Author: Editor

Shock as Azmoun quits Team Melli in protest

Sardar Azmoun , the golden boy of Iran’s football has shockingly announced that he has quite Team Melli after arriving home from the World Cup.

After failing to score in 3 matches and playing below expectation, Azmoun was subject to criticism by section of the fans however some went way beyond the bound of decency by calling him names and using profanities.

Azmoun decided to quit on that basis and has published a message in his social media page declaring his decision. The Rubin Kazan player mentioned in his statement that he is not ready to be subjected to such insults against himself and his parents while trying to do his best for the country.

Despite his poor showing in Russia, Azmoun remain the best forward that Team Melli has with a brilliant scoring record. Perhaps he needs a cooling down period before he reverses his emotional decision.

 

Team Melli Head Coach

Queiroz up the ante for continueing with Team Melli.

After the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 for Iran and the elimination  of Team Melli from the first stage with a very respectable 4 points in the group in which Portugal, Morocco and Spain were present, the result had a very positive reflection in the community and people of the country culminating into hours of joy and Celebration in the streets of Iranian cities.

Carlos Queiroz, who has now become a cult figure among the Iranian masses and a hero, did not waste much time in practicing his habitual rhetoric, attacking his critics as soon as the World Cup adventure was over in yet another controversial interview. His main target of attack was Persepolis’s Branco Ivankovic. When Queiroz was interviewed in a TV show “ 2018 program” he lashed at Ivankovic and cornered him in various areas.

The Team Melli head coach, referred to Ivankovic as a professor who injected venom into the national team and caused a conflict within the squad. Branco Ivankovic was also accused of “destroying” the Emirates Training camp by Queiroz while challenging the Ukrainian players’ presence in Persepolis without given playing  time for the team!!. The Pek foundation, which Queiroz refers to as his legacy in Iran, is another subject in which he has come into clash with  Branco Ivankovic. Queiroz claims that that Ivankovic, along with his friends (Hooman Afazeli), has sought to control and take over the National Development & Training Center.

The head of the Persepolis Club, Hamid Reza Garshasbey, was the first to respond to the interview, and urged the FFIRI not to allow the work of the clubs and the Branco Ivankovic to be undermined by irresponsible and unfounded claims. Queiroz defied Ivankovic in the new interview , and said: “People have to decide; either you or me!”

Ivankovic categorically denied any interference in federation’s  decisions and rejected accusations of disrupting the national team’s squad in a conversation last night well  before the Queiroz interview, he also sought the support of Amir Ghalenoei and Kranjcar Sepahan and Omid team coaches to side with him against the accusations of the Portuguese. However, Queiroz made no  mention of  Ghalenoei or  Krancjar in his interview.

Now the federation faces a major challenge. Perhaps if the most important concern before for the FFIRI was the financial demands of the Portuguese head coach and the duration of the contract (4 years demanded by Queiroz instead of 6 months proposed by the FFIRI) , now the national team manager wants to dismiss his critics from the Persian Gulf Pro League, or at least ignore their wishes, and move towards full and unchallenged implementation of his wishes on the league program.

According to the Mehr News Agency, in the upcoming season, due to the Jakarta Asian Games, the AFC Champions League and the Asian Cup, the Persian Gulf Pro League will have a tight schedule, and naturally, the national team’s interests will be in conflict with the clubs. Armed with the knowledge of this matter, Queiroz has already conditionally related the extension of his contract to preparation schedules, so that the preparations for his team on the World Cup will not be repeated; the days when the national team even trained with three players; One of its main camps was dissolved in the UAE.

Queiroz demands are clear. He needs to ensure Team Mell]s preparation for the Asian Cup and other championship to run perfectly and purely according to his wishes without any challenge, and devoid of any tension with the clubs and their supporters. It seems that the way to approach these demands is to remove or silence his critics who, of course, have many weak points while Queiroz counts on their weaknesses to advance his strategies and plans.

The sense of Déjà vu

The sense of Déjà vu was overwhelming by the end of the match against Portugal.

