
 

'There are times when your team needs you...'

Ireland fans prepare to risk troubled Middle East for World Cup qualifier against Iran
 

Nicola Byrne
Sunday November 4, 2001
The Observer

His banner goes wherever the Republic of Ireland football team play and the Azadi stadium in Tehran on 15 November will be no exception for Davy Keogh.
The 43-year-old factory worker knows it will be the most daunting destination he has visited in 35 years following the team. He was eight when he first saw Ireland play and his banner has become a legend among Irish fans and players alike. Visible at every Irish fixture, it simply says: 'Davy Keogh says hello.'
But despite the war on terrorism affecting the stability of the region and a blanket alcohol ban in Iran, the prospect of staying at home was never a real consideration. As Mick McCarthy's side attempt to reach the finals of a major championship through a play-off for a third time, Keogh, from inner-city Dublin, will join a band of 400 other fans making the journey to the Iranian capital.
Despite being less than 400 miles from frontline military action, the Department of Foreign Affairs has given its blessing to the trip, as have insurance companies.
And Keogh maintains that, even if the game was in the middle of a war zone, the journey would still have to be made. 'There are times when your team needs you, and this is definitely one of them,' he said. 'You can't tell me it won't have a big effect on our lads when they look into the stand and see the Irish flags there. I'll give them the boost they need,' he added.
Two Irish tour operators will run trips to Iran for an average of £1,000. Although Iranian officials say they will welcome women supporters, it is still not clear whether they will actually be able to gain access to the stadium because of strict Islamic laws.
For those fans who do travel, there won't be a great deal else to do apart from watch the game. The Lonely Planet guide book notes that even the most effusive of travel agents would find it difficult to sell the city, reporting that chronic pollution, overcrowding and poor planning are its main features.
Some Ireland fans have comforted themselves with rumours of illegal distilleries, but punishments for breaking laws are severe. 'This is a trip that only the most dedicated fan will make and even then we'd urge them to think carefully,' said the FAI's official travel agent, Ray Treacy.
The long-haul flight and expense are a taste of what Irish fans can expect if their team does qualify for next year's finals in Japan and Korea. Gerry Rush, a Department of Agriculture official from Mountbellow in Co Galway, sold two of his brother's cattle to finance his trip to Italia '90.
Next week he will take a week off work to travel to Iran and, depending on the results there, it could be time to remortgage his house. 'It's an expensive business, but I couldn't stop supporting Ireland even if I wanted. You do what you have to,' he said.
At the Iranian embassy in Blackrock, Dublin, first secretary Amir Madoud Miri said the rush for visas was unprecedented.
'Usually a handful of Irish people visit Iran each year, so this is very good. We wish the Irish well, but I think we will win. There are elements in Iranian society which take football too seriously, but it's only a small number.'
Still, the Iranian Football Association could have been accused of over-reacting when, during the last World Cup in France, it threatened to withdraw its team from the competition after the screening of a film on French television days before Iran's game with the USA.
The film told of the custody battle between an American woman and her Iranian husband following their divorce. 'We have no doubt that the timing of this film was meant to destabilise us and ruin our bid to win the World Cup,' wrote the Iranians to Fifa.
Whether Irish broadcaster RTE's schedule will cause similar offence is unclear, but the Iranian FA confirms that much of the team's spare time will be spent in prayer before the 3pm kick-off at Lansdowne Road next Saturday.

 

09 November 2001
Mick McCarthy may be calling it his team's "toughest task yet'', but in the build-up to tomorrow's World Cup play-off first leg against Iran the Republic of Ireland manager has rarely looked more relaxed. His good humour was further improved yesterday by being able to announce a full house of 24 fit players from whom the side can be chosen – and probably has been already.

Most important of all was confirmation that Roy Keane, captain and talisman of his country, will be available to add to his 55 caps. That news alone will send a shiver through the Iranian midfield, composed as it is of clever ball players who, as McCarthy put it "like to play and dribble and express themselves''. The feeling is that they will be rather less expressive with Keane snapping at their heels and shins.

