Tag: Argentina

Jahanbaksh named amongst the young players to watch

Young Players to set the 2014 World Cup alight from Group F

Here is a look at one young player from each of the four Group F teams most likely to make an impact for their respective countries at the World Cup

Argentina

Marcos Rojo

Rojo

Age

24

Club

Sporting Lisbon

Position

Defender

Int. Caps

21

Int. Goals

0

 

In an experienced Argentina side, Marcos Rojo is one of the younger and probably one of the most important players in the Albiceleste squad. The 24-year-old will be playing in the left-back position for Argentina at the World Cup and has emerged as an integral part for Alejandro Sabella’s side.

While his defensive qualities have been put into question at times, Rojo is a great threat going forward and will surely prove to be a useful outlet in the final third of the pitch for the South Americans.

 

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sead Kolašinac

Saed Kolasnic1

Age

20

Club

Schalke

Position

Defender

Int. Caps

4

Int. Goals

0

 

Sead Kolašinac has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Schalke this year. The young man established himself as an integral part of the German side and impressed many with his mature performance at the back.

A versatile player who is primarily used as a left-back, Kolašinac switched allegiance to Bosnia & Herzegovina after representing Germany at youth level and looks set to play a big part in the country’s debut World Cup campaign in Brazil.

 

Iran

Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Alirejza

Age

20

Club

NEC Nijmegen

Position

Midfielder

Int. Caps

6

Int. Goals

1

 

Alireza Jahanbakhsh is probably the most exciting young player to emerge from Iran recently. The 20-year old plies his trade in Netherlands for NEC Nijmegen and managed to impress with some fine performances for the Dutch side over the course of the campaign.

A tricky winger with a knack of scoring goals, Jahanbakhsh adds a bit of flair to a solid Iran side. While Ashkan Degajah and Javad Nekounam will most probably be preferred to Jahanbakhsh in the starting lineup at the World Cup, one cannot rule out the young man making an impact in the competition whenever afforded the opportunity.

 

Nigeria

Ogenyi Onazi

Onazi

Age

20

Club

Lazio

Position

Midfielder

Int. Caps

20

Int. Goals

1

 

Ogenyi Onazi’s meteoric rise to prominence has been phenomenal. Having picked up by Italian giants from a church-sponsored team in Lagos called My People two years ago, Onazi has gone on to become one of the finest young midfielders plying their trade in Europe.

The 20-year old has also established himself as a regular in the Nigerian national team and helped the Super Eagles to the African Cup of Nations triumph in 2013.

A tough tackling midfielder, Onazi possesses a brilliant temperament and he will surely be looking to impress at the World Cup by taming the dangerous Argentina and Bosnia attack.

Written by: Sarad Shrestha

Iran drops 6 places in FIFA Ranking of June 2014

Iran maintained top Asian ranking in the monthly list issued today (Thursday 4th Jun 2014) despite dropping a significant 6 places down  to 43 in the overall FIFA Ranking.

In the last ranking to be issued before the World Cup kick off, Iran tally of 641 points ranks it above Japan (626) Korea Rep (547) and Uzbekistan (539) in Asia. Australia is fifth with 526 points.

 

Interestingly enough , Nigeria , Team Melli’s first opponent at the World Cup maintained its position at 44  one rank below and one point less than Team Melli at 43.

 

There is a mix result for the other Group F with Argentina , the highest rank team in the group climbing two places to # 5 in the world while Bosnia also climbed 4 places as the best achiever of the group at 21.

 

Group F ranking – Comparison chart

FIFA-Ranking-compare-Jun14

Looking deeper at Iran chances.

Now that it is safe to assume that Team  Melli players WILL exchange shirts with the rivals after each match in the World Cup, we can look relax and think of more important issues like what are Iran chances in Group F.

There is no denying what is the fans expectations are.  We have arranged several polls here at TeamMelli.com and have come to an early conclusion that the majority of the fans across the globe expect Team Melli to succeed. The majority wants and expects Team Melli to qualify to the next round ahead of Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Is that a realistic expectation or just one of those wishful thinking bits that passionate football fans always dream of beyond but it is beyond the capabilities of their beloved teams.?

If you are looking for a quick answer , we do not have one, but if you are patient enough to read our outlook , then please do so and then come up with your own conclusion versus ours.