Another brilliant performance by Team Melli boys, another close call, another if only that Taremi ball was a few inches to the right…. But at the end, it counted for nothing more than a brave performance that culminated to nothing for Team Melli.

What is left are sweet memories and some unforgettable moments that will linger in our memories until, at least, the next World Cup in Qatar. That save by Biranvand will stay with us a bit longer we suspect. Karim Ansarifard’s unstoppable penalty in the dying minutes in the roof of the net, was another sweet one. The tears of some players at the end of the game was touching and inspiring too.

There are also those bitter memories. How on earth that violent conduct play of Cristiano Ronaldo against Pouraliganji was not a red card, and especially after the referee used VAR and took his sweet time,  is beyond any logic. Elbowing an important is a straight red card, unless the game rules were changed before yesterday’s game. The Paraguay referee decided in his wisdom that it warranted a yellow card only. No doubt the name of Cristiano Ronaldo had much to do with that decision. Peer pressure by FIFA hierarchy and their fear of losing the best players in the tournament was playing at the back of the referee’s mind too when he swapped his red with yellow!

Favoritism was everywhere; the media was one of them too. The bias towards the more famous and household teams was blatant and widespread. Against Portugal, they complained about the penalty call awarded to Iran, yet the violent conduct of Ronaldo elbowing Pouraliganji m a definite red card offense, received way less attention!!

Ronaldo VAR assisted penalty decision was blessed by the media, despite the minimum of contacts between Ezatolahi and Ronaldo. Interestingly, the ref was close to the scene and waved play on, however, insistence of Ronaldo for a VAR, meant that the penalty was a foregone conclusion.

No matter how much you ridicule the theory of conspiracy, one simply cannot dismiss it and hide from the fact that it simply is not just a coincident. From the cancellation of friendly preparatory matches of Team Melli before the tournament to refusal of Nike to supply boots, it seems that the odds were very much against Iran qualifying.

It is a cruel world and if you need to be recognized, you have to be at your best. Then, even refereeing decisions tend to favor you. Iran is not there yet, but with this group of gallant players and an astute coach like Queiroz, the path is not too long. Bravery, desire and pride were in full display by the boys and that is way more than what Egyptians displayed in that shameful match against Saudi Arabia.

Proud to be a Team Melli supporter.

Last Gasp penalty not enough for Team Melli.

So Portugal are not a one man team after all. On a sultry, sticky night in the Mordovia Arena, they progressed to the knock out stage without any meaningful contribution from the man who defines them. His goatee may grow ever more prominent with every game, as he seeks visual confirmation of his status as the greatest of all time, but for Cristiano Ronaldo this was not his most accomplished moment in a red shirt. He even had a penalty saved. And was lucky to stay on the pitch after the VAR noticed that he had thrust an elbow into an opponent’s face.

But if it was not his night, despite the bravest of late, late comebacks, despite hurling the kitchen sink at their opponents, it wasn’t Iran’s either. And it is to the detriment of the tournament that Carlos Queiroz’s side have played their last in it. It is certainly to the detriment of the competition’s atmosphere that their tens of thousands fans, with their incessant broiling enthusiasm and their relentless parping of their horns, are going home. How they contributed. And at the last, how they suffered.

Iran’s problem here, though, was they needed to win. The draw they somehow engineered, remarkable as it was, deserved as it was, littered as it was with controversy and video assistance as it might have been, was never sufficient.

But this is a side set up to defend, a side who had sparked Spain’s ire earlier in the tournament with their ten man defensive line. And they began this game once again more concerned with the opposition than with themselves. Mind, when the opposition contains Ronaldo it pays to be attentive. And no one was more motivated to stop him that Carlos Queiroz, the Iran manager.

Once he was his protege but has latterly become his nemesis. Putting Saeid Ezatolahi in front of the back four, to stop Ronaldo’s forward surges, Queiroz had a constant barrier against Portuguese assault.

