Tag: AFC Asian Cup 2015

QATAR DETERMINED TO BOUNCE BACK

www.afcasiancup.com

14 January 2015 Michael Church

Sydney: Djamel Belmadi is hoping his Qatar team can put their disappointing 4-1 loss at the hands of the United Arab Emirates behind them as they prepare to take on three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Iran at Stadium Australia on Thursday evening.

The Algerian coach was still at a loss to explain the Group C defeat in Canberra on Sunday as the Gulf Cup champions prepared for the crucial meeting with Team Melli off the back of their first defeat in 11 games.

“We lost the opening game because we played (it) like a friendly game,” said Belmadi. “It was not our day or our real level, especially after the good competition in the Gulf Cup.

“We expected something different. But now it’s the past and we have to make a reaction. Of course we are all disappointed. They have got the ambition to make a different game tomorrow.

“My main job was to work more psychologically than something else. Of course, we had to analyse what happened in this game and to correct it.

“But I know this group that I have. I have chosen them and I know that we are able to change things and we can do much, much better even when things look difficult, even for some people impossible. But for us, it’s not impossible and we’ll try to show it tomorrow.”

The Qataris face an Iran side that won their first game 2-0 against Bahrain and for whom victory in Sydney on Thursday evening would mean securing a place in the quarter-finals.

With Carlos Queiroz’s side having impressed at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil in June, Belmadi knows his team face a tough challenge to pick up their first win of the tournament.

“It will be a decisive game against a big team that qualified for the World Cup and who played against strong teams at the World Cup. We are prepared and we know it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

“But we’re also used to playing against teams that are stronger on paper than us, like Morocco and Australia. The team is relatively young and the average age is 23 years old and even though we’re here for the competition we’re here to learn and to learn fast. The same team played at the Gulf Cup and we ended up winning the competition.

“We have a plan and like always we will try to find the solution because it’s a good team, well organised, really aggressive and they don’t give you too much space, so we will have to find a solution. Every team has some weakness, like the others. We will try to find this weakness and try to find the way to score and to win this game.”

Ali Daei’s message of support to Nekounam

The legendary Ali Daei , holder of Team Melli all time appearance records with 149 international games and also the World top international scorer of all time , sent Javad Nekounam a support and inspiration message.

In his message , Daei congratulated Nekounam on his approach to breaking Daei’s record of national games and encouraged him to pursue this feat and show the world how Iran can perform well even under duress.

“I am aware that the coach is not entirely happy about the pre-tournament preparation and the acute lack of friendly games. I am aware that the conditions for the players and the coaching staff were not ideal, however, I believe in the Iranian team spirit. I am more than hopeful that this team will seek glory and make the Iranian fans jubilant and proud by performing to their maximum potential.”

“My best wishes to you as the leader and I wish you and the rest of players , the coaching staff and all involved in the Asian Cup mission , the very best. Be assured that we will all be behind you. I shall maintain my stance and will always be a Team Melli fan under all circumstances.”

Ali Daei has 149 games and 109 goals (Teammelli.com credits Daei with 112 goals). Javad Nekounam has 148 games and 37 goals.  It is expected that Nekounam will equal Daei’s games next Sunday against Bahrain.

Ali Daei is invited by AFC and the Asian Cup Organizing Committee as an honorary guest for the Finals of the Asian Cup. It is not clear if Daei will be attending Team Melli matches in Australia in person.

Team Melli continued its daily practice sessions in Sydney under head coach Carlos Queiroz. Part of the training was allocated for tactical work and part on building the physical side of the team players. Iraq match is also on the horizon in 3 days’ time and a good result in that match is essential in boosting the morale of Team Melli players who have not been blessed with good news in the last few months.

Queiroz briefed the players before the start and then Javad Nekounam had a few words to say beginning with relaying the good wishes of all players to the Christian members of the squad , Queiroz, Oceano , Dan Gasper . Mico , Diego and the two Iranians Andranik Teymoirian & Markar Aghajanian  on the occasions of the new year.

The squad then congratulated Sardar Azmoun on his 20th birthday.

Sydney weather on the day of the practice was rather warmer than usual which suited Queiroz.

Meanwhile the jersey numbers for the team has been allocated.

 

# Name
1 HAGHIGHI, Alireza
2 HEYDARI, Khosrow
3 HAJSAFY, Ehsan
4 HOSSEINI, Jalal
5 SADEGHI, AmirHossein
6 NEKOUNAM, Javad
7 SHOJAEI, Masoud
8 POURALIGANJI, Morteza
9 EBRAHIMI, Omid
10 ANSARIFARD, Karim
11 GHAFOORI, Vourya
12 FOROUZAN, Mohsen
13 AMIRI, Vahid
14 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik
15 REZAEIAN, Ramin
16 GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza
17 RAFIEI, Sourosh
18 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza
19 BEIGZADEH, Hashim
20 AZMOUN, Sardar
21 DEJAGAH, Ashkan
22 BIRANVAND, Alireza
23 POOLADI, Mehrdad

 

 

The forgotten men : Steven ‘Mehrdad’ Beitashour

 Carlos Queiroz was globetrotting looking for dual citizenship players or those with Iranian ancestry to pick them for Team Melli.  in his quest , he managed to find a player who was a long way from Iran. Steven’ Mehrdad ‘ Beitashour , playing for San Jose Earthquake at the time,  was one of these players attracting the attention of  the Portuguese coach.

