Team Melli beat South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014, The winning goal was scored by the Prolific Reza Ghoochanejad in the second half.

60′ Iran took the lead in the 60th minute when Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD robs the Korean defender KIM Younggwon down the right wing, carries the ball into the box and curls it around the advancing Korean goalkeeper JUNG Sungryong (KOR) to break the deadlock and score a classic goal. Superbly taken goal and a clinical finish from a lethal striker.

Despite the defeat , South Korea accompanied Iran to the World cup with the brave Uzbeks falling short by 1 goal. Uzbekistan routed Qatar 5-1 in Tashkent.

Iranian news agencies are reporting street celebrations and joy in Tehran and many other Iranian cities on this glorious occasion for Iran’s football.

Iran has qualified for the World Cup in three 3 different occasions, and 2014 Brazil World Cup will be the fourth.

The Final Table of Group A

2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

• Team Melli started the day in the hotel Gym. The light training began after breakfast.

• Sport Minister Abbassi along with Kaffashian and Moradi were present with Team Melli players at breakfast.

•  Expatriate Iranian fans from Japan , USA and Canada are expected to be present to support Team Melli in today’s match. Many of the fans are staying in the same hotel as the players.  Around 1000 Iranian fans are expected to be present in the stadium which has a capacity of 44,000.

• The weather in Ulsan is cloudy with chances of rain and shower. Early morning fog was also noticed, however chances of fog at the time of the match is minimal. The temperature is pleasant and should be no issue for both teams. The pitch conditions is likely to be wet and windy. According to local weather reports, there is 90 percent chance of rainfall on Tuesday afternoon in Ulsan, with 10 mm to 19 mm of precipitation predicted. Wet conditions make the pitch faster and accurate passes that bit trickier to execute.

• IRIFF has arranged a welcoming program for the squad in case of qualification to the World Cup finals in Brazil. The players will be going directly to Azadi Stadium after arriving from Korea. The specially chartered flight operated by Asseman Airlines,  is expected to land at Mehrabad airport rather than Imam Khomeini airport, which makes the journey from the airport to the stadium much smoother and quicker.

• All 42,000 pre-sale tickets for the match have been snapped up, with only 1,000 set aside for match day. The Korean fans are hoping for a resounding victory from the team after a series of disappointing performances in what could well amount to Manager Choi Kang-hee’s last game. Choi has said repeatedly that he only intended getting the team through the last round of qualifiers before calling it quits.

Contrasting the Korean national team coach , Carlos Queiroz  Iran’s boss wished the South Korean side all the best while also expressed his desire to celebrate Iran qualification for the World Cup like their host.

In the post-match press conference today , the Portuguese coach, who was involved in a stern indirect verbal argument with his Korean counterpart, warmly welcomed the media in presence  and apologized for his late arrival to the press conference due to the heavy traffic.  He said “ If Mr. Choi was present right now; he would have already started a war. However, we would like to apologize for the unpleasant exchanges. The Korean national team has virtually clinched a spot in the World Cup finals and I like to congratulate them” Queiroz commented.

“It is our outmost desire to see an entertaining game tomorrow and for a good reason. The Korean team will be celebrating and we would like to join them celebration. We respect South Korea’s very much, We’re here to finish the mission and hope to do it after the match. Tomorrow we achieve our mission in style.”

Queiroz was asked about the statement of a Korean player against Nekounam, which he responded in a calm manner ” I have worked and coached in many countries of the World In 33 years of professional career. I worked in Japan, USA, Spain, South Africa & England but never heard the kind of language that I have heard in the last few days, such as seeking revenge and make opponent eyes bleed. I believe that such matter have to end right here.”

Queiroz then expressed his admiration for the Korean people and culture, while emphasizing that he has not changed his mind about them because of the misdemeanor of a few individuals.

“I believe that the Korean Football federation consists of many respectable personalities and the Korean players are good people. The world knows that the Korean people are friendly, kind and welcoming. When one or two of these people use such hostile language while being disrespectful, it does not reflect on the good nature of the people of Korea, It is an individual act of disrepute.
Iran coach continued, “ For the sake of both countries fans, we have a duty to display good football . As also highlighted by FIFA rules, we also have to stick to the fair play football. It is an Iranian tradition that prior to a match, we award our competitors a bouquet of flower, and tomorrow we shall do that. When there is talk of revenge and blood, we simply respond by playing football. That is the decent and civilized way of responding. In fact,  It is the only way we know how to respond.  When there is talk about making someone’s eyes bleed, we will respond by running and by sweating it out . My final message is very simple, we are here to celebrate qualification to the World Cup, we did not come to engage in a fight against Korea. I’m requesting the Korean and Iranian media to come together to enjoy the football.” By his statement, Queiroz quelled any fear of rough play from his side.