Group B

Pos Team P W D L GD Pts
1 Spain 3 1 2 0 1 5
2 Portugal 3 1 2 0 1 5
3 Iran 3 1 1 1 0 4
4 Morocco 3 0 1 2 -2 1

The trouble was, moving forward in pursuit of the goal they needed required a level of tactical revisionism beyond this side. When they attacked they looked nervous, lacking in belief and purpose. And too often the ball.

Their task was made all the more pressing just before half time. Until then Portugal had huffed and puffed without any hint that they might create an opening or two. Then Ricardo Quaresma, who was in the side replacing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, demonstrated why he had been picked. Receiving the ball near the touchline he pushed it into the path of Adrien Silva who deftly returned it with a backheel.

The winger then advanced into the area before arcing a beautiful shot beyond the Iran keeper Ali Beiranvand with the outside of his right boot. The first person to congratulate him was his captain Ronaldo, perhaps informing him he could do that.

From there, Iran had only one course. And it was clearly not one with which they were comfortable.

The AZ Alkmaar forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh did his best, trying to find space, trying to work his way into the Portuguese box. He even fashioned a freekick of a sort Ronaldo himself might admire, when picking himself up after being fouled and, after playing a cunning dummy, he curled the ball on to Ezatolahi’s head. But Rui Patricio was wise to it, showing Wolves fans what they might expect next season with a sharp save.

Ronaldo was not to be ignored, however. With Iran trying to attack, he broke into space, dipped his shoulder and ran into the area, tumbling as he passed Ezatolahi. He was convinced it was a foul, but Enrique Caceres, the Paraguayan the referee was having none of it. Until that is someone had a word in his ear. After consulting his touchline video equipment, which clearly indicated Ronaldo had been tripped, he gave the penalty, booking Ezatolahi in the process. But Beiranvand prevented the self-proclaimed goat from catching Harry Kane at the top of the scoring charts with a smart save.

For a moment the Iranian fans thought this might be a sign. Convinced the world is against them here appeared to be vindication. But despite their roaring, despite the endless tooting on their horns, their team could not find a way forward. Their sense of frustration was hardly reduced when, after consulting the VAR again, the referee ruled that Ronaldo had elbowerd Morteza Pouraliganji in the face. But, extraordinarily, much to Queiroz’s boiling fury, only a yellow card was flourished.

Iran finally had the moment they deserved when, consulting his video box for a third time, the increasingly embattled referee awarded them a penalty for handball by Cedric. Cue pandemonium in the stadium, a noise that was hardly quelled when the substitute Karim Ansarifard put his kick in the top corner. Now with the whistle looming, Iran could only pile forward. Mehdi hit the side netting, sending half the stadium (and Queiroz) into raptures.

It was not to be. Portugal will now face Russia in the last sixteen. And Iran, their players all in tears at the end, are going home, recognising the terminal truth that football can be a harsh game.

Iran

  • 1 Alireza Beiranvand ; 8 Morteza Pouraliganji, 23 Ramin Rezaeian, 3 Ehsan Haji Safi [56′ 5 Milad Mohammadi[, 19 Majid Hosseini, 11 Vahid Amiri, 6 Saeid Ezatolahi [7’5 10 Karim Ansarifard], 9 Omid Ebrahimi, 18 Alireza Jahanbakhsh [70′  14 Saman Ghoddos], 17 Mehdi Taremi, 20 Sardar Azmoun

Portugal

  • 1 Rui Patrício , 21 Cédric Soares, 5 Raphael Guerreiro, 3 Pepe, 6 José Fonte, 20 Ricardo Quaresma [70′ 11Bernardo Silva],, 14 William Carvalho, 10 João Mário, [80′ 8 João Moutinho],  23 Adrien Silva, 9 André Silva, [90+6 17 Gonçalo Guedes],  7 Cristiano Ronaldo

A chance of a lifetime – Iran vs Portugal

Iran should not be under any pressure to go on the offensive to satisfy some critics‘ whims , neither is Queiroz obliged. He is not the type of a person that is easily influenced by external pressure. The Portuguese realizes that this particular match for more than one reason, is the game of his life and the same applies to all the players of Team Melli too.