Mehrdad Beitashour

INTERNATIONAL

A dual American-Iranian citizen, Beitashour chose to represent Iran after being approached by Queiroz, when he was called into camp for 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualification. He made his debut in Iran’s 2-1 win over Thailand, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for Hossein Mahini. He made his first start and recorded his first assist for Iran in the ensuing match, again against Thailand, a 3-0 victory that ensured their qualification to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. Beitashour then went on to start the next match as well, a 4-1 victory over Lebanon. Prior to committing to Iran, Beitashour had been called into one camp with the United States men’s national team, getting the call from head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in August of 201

The American-Iranian also made the squad to the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, however he was not picked to start any match nor was he used as a substitute.

From then on , Beitashour went into oblivion with Team Melli. Not selected for any matches , not that there were many and not considered for the finals of the Asian Cup 2015. Whether he will be available again to play for Iran in the future, is debatable.

So , what went wrong?

The major problem with selecting Beitashour was the logistics. Selecting a player who resides and makes his living on the other side of the world is a logistical nightmare under any circumstances. The only practical time that a player can join a squad is during major tournaments such as the World Cup , once every 4 years. Under other circumstances or during FIFA days, a trip from USA to Iran and back within 3 or 4 days is simply a nightmare.

Logistics aside, Beitashour had a very tough player and established veteran to compete with in Team Melli. AT the time, Khosro Heydari was one of the best performers in the team while Hossein Mahini was closely challenging for recognition as a fix starter. Apart from these two , several younger defenders were raring to go. Beotashour’s position was looking shaky and his value for the team beginning to be questioned.

Mehrdad Beitashour

Overall, Beitashour never really established himself in the team with the logistics problem and the tough competition around.  In total , he made 6 appearances for Team Melli half of it only as a starter. At 27 Years old, he has still a long way to go in his football career, whether any of it will be with Team Melli is another argument. At the present moment and with the Team in Australia without Beitashour , the Vancouver Whitecaps defender may find it difficult to make the Team Melli squad anytime soon before the next World Cup. Beitashour is still a quality player as he has shown with his club in the MSL where he made 27 appearances for the Canadian outfit. He was also included in the “Protected Players”  list , which indicates that his team is not willing to let him go or transfer to another club.

Team Melli stuck in Melbourne !

Emirates Airlines flight carrying Team Melli to Sydney , Australia was stuck in Melbourne airport for as long as three hours.

The flight originating from Dubai airport departed nearly two hours behind schedule enroute to Melbourne, then Sydney. This late arrival of the aircraft meant that the next flight could not depart to its final destination due to the local noise abatement regulations. The flight had to remain in Melbourne until morning, 6 AM for it to continue to fly to Sydney which was some 3 hours later.

Many Iranian fans in Sydney (Kingsford Smith) airport waiting to receive Team Melli were disappointed and returned back home.

Team Melli is in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 Australia along with the UAE , Qatar and Bahrain.

Ali Karimi refusal to join Team Melli leaves many in shock!

Karimi’s snub to Team Melli and his last minute withdrawal without any formal announcement or prior coordination has hit the newspapers headlines in Tehran this morning. The details of the last minute drama before Team Melli departure to Australia are becoming clearer.

Ali Karimi has switched his mobile off 3 hours before departure and was not to be seen at his usual places. Before that, he did not turn up for the final practice session. It was a definite move by the assistant coach to hide and become untraceable. Questions to players and squad members asked by the media about his whereabouts were unanswered. Some players knew more than they claimed but Queiroz has banned any press statements or interviews before departure.

Queiroz 43

 Queiroz himself was visibly disturbed and in a bad mood on arrival at the airport. His usually bubbly character and excitement at such events has completely abandoned him. Even his famous waves and smiles to the media were not there anymore. After reaching the airport departure terminal, he remained in the coach and did not disembark. He was shortly rejoined by Javad Nekounam. It would not be much of a brainer to guess that the topic of concern must have been Ali Karimi disappearance.

The only hint from the squad member of a disagreement or a dispute between Queiroz and Karimi came from one of the foreign assistant coaches who established that there was an argument between the two but he did not think it was of such a magnitude for Karimi’s to leave the squad.