DejagahAThese days, friendly or practice matches prior to the World Cup is dime a dozen. There are lots of them as each team is examining the strength and the weaknesses of their line up or try to sort out the tactical plans or maybe to put the final touches. The giants like Spain, Germany, France, England and Brazil have been toying with weaker opponents and having a ball. Out of all of those friendly matches, none was more dignifying,   encouraging, and inspiring than the Germany vs. Cameroon match. No need to go into the historical background of the two teams for level comparisons, all one can say is the Germany at home should have easily dispensed of their less glamorous African opponents with ease. They did not and one reason for that is the motivation of Cameroon players and coaches , their willpower and their courage. Something that Queiroz and his men must take a note of.

Cameroon , did not park the bus in Mönchengladbach, they dared to attack and attack they did. They were rewarded and scored the first goal. Germany hit back and scored the equalizer then the second goal , both brilliantly taken. The locals were waiting for the third to cap good day work for Germany , but once again Cameroon dared to attack the Germans at their home and managed to score a beautiful well-earned equalizer. It ended all square 2-2 in Germany.

We have not seen Queiroz being bold enough or daring in any of his matches, and expecting him to change his mentality overnight is wishing for a miracle. The man is conservative by style and that is his right as there is a lot at stake at this level of football.

NekounamJWhat  though , if the boys are given a bit more freedom to go attack, Teymourian , Nekounam and Dejagah daring to attack and taking the battle into the enemy premises. What if Pooladi or Beikzadeh on the left and Heydari on the right feed the box with accurate crosses for our forwards and midfield player to take a chance or two?

It is a question of desire rather than ability. In Dejagah , Team Melli has a winner in every sense. Both strikers have some beautiful touches and finishes. They have both proven their qualities. And then we have a gem of young player Jahanbakhsh who is rearing to go , if he is given a chance or two, He is not short of courage , running and willpower.  We sure do have the tools and the resources, what is needed is the will ,  the desire and some bravery. Cameroons of this world do not score by parking the bus. They dare to attack and they reap the reward.

Saying all that, we do not advocate chaotic offensive game plan as the defense is very vital. Unless we do attack , take the time to organize the players forward, we will not be able to win matches.

Apart from Argentina, which incidentally is not known for its World Class defending, the other two teams are not superior to Iran. Sometimes, strong desires and mentality can overcome tactics and skills and wins you matches.

Our conclusion is if Queiroz opens up and employs some of his weapons, Team Melli can surprise a few people and possibly qualify. Deploying defensive strategy is more difficult to see the team making it to the next round.  Fortunately, team Melli has been pretty impressive in quick counter attacks, which has won them at least three matches in the Qualifiers. Whether such strategy will work at this much higher level , is something that has to be seen

Argentina announces the final list.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced the 23-man squad that he will be taking to Brazil for FIFA World Cup 2014. Lionel Messi unsurprisingly made the cut but Ever Banega was left out of the squad.

Banega joins Nicolas Otamendi who impressed for Argentina in the last World Cup but lost his place due to the inclusion of Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis. Club teammates Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero will join the center-back in Brazil.

Argentina’s squad boasts an adept strike-force as it comprises of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Ricardo Alvarez is the only surprise inclusion as the midfielder hardly ever featured for his club Inter Milan.

Two-time world champions Argentina, who haven’t been past the quarter-finals since the 1990 World Cup, will play debutants Bosnia in their Group F opener on June 15.

 

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina World Cup Squad & Player List

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andújar (Catania/ITA), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA)

Defenders: José Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo/ESP), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Enzo Pérez (Benfica/POR), Maximiliano Rodríguez (Newell’s Old Boys)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA)

messi-lionel

WC 2014 – Argentina squad : No Tevez World Cup recall

Carlos Tevez’s excellent form for Italian champions Juventus this season failed to earn him a recall when head coach Alejandro Sabella named his provisonal 30-man squad for the FIFA World Cup™.

Tevez, capped 64 times, scored 19 goals for Juventus as they retained their Serie A title this term. However, not even that was a strong enough argument for Sabella to call up the 30-year-old for the first time since he took over at the helm of the national side following Argentina’s failure to win the 2011 Copa America.