Three points after the win against Morocco is not enough for Iran to qualify. Nothing short of a win will do and against Queiroz’s homeland team. After the match against Spain, a win is definitely a possibility against Portugal. Team Melli’s performance warrants praise and admiration, which it deservedly received from football journalist and fans across the world.

Team Melli’s energy against an aging Portugal side, with a suspect defense is a mouthwatering prospect. It is chance that Team Melli should not waste and by profligate forwards. The quality of the finishing touch must be much better and so should be the passing accuracy.

Portugal is not all about Cristiano Ronaldo either. However, limiting and neutralizing the Real Madrid forward, will go a long way in achieving the desired result. The showman that he is, Ronaldo has a clear weakness and that is in his temperament. He can be easily frustrated and that is one major key factor in neutralizing him.  There is no doubt that his former coach has a few tricks up his sleeve to neutralize Ronaldo tonight.

 The eyes are all on the two stars of the team Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Sardar Azmoun to deliver. The latter has an excellent aerial power that has not been utilized yet. Jahanbakhsh needs to improve his game in all departments. Both players need to take the game to the Portuguese box and take on the likes of Fonte and Pepe. They have the ability to beat those two defenders.

Milad Mohammadi’s starting is still in doubt and very much dependent on Hajsafi’s recovery from the knock he received in the Spain game. If Mohammadi starts, his runs and pace will certainly give the Portugal defenders a run for their money and feed those crosses to Azmoun and Taremi. Both the forwards need to be at their best and not to be wasteful.

Team Melli also needs a rpeat performance from that young dynamo Saeid Ezatolahi

A win is achievable. The players need to believe in themselves. There is nothing to lose for Iran but a lot of honor and pride to be gained.

Joao Moutinho

 

 

TEAM NEWS

Iran may be without Olympiakos defender Ehsan Hajsafi, who sustained a thigh injury against Spain.

Milad Mohammadi, who plays his club football for Akhmat Grozny in Russia, is likely to come in if Hajsafi is ruled out.

Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho is a doubt after missing several days of training through illness.

Raphael Guerreiro has recovered from a minor leg injury but struggled against Morocco and could be replaced.

OVERVIEW

Iran were predicted to finish last in this group in some quarters. They could still end up winning it.

Team Melli, ranked 37 in the world, go into their final match with a chance to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history. Spain’s opening match against Portugal may have been the game of the tournament so far, but this fixture should have its own layers of intrigue.

A win is needed to guarantee qualification for Iran. If they claim a victory and Spain fail to win, they would reach the last 16 as group winners. For Portugal, a draw would be enough to go through.

As the nation ranked fourth in the world, and reigning European champions, Portugal should start as clear favourites.

However, Iran have a wildcard in their corner. Coach Carlos Queiroz had two spells managing his native Portugal, including at the 2010 World Cup, where they made the last 16. If Queiroz can utilise his inside knowledge, it may be a feat he replicates at the expense of his former employers.

 

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

  • This is Iran and Portugal’s second World Cup encounter. In 2006, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first World Cup goal, and one from Deco, earned Portugal a 2-0 win.

Iran

  • Iran have never won their final World Cup group stage game (D1, L3), scoring three and conceding 10 in those matches.
  • Team Melli are winless against European opposition at the World Cup, losing six of their seven fixtures.
  • Iran failed to register a shot on target against Spain for the first time in 14 World Cup games.
  • The defeat to Spain was a first in 24 competitive matches overall.
  • Iran are aiming to win two group games at the World Cup for the first time.
  • During his time coaching Portugal, Iran boss Carlos Queiroz oversaw their biggest World Cup victory, a 7-0 win over North Korea in 2010.

