Ebrahim Mirzapour introduction to Team Melli certainly raised a few eyebrows in Iran when the ex-national team coach, the Croat Miroslav Blazevic preferred him to some more experienced goal keepers. Although Mirzapour started nervously , his solid performance in the friendly games and against the odds, Blazevic had enough confidence in him to install him as the fixed as a starter in the World Cup 2002 preliminary match.
Mirzapour did not disappoint either. His towering presence and agility against the best of the competition , certainly increased his popularity and his fan base. Although he was faulted in one or two occasions during the qualifying rounds, he was also credited for many saves and perhaps preventing defeats in a few matches, by his solid performance.
Mirzapour was targeted by a few foreign clubs, but no solid or attractive offers was received by his club and hence he will be starting the new IPL season in Iran.