Ali Kaffashian, clueless as always, was the last one to know about Karimi’s disappearing act and after being overwhelmed by inquiries from the press, he admitted that he has no clue at all and only heard about Karimi’s failure to turn up from the media! At least he is honest. He asked the media to be patient until he finds out the facts.

Editorials in the morning sport press of Tehran newspapers have reflected on the decision to add Karimi to the coaching staff, some editors questioning its overall value. Abrar Varzeshi questioned the motives of Queiroz in picking Karimi as his assistant, while Iran varzeshi’s scolded Karimi himself for accepting such a role.

Queiroz coaching Team Melli in Lisbon 2014

Technically speaking, Karimi’s nonexistence in Team Melli squad will have zero effect on the team’s game plan, strategy and line up. His contribution or influence, if any, was far too limited to be considered a setback for the team chances in the Asian Cup. What is worrying though, is the emotional effect on the team and the tense atmosphere he created by leaving the team. Karimi has a knack of spoiling parties and has a track record of ruining it for others. His sudden knee jerk reactions have left him with a reputation of recklessness and selfishness. His objections are normally dramatic and controversial resulting in unsettling other people around him. In a nutshell, Ali Karimi is not an example of diplomacy or restraint when it comes to dealing with conflicts. His rebellious charterer is not really suited for a successful football coach.

Iran Fans in Doha

It is this psychological effect that might be worrying Queiroz in Australia. Perhaps he has already realized that his selection of Karimi was ill-advised and was a bad move, in spite of his good intentions such as creation of a good atmosphere in Team Melli with the legend figure of Karimi. This is another battle he needs to fight on top of so many others in Team Melli camp.

One can only feel sympathy for the Portuguese and wonder if these firefighting exercises might take its toll on him, after all a person can take that much pressure. These are the type of concerns that could lose him his concentration, leading to a focus change from on the field matters to off field topics and perhaps some disgruntling. He already has a mountain to climb technically speaking with a patched up team that is ill-prepared for such a major tournament. Now he has an added task of hyping the team and morally strengthens them to make a fight of it.

Carlos Queiroz and his men on charity mission

Carlos Queiroz , the Portuguese coach of Team Melli along with Team Captain Javad Nekounam and central forward  Reza Ghoochannejad paid a courtesy visit to a children home run by charity organization by the name of Behishte Reza.

The Children home located in Tehran caters for orphans , handicapped and special need children. The visit by the three Team Melli representatives left a lasting impression on the children according to FFIRI website. Many pictures were taken with the children of the center.

The trio Queiroz , Nekounam and Ghoochannejad has taken a break from the training to conduct this visit. The team is preparing to compete in the AFC Asian Cup 2015.

Team Melli coaches and players have donated US$ 12,000 to the home for the purchase of computers and other electronic items. Queiroz also gifted the children many memorabilia from Manchester United and requested the distribution of other gift items to the two remaining homes run by the same charity organization

Queiroz seeking Pooladi & Rafei release.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, Team Melli manager spoke of the possibility of inviting  Persepolis Captain  Mohammad Nouri to Team Melli in case of the failure in getting the release of Pooladi  and Rafei from Military Service.

During the Sunday training session of Team Melli, Mohammad Nabi said “As Carlos Queiroz has stated earlier, our opponents have prepared themselves quite well. On our side, we have tried our best to match them and  prepare the team for this competition (…) . Our start was with the match against South Korea followed by several training camps”

 “We have up to January 1st to submit the final list to the Asian Cup Organizing committee and the AFC. Because of that, Queiroz opted to leave two vacant places for the players he wants to add.” Mohammad Nabi added without mentioning the name of the players in Queiroz’s mind. When pressed for an answer and if the two places are reserved for Pooladi and Rafei, , Mohammad Nabi said “Yes. These two players are in the plans of Queiroz and he wishes to include them in his squad. But, I and Mr. Kaffashian are law abiding and need to stick to the regulations of this country. However, there are some negotiation between the Minister of Sports and the Military on the subject matter.”

“We do not have the liberty of playing an international friendly match without the approval of FIFA. The Palestine match was registered with FIFA and the unilateral cancelation of this match by Palestine FA was totally an unprofessional act. Nevertheless, any actions to be taken against the Palestinians , is the job of Ali Kaffashian” Mohammad Nabi said in reaction to the match cancelation and the demand by Queiroz for compensations from Palestine FA..

“We have played 7 friendly games in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup and still have one more to go against Iraq in Sydney.” Mohammad Nabi thus considers playing against reserves of club teams as preparation matches !

pooladi_mehrdad_

“Carlos Queiroz assessment of the squad and the players’ forms is quite good, however more work is needed. Sometimes friendly games matches end up with results that might not be the same if it was an official match (..)”

“Our preparation program started three and a half months ago.  We had a very well laid program with the help of the Football League commission. The only setback was this Palestine match cancelation which has really hurt our plans.” The Team Manager explained.