Portugal

  • Portugal have won three of their four World Cup games against Asian opposition, losing against host nation South Korea in 2002.
  • Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco last time out was their first World Cup clean sheet in six attempts, since a goalless draw with Brazil in 2010.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo has scored his country’s last five goals at the World Cup. The last player to do so for one nation was Russia’s Oleg Salenko in 1994, who scored six in a row.
  • Ronaldo has successfully converted all four of his shots on target at this World Cup.
  • Joao Moutinho could earn a 113th cap against Iran, overtaking Nani (112) to become Portugal’s third-most capped player. Only Ronaldo (152) and Luis Figo (127) have more.

A disallowed goal vs a fluke, gives victory to Spain.

Spain edged out a gallant Iran in an absorbing contest to ensure they will reach the World Cup knockout stage with a draw in their final group game.

The 2010 champions needed a fortuitous Diego Costa goal after half-time, having been frustrated in an opening period in which they had 81% of possession.

Iran, who defended admirably until the ball ricocheted in off Costa, instantly showed more intent and thought they had levelled, only for Saeid Ezatolahi’s strike to be ruled out for offside.

Carlos Queiroz’s Iran side had gone close through Karim Ansarifard and Mehdi Taremi before the crucial offside call and their endeavour throughout seemed to endear them to the crowd at the Kazan Arena.

They survived a chaotic goalmouth scramble where Gerard Pique somehow failed to turn home from a yard out, but again showed heart and threatened late on, with Taremi heading over when well placed.

Fernando Hierro, installed as Spain manager two days before the World Cup started, knows his side will reach the knockout stage if they draw with Morocco on Monday.

Spain overcome another test
Spain may feel they have faced several noteworthy hurdles already throughout their stay in Russia.

The sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui before the tournament was followed by a last-minute equaliser by Portugal in their opening game. Then came this significant examination.

Spain are accustomed to dominating possession against sides content to soak up pressure, but Iran’s deep 4-5-1 set-up in the first half afforded them only one shot on target. Costa cut an isolated and frustrated figure, with 12 first-half touches.

Iran set a record of 1,121 minutes without conceding a goal in qualifying and only after the break did Spain begin to find holes in a well-drilled defensive block, with Sergio Busquets forcing a fine save and Pique unable to flick home in the six-yard box.

Hierro’s side were typically neat with the ball – completing 90% of their passes – and their early second-half momentum told, with a Ramin Rezaeian clearance hitting Costa and finding the corner of the net. It was Costa’s ninth goal in his past nine international starts.

The fact he continued to hassle Iran’s defenders on a night when he was so often crowded out of the game is to his credit and, after scoring twice against Portugal, he looks to have made the lone striker role his own.

Spain top Group B courtesy of having collected fewer disciplinary points than Portugal.

This was their first competitive defeat since the 2014 World Cup and the way they switched from a defensive focus to chase the game after falling behind showed they have more to offer than simply a stiff rearguard.

Ansarifard’s lashed volley left David de Gea motionless but found the side netting, while Taremi failed to hit the target with two headers, notably late on when he rose unchallenged.

But Iran will look back at Ezatolahi’s disallowed goal as key. He stabbed home from close range, only for the assistant referee – and then the video assistant referee – spotted he had strayed offside when the ball was flicked on.

Ranked 37th in the world by Fifa – 27 places lower than Spain – Iran continued to show grit in denying Pique in an almighty goalmouth scramble but they crucially failed to find the target with their seven shots at the other end.

Queiroz said the Spain match was Iran’s “game of the universe”. Their fixture in Saransk on Monday now arguably deserves a bigger title.

A win would send them through to the knockout stage for the first time in their history and a draw could prove enough if Spain lose to Morocco.

Man of the match – Isco

Isco was at the heart of Spain’s play and saw more of the ball than anyone on the pitch with 138 touches. He completed 92% of his passes and played eight crosses – another high. He found shooting opportunities and also won the ball back as many times as anyone else in his side. On a night when the Iran defence deserved praise, he was key in wearing them down.
‘We had one match point’ – what they said

Iran boss Carlos Queiroz: “We showed that we were ready to suffer and ready to compete.

“There’s no doubt Spain play wonderful, stylish football but we deserved more for the way we played.