Whether Mark Kinsella of Charlton or Ipswich's Matt Holland plays alongside the Manchester United man is one of four choices McCarthy has had to make. At right-back, the contenders are Gary Kelly, who was carelessly sent off in the famous 1-0 victory over the Netherlands, and Steve Finnan, who deputised well for him; there are four centre-halves with good credentials in Gary Breen, Steve Staunton, Kenny Cunningham and Richard Dunne; and who partners Robbie Keane in attack is a tactical issue between little (David Connolly) and large (Niall Quinn).

In general, McCarthy's instinct in these matters is to stick with the tried and trusted, a selection policy from which he benefited under his predecessor Jack Charlton. "The biggest point is how well they've done for me and for Ireland,'' he said yesterday. "That's one thing I learnt from Big Jack. When I wasn't playing for Millwall, he still put me in every time, based on my performances for him.''

Before that, the manager had been positively skittish on the subject of any perceived difficulties in travelling to Iran next week: "My wife and I agreed it might not be best if we both went – so she's going and I'm staying at home. One of the players asked how long the flight was and I told him 45 minutes, so he seemed fine with that.'' It is actually seven hours, but it will fly by, in every sense, if Ireland obtain the right result.

* The Iran coach Miroslav Blazevic, who was sent off for encroaching on the pitch during a 3-1 defeat to Bahrain in October, will not be banned from the touchline after the game's world ruling body Fifa said yesterday that no action will be taken. Ali Vahedi Nikbakht and Sirous Dinmohammadi will be available to play after Fifa decided not to increase their suspensions.
 

Irish Times - Miroslav Blazevic is puffing heavily on a cigarette and trying to get out of Dublin airport as quickly as possible. The Iranian squad is late to arrive and their manager is not at his most talkative.

Of course that doesn't mean he has nothing to say. "Well we haven't landed here waving a white flag," he says with a sly grin.

With a wizard interpreter at his side, the man responsible for trying to get Iran to the World Cup steps out into the evening rain and reveals what he knows about Saturday's opposition. "Unfortunately I know everything about them."

Who then has impressed you the most? "All of this team have been impressive, and they haven't just been impressing me. All of the world has been impressed by them.

"It's a team that has made such a big 'drop' that the whole planet is talking about it. They have eliminated . . . one of the most popular teams in Europe, whose name is the Netherlands.

"And equally they finished up the job neck-and-neck with the best European team, which is Portugal. What else can I say about that team?"

So this is the man more popular in Iran than a four-course meal after Ramadan. Smartly dressed, and no doubt decorated with the diamond watch awarded to him after being voted by the 1998 World Cup coaches as the best among them.

Since he came to Iran as the former manager of Croatia, Blazevic can move around the country only in disguise. And the small but fervent group of supporters that have patiently awaited the team's arrival leave no doubt as to the awe in which he is held. Hooters follow his every sentence.

"Now it is very hard for me to confess, but Ireland is the big favourite for this match." (No hooter.) "However, we will show to the wonderful Irish people, a nation with whom my sentiments are independent (sic), we will show them that we know how to play football too." (Loud hooter.) "We don't want to cheat ourselves in advance."

With that he makes his way through the evening rain towards the team bus. Ray Treacy assures him that they will head straight for the training grounds in Bray, even if that probably means spending an hour or two in traffic.

The younger Iranian supporters have followed the players straight to the bus. The girls carry flowers and the boys cameras, and each of them focus on Ali Daei. The most popular footballer in Iran, and probably the best, was first out of the arrivals hall, dressed casually and smiling at the cameras.

Now he's a little wet after the walk to the bus, and the smile seems to have gone. One more photo with a girl in the number 10 shirt - A Daei - and he too disappears onto the bus, the weather reminding him that Iran aren't here for a holiday.

They head off into the traffic without confident expressions on their faces - not that the supporters seem to notice. "Of course we will beat the Irish," one of them remarks, "at least 3-2."