BBC reporter asked Queiroz  “According to your previous message to Korean coach , will you buy him Uzbekistan shirt . My second question ,  after two years of living in Iran, how much of an Iranian do you feel?” The national coach of Iran said “allow me a little joke! I was ready to buy a shirt for Choi, but when he demanded 11 shirts, I changed my mind about my offer.  I do not have enough money to buy him eleven jerseys! In fact, at the end of the match I will shake hands with him. We shall both celebrate our teams qualifications.  It will be my pride to award Choi Iran’s jersey, but the answer to the second question: I feel at home in Iran . Iran is like where my Family is.”

Verbal feuds continues between Iran and the Koreans as both appear to be headed for one of Asia’s worst-tempered World Cup qualifiers after their coaches traded barbs and one player said he would make Iran’s captain cry “tears of blood”.

The gloves-off verbal sparring has dramatically raised temperatures ahead of their crunch meeting in Seoul on Tuesday.

After Korean coach Choi Kang-Hee’s promise to “make life painful” for Iran drew a strong response from their coach Carlos Queiroz and captain Javad Nekounam, the home players launched a fresh salvo.

“I will make him (Nekounam) shed tears of blood,” said Germany-based forward Son Heung-Min.

Son added: “Nekounam is known for talking too much. I will let my action on the pitch do the talking. We will beat them by three to four goals.”

The dispute follows South Korean complaints of ill-treatment during their visit to Tehran last October, with gripes including visa problems and poor training facilities. In a feisty encounter, South Korea lost 1-0 with Iran playing almost entire of the 2^nd half with one man short after Shojaei was sent off. .

Choi said memories of the trip were still fresh in his players’ minds, and vowed to return suit to Iran this week — in comments that were slammed by Nekounam and Queiroz, who called them “shameful”.

But the South Korean coach, who is set to resign from his post on Wednesday morning, was unrepentant, predicting that Queiroz would be watching next year’s World Cup in Brazil from his home in Portugal.

Midfielder Lee Myung-Joo, man of the match on debut in last week’s tight 1-0 win against Uzbekistan, also dismissed Nekounam as well as the threat posed by Iran.

“I don’t know who Nekounam is. I’ve only heard about him in the media,” said Lee. “I don’t think Iran are that strong. We can beat them if we just focus on playing our own game.”  It will be as an omen if Lee’s or his teammates fail to recognize Nekounam  As Iran’s Captain might very well repeat his feat and slip past the Koreans to score like he did in their last encounter.

Unlike their Japanese neighbors, the Koreans have always shown superciliousness and arrogant attitude towards opponents. While the Japanese, are known for their fair play and civilized attitude in football , the same cannot be said for the Koreans who are hostile and antagonist.

This match means much more than a football match. There are a lot in stake, of course the grandest prize of them all is the qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. There also the bragging right and the continued rivalry between the two nations’ football, where there is no love lost.

South Korea’s  senior team captain Kwak Tae-Hwi picked up an injury in the Uzbekistan match and will be absent. The hosts will be looking to forward Son Heung-min, who recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen, to cause problems for Iran.

he 20-year-old, who recently left Hamburger SV for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga league, made his first start in the final qualification round against Uzbekistan last week to mixed success.

He started as a striker alongside the towering Kim Shin-wook and had some moments of brilliance. Yet it was when Son was moved down to the wing in the second half that he showed more energy and creativity that made him a hotly pursued player among European clubs this summer.

Korea Joongang Daily

BY MOON GWANG-LIP

Son Heung-min enters the match against Iran tomorrow with much to prove.

Bragging rights as Asia’s strongest team are at stake in the bitter rivalry that will decide the winner of Group A of the World Cup final qualifying round. And many eyes will be on the 20-year-old striker, including those of his new club.

On Friday, Son confirmed signing a five-year contract with Leverkusen, a move that many predict will be a bridge to the English Premier League. Reports said Leverkusen paid 10 million euros ($13.3 million) – a record transfer fee for the German club, for the Korean.

“My new club has been decided now, so I will put my focus on the remaining match,” Son told a media conference Friday at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi.

Korea and Iran, the two leaders in Group A, will wrap up their qualifying campaign at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

Uzbekistan, trailing Korea by three points and Iran by two, faces Qatar tomorrow and could overtake one of the leaders with a lopsided victory.

That has driven Korea coach Choi Kang-hee to declare the Iran match a must-win for Korea, although a draw could be enough for Korea’s eight successive World Cup entry.

Son was more confident.

“I think Korea is best,” Son said, when asked about facing Iran. “They are not a weak team, but we can surely beat them.”

Iran has been a tough opponent for Korea. During previous matchups, Korea has nine victories against 10 losses and seven draws.

Korea’s only loss in the final qualifying round for Brazil was against Iran, allowing Javad Nekounam to score the winning goal in the 73rd minute at Teheran on Oct. 16.

Son revealed that Nekounam kicked him in the back of the leg during the match, and he vowed to take revenge by scoring in the rematch.

“If we are armed well psychologically, I think