“We will learn a lot from this game. If you think of it like tennis, we had one match point today and we will have another against Portugal. Everything is still open. We are still alive and still dreaming.”

Spain boss Fernando Hierro: “What I can say is that we have three more points. We knew it was going to be very difficult and, sure enough, it was a very complex game.

“There were times in both halves when things were tough. During the break, we knew we had a plan and we carried it out – my players did what they had to do.

“Iran are a strong team and it’s very tough to score against them. We knew how hard it would be. But once again my players have given everything.”

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live: “Iran had a game plan and they sat deep and let Spain come on to them.

“But in a funny way, Spain’s goal gave Iran belief, because that’s when they really went for it.

“They gave absolutely everything and I felt so sorry for them lying down on the pitch at the end.”

Spain find a 1-0 win again

“It was not a miracle that we won,” Queiroz

Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz said his team may have won their World Cup ‘final’ against Morocco on Friday but he already has his sights set on a “Universe Cup final” against Spain.

Iran have emerged as the early challengers to Spain and Portugal in Group B after Aziz Bouhaddouz’s 95th-minute own-goal sealed a dramatic 1-0 win in Saint Petersburg. It was only Iran’s second World Cup victory in the country’s history and means Queiroz’s side head into their clash against La Roja on Wednesday (today) with momentum and hope.

“If the game against Morocco was the World Cup final for us, the game against Spain will be the Universe Cup final,” Queiroz said.

Iran’s build-up to this tournament had not been smooth. Nike had blocked the players’ supply of boots only four days before their opening game while further back, friendlies against Greece and Kosovo were cancelled.

“It was not a miracle that we won,” Queiroz said. “Superman is only in the cartoons. Nobody is superman.

“What can happen once in a while is a group of people, when they are united, we can create super stories and super things. Our attitude is to try and make the impossible, possible.”

Spain coach Fernando Hierro confirmed that David De Gea will continue as goalkeeper against Iran, despite failing to stop Ronaldo from scoring a hat trick in their opening game.

“We see he (De Gea) is calm, training as usual,” Hierro said at a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Iran.

“I have clear ideas and the way forward. From my experience, athletes need confidence not only in good times,” he added.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Jittery Spain Face Iran Challenge

Kazan: Spanish playmaker Isco say Wednesday’s match against Iran will determine their World Cup destiny as they seek to register their first win in Russia following a gripping 3-3 draw against Portugal.

Champions in 2010 and among the favourites this year, Spain’s World Cup ambitions were kept in check, almost single-handedly, by a stunning Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick.

The draw came just two days after Spain’s campaign was thrown into disarray by the shock sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui following an untimely announcement by Real Madrid that he would join the 13-times European champions after the tournament.

Fernando Hierro, Spain’s sporting director, is now at the helm but barely a week into the tournament La Roja — expected to join Brazil, Germany and France in the latter stages — have endured more drama than they would have wanted or expected.
“It’s a crucial match that will determine our World Cup destiny,” said Isco. “We want to score from the opening minute, even though that won’t be easy.

“We will stick to the style that defines us as a team, but we have to pass the ball around a lot more and maintain possession. If we play quickly across the pitch, the chances will come. I hope we score quickly.”

Iran kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win against Morocco, thanks to a late own goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz, piling the pressure on Spain at Kazan Arena on Wednesday.

Iran sit top of the pile as the only Group B team with a win so far, an achievement that sparked incredible celebrations in the streets of Tehran and elsewhere throughout the Islamic republic.

Coach Carlos Queiroz concedes Iran now face one of the biggest challenges in their World Cup history, but maintains they can “make the impossible possible”.

– ‘Universe Cup final’ –
“If the game against Morocco was the World Cup final for us, the game against Spain will be the Universe Cup final,” said the former Real Madrid coach.

“It was not a miracle that we won. What can happen once in a while is a group of people, when they are united, can create super stories and super things.

“Our attitude is to try and make the impossible possible.”