Tevez, who played a full part in Argentina’s 2010 World Cup finals campaign, had wanted to make up for his last appearance as it ended in him missing a penalty in the shootout loss to eventual champions Uruguay in the Copa quarter-finals.

Sabella, who has until 2 June to decide on his final 23 players, opted to allow star player Lionel Messi to play in the role he plays to high effect at Barcelona — which did not allow for Tevez to be part of his plans.

Argentina, who won the last of their two World Cups in 1986, have been drawn in Group F with Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria, debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran.

Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: 
Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Jose Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro/BRA), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Ricky Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania/ITA)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris SG/FRA), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen/GER)

Only 4,350 tickets sold to Iranians for 3 World Cup matches!

Marketing committee of the Football Federation announced that only 4,350 tickets has been sold for Iran matches in the 2014 FIFA World Cup so far.

The figures are from the official source of online ticket purchase system by FIFA and for the 3 matches against Nigeria, Bosnia and Argentina. Mohammad Derakhshan , the committee spokesman said that of the total of 4,350 tickets 1,400 was sold for the first match against Nigeria, 1,700 for Argentina and 1,250 for the last match versus Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Derkhshan noted that these figures are for the matches where the ticket buyer has registered as being an Iranian nationality or purchased from electronic addresses in Iran. “There has to be lots of dual-nationality Iranians that have purchased tickets who registered their names and tickets according to their current country such as Canada and USA”

FIFA has previously announced that the Iran vs Bosnia-Herzegovina was the least sold tickets in the entire World Cup matches program.

 

Iran, Bosnia in fresh plot against Eagles

By John EGBOKHAN

Two of Nigeria’s Group F opponents at the 2014 World Cup, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina have started plotting afresh for the fall of the African champions at the Mundial.

Eagles get their World Cup campaign up and running against the Iranians on June 16 in Curitiba, in a match that observers have heavily tipped the west Africans to win.

Nigeria’s next match against Bosnia and Herzegovina holds on June 21 at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, while the pick of the ties is the grudge game between the Eagles and their old World Cup nemesis Argentina on June 25 at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

But while the emphasis for the Eagles have been on Argentina, who are firm favourites to qualify as group winners, their other group oppositions feel that they can capitalize on Eagles’ seeming concentration on the Lionel Messi captained Argentine side.

Speaking after steering his team to a morale-boosting 5-0 spanking of South Africa’s Moroka Swallows, Iran’s coach, Carlos Queiroz said it was good for his team that the Eagles were hardly paying attention to them as the World Cup approaches swiftly, adding that he plans to turn this to his side’s advantage when they clash with Eagles on June 16.

“I think it is a good thing that Nigeria are putting their eyes on us. From my own reckoning, they seem to be talking more of Argentina, believing that they will have it easy against us. But hey will not have it easy because we are planning for them”, Queiroz told Tehran Times.

Continuing, the Portuguese trainer added that “winning the first match is always very important in a competition like the World Cup and I believe that we can surprise the Nigerians, who like I said seem to be distracted by Argentina”.

Also speaking during the week, Bosnia-Herzegovina striker, Edin Dzeko said that they were primed to defeat Eagles when both sides go to battle on June 21 in Cuiaba.

“We are not taking any game lightly at the World Cup. It is going to be total war against all our opponents. Iran are good but we can handle them. I think the game against Nigeria is the key to qualifying and we are working hard to get the victory”, said the Manchester City forward.

 

Kenwyne Jones

Trinidad already thinking about Argentina, Iran

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago — Trinidad & Tobago head coach Stephen Hart has already trained his sights on international friendlies against Word Cup-bound teams Argentina and Iran on June 4 and June 8, respectively.

Despite the magnitude of the task facing the Soca Warriors, Hart believes the two games present a wonderful opportunity for the national side top gauge its development.

“We are going into games against two international teams that are going to be fully prepared for the World Cup,” said Hart.  “It’s both teams’ last games before they enter the World Cup so you have to have realistic expectations and approach.

“As far as I am concerned, the players have to understand that they are going into these games purely as a measurement of where we are at and where we need to be if you are going to play on the world stage.”

The Trinidadians have not played since November of last year, when it defeated Jamaica twice in the span of five days without conceding a goal.