Team Melli manager said that “The Coach has the full authority to select which players he wants. He has an assessment program where the players are technically fully analyzed and evaluated according to the requirement of the game plans. Mohammad Nouri is one of the players that might be added to the list.”

Team Melli outlook after the Korean Experience.

Despite the team’s victory against South Korea, there is still a long way to go for the team to reach the optimal conditions for success. The everlasting concerns about team preparation, game plan and form of the players and eventually how it will reflect on Team Melli in the Asian Cup still bothering the fans and critics.

 In a rare opportunity to watch match Team Melli in action, the fans displayed their apathy towards the team by the very disappointing attendance figure. It was also disappointing for the opposition coach Uli Stielke who was excited to see 100,000 vociferous fans filling a stadium creating a fantastic atmosphere that he heard so much about. It was not to be for many reasons.

Neither the coach nor the players managed to obliterate the concerns of the majority of the fans who are apprehensive about Team Melli chances in the AFC Asian Cup. That the preparations are flawed, inadequate and even worst , no progress if any has been seen in the team since before the World Cup, was quite evident in the match against the Koreans. The only positive was the winning result by the smallest of margins, which might be a good psychological advantage over their archrivals, comes the day Iran meets the Koreans. This time however, they will not meet in the Quarter finals stages like the last 4 editions of the Asian Cup.

The prime concern lies in the fact that Queiroz has no intention of fundamentally changing anything in this team in any form. Sure, he will have some cosmetic changes here and there to silence some of the critics, but essentially, the core of the team , the principle style of play , the defensive mentality , and the parking of the bus does not seem to change anytime soon. Queiroz has already made it clear that his team “Does not need a revolution” hinting that the changes in the Asian Cup will be to the absolute minimum.

The other point of concern is that there is a huge gap between the expectations and definitions of success by the fans and critics on one side and the coach and Federation on the other side. Queiroz keeps talking about the excellent performance of the Team Melli in Brazil , while the majority of the fans in Iran were expecting their Team Melli to qualify to the next round. The polls at teammelli.com are one such reflection of the fans beliefs. There is quite a difference between qualifying to the next round and being the bottom of the group.

 If you are a fan of beautiful football, then watching Team Melli in action is not exactly your cup of tea. The lack of organization, poor ball distribution, poor finishing and many more shortcomings was evident in the performance against South Korea. Offensive play is perhaps an afterthought in Team Melli. Against Korea, there was a grand total of one shoot only on the Koreans goalkeeper that was saved, while on the other side Alireza Haghighi had to deal with several shoots from different angles.

 Another serious criticism of the way Carlos Queiroz arranges his team, is his insistence on selecting Masoud Shojaei.  A player who promised so much in his early years, but time and again has failed to deliver. These days, Shojaei is lucky to find an employer in the shape of a second division Qatari team that has just won promotion, and guaranteed for immediate relegation based on their results so far in QSL.  Shojaei , is simply not a player of international quality. On technical and character terms, he lacks what it takes to be a productive player in the midfield or the flanks. Whatever Queiroz tries, he simply cannot convince the average fans that Shojaei is worthy of selection even on the bench. Queiroz has put his faith is some players despite the criticism such as lack of match practice, a good example would be Alireza Haghighi. His trust in the Rubin Kazan bench warmer paid off. This was a case where his trust in the player was rewarded by a good performance in the 3 matches in Brazil. He simply cannot say the same of Shojaei, period.

While very few people see the technical merit of Shojaei’s selection, it is hoped that it is not one of those dogmatic, stubbornness and defiances of Queiroz which he is quite capable of.

 

Despite the win against South Korea, always a sweet feeling and matter of pride even in a meaningless match , the reality is that it was far from convincing , aspiring and hopeful display of football.

This year Iran played 10 games and scored 9 goals only. This is the worst figure for 24 years since 1990 to be precise when that team Goal per game was 0.78 per match compared to 0.9 for 2014.

Under Queiroz there is a marked and yet steady decline in figures that reflects the offensive capability of the team. Queiroz took over in 2011 after the Asian Cup in Doha, in 2012 and 2013 the team scored 19 goals  each years with average of 1.36 and  2.38 respectively.

 

 

 Last 5 years records

Year MP W D L GF GA GD GPM
2010 12 8 2 2 19 10 9 1.58
2011 15 12 2 1 36 5 31 2.40
2012 14 5 6 3 19 10 9 1.36
2013 8 6 1 1 19 6 13 2.38
2014 10 3 4 3 9 9 0 0.90

 

MP: Match played – W Won – D Drawn – L Loss – GF Goals For(Scored) – GA Goals Against (conceded) – GD Goal Difference – GPM Goals Scored Per Game

Note: Carlos Queiroz first game in charge was against Madagascar on July 2011