Yet keeping the Spanish armada at bay to claim the point that would boost hopes of qualifying for the last 16 looks a tall order.

Iran have never beaten a European side at a World Cup — their only previous victory was a 2-1 win over the United States in France in 1998.

Despite the frustration of conceding an 88th-minute equaliser to Ronaldo following two goals from Diego Costa and a stunning strike from Nacho, Isco believes Spain’s resolve remains intact.

“We had a setback but we stuck together and got on with the job,” he said.

“We saw that in the first match. We never gave up, even after conceding a goal in the fourth minute. That shows what this team is all about. We’ll never stop fighting.”

Preview: Iran vs. Spain

(FIFA.com)
19 Jun 2018

Iran did their homework ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. While there was undoubtedly an element of luck about their late win against Morocco, the team did exactly what was expected of them – play with passion. It was clear from the outset that a draw from the opening match would almost certainly not be enough for the Asian side to make it out of such a high-quality group. With three points under their belts, they are now at the top of Group B and brimming with confidence.

ANDREAS INEISTA
  • Iran top their group after first World Cup win since 1998
    Will Daniel Carvajal return to Spain’s starting XI?

 

Meanwhile 2010 world champions Spain made a frantic start to the competition. While their 3-3 draw with Portugal was a spectacle worthy of a place in the World Cup history books, La Rojaonly earned a point for their exertions. Will coach Fernando Hierro make changes for his second match in charge? He may not need to. By scoring a brace, Diego Costa showed that he belongs within the team’s system. Players moved the ball around in midfield with their customary ease, while David de Gea will be determined not to concede three goals next time around – something captain Sergio Ramos will be glad to support him with.

 

Possible line up

IRAN

Alireza Biranvand
Ramin Rezaeian Morteza Pouraliganji Pejman Montazeri Ehsan Haji Safi
Omid Ebrahimi Masoud Shojaei Saeid Ezatolahi Vahid Amiri
Sardar Azmoun Alireza Jahanbakhsh

 

 

SPAIN

David de Gea
Jordi Alba   Sergio Ramos  Gerard Pique Nacho
 Thiago Alcantara   Sergio Busquets Andres Iniesta David Silva
Isco  Diego Costa

 

Spain not a worry for Queiroz

Saint Petersburg: Carlos Queiroz is not one to dwell on the past and the Islamic Republic of Iran head coach is already planning to ensure his team remain ahead in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Iran lead the group after Matchday One, which saw the Persians scoring a heart-stopping 1-0 win over Morocco while Spain and Portugal played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the other match.

Up next for Iran are 2010 world champions Spain, who must be hurting after Cristiano Ronaldo’s late free-kick not only gave him a hat-trick but salvaged a point for Portugal.

Queiroz, however, isn’t worried about what Spain have to offer as he is focused on his team and making sure they not only maintain top spot in the group but take a huge step forward in their bid to qualify for the Knockout Stage for the first time in five appearances at the FIFA World Cup.

“Top spot in the group is not for sale and neither is it for rent. Spain are a quality team but we want to keep top spot,” said Queiroz, who is leading Iran for a second successive FIFA World Cup.

The win over Morocco was Iran’s second World Cup victory in the country’s history and means Queiroz’s side head into their clash against La Roja on Wednesday with momentum and hope.

“If the game against Morocco was the World Cup final for us, the game against Spain (on Wednesday) will be the Universe Cup final,” Queiroz had said after Friday’s win.

 

It was win that sparked celebrations back home and Team Melli will now look to push harder against a Spanish side who were rocked by the sacking of head coach Julen Lopetegui, who was replaced by Fernando Hierro.

That aside, Spain’s quality is unquestionable as they twice came from behind to lead Portugal 3-2 and had it not been for Ronaldo’s superb late free-kick, the three points would have been for Hierro’s side.

Iran, however, also showed that they don’t stop till the final whistle and with their efforts against Morocco rewarded – courtesy of Aziz Bouhaddouz nodding into his own net deep in added time – Queiroz has every reason to believe that Team Melli can get a result against Spain.