Facing Argentina on its home turf, though, poses an entirely different set of challenges.

“Arguably, you are going to play one of the favorites (Argentina) to win the World Cup, which in itself, playing them at home is a very comfortable situation for them and an uncomfortable situation for us,” Hart noted.  “But I think that is a healthy situation because as we build for the future, you have a potential scenario of qualification that you have to play a set amount of games away from home.”

With the actual squad not expected to be chosen until late May, Hart is well aware that preparation for the fixtures would be crucial.

“We haven’t played since November, so now we have to try and gather the team to make sure we are prepared to play against Argentina,” the 54-year-old explained.  “I would like ideally to have about ten days with the players, but we have to look at the fact that some players will still be playing in their leagues and others will be off for a quite awhile, which means we have to address their standards and basically get the team in some sort of preparation mode hopefully with an international game before Argentina.”

Trinidad, which advanced to the quarterfinals of last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, is currently the number one ranked team in the Caribbean Football Union and is 76th in the FIFA rankings.

‘We’ll attack to get to World Cup last 16’

Bosnia-Herzegovina will stick to the formula that got them to the World Cup finals in Brazil and attack their rivals in a bid to get out of their qualifying group, coach Safet Susic said on Tuesday.

The Bosnians, for whom Brazil is their first major tournament as an independent nation, scored 30 goals in 10 qualifiers and former Yugoslavia forward Susic believes their attacking approach is the best way to get out of Group F against Argentina, Nigeria and Iran.

“We will play the way we have always played because it would be wrong to change our approach now, although we are aware that our style may be a tactical gamble,” Susic told the national team’s official website (www.reprezentacija.ba).

“When you have players like (Miralem) Pjanic, (Zvjezdan) Misimovic, (Edin) Dzeko and (Vedad) Ibisevic, it would be unfair to the game itself and the fans not to unleash all that talent.”

The Bosnians open their campaign against Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 15 June, then meet Nigeria in Cuiaba on 21 June and lock horns with Iran in Salvador four days later.

Having lost 2-0 to the Argentines in a friendly in November, Susic conceded the former double World Cup winners were strong favourites to win the group, but was also confident that Bosnia would join them in the tournament’s knockout stages.

“Argentina are by far the best team in the group and will probably clinch it, but I think we have a realistic chance of going through with them because Nigeria and Iran are not better than us,” he said.

“I honestly believe we have the quality to reach the last 16 and that is our objective in the World Cup.”

Under Portuguese direction and modest ideals

Translated form the original article in Portuguese

POSTED ON 14/04/14 – 3:00 a.m.

VICTOR MARTINS
www.otempo.com.br

Asian team is led by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz; in 2010 he coached Portugal

After three tries and three falls in the first phase of the competition, Iran hopes to do differently in 2014. To compete in the World Cup in Brazil, the Asian team includes coach who speaks Portuguese. Carlos Queiroz is born in Portugal and experiencing his second World Cup, although already he qualified three teams for the tournament.

After qualifying for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan as the head coach of South Africa , he was fired just before the tournament because of a dispute. With Portugal in 2010, Queiroz was eliminated in the quarter-finals to the eventual winners Spain. Now, the coach knows that the mission with Iran will not be easy.

“Iran will not be going  sightseeing, we will play our games with great competence, class and passion.” Carlos Queiroz

 

Many would have  complained of having Argentina in the same group, except for the Portuguese coach, who celebrated the fact that his players will face major players. Winning against Bosnia-Hezergóvina and Nigeria is possible and therefore Iran will engage.

“For us it is fantastic, wonderful. We came to play with the best in the world and we are together with Argentina, we could  not ask for more? We will fight to qualify for the second round. Will it be easy? Not very difficult, but it is in our hands to work to play competently and worthy matches, “said Queiroz.

Iran team has the will & the commitment, although Iran will have a hard time overcoming the other two group opponents. Especially for not having so many players playing in international football, as has Bosnia and Nigeria.

In 1998 the only victory of Iran in the World Cup occurred against the United States, a great political enemy, what the history wants now,  is to get a chance to rank with the quarter-final in the last round. Facing Bosnia, June 25, in Salvador, and chance of ranking is everything you’d expect the Iranian people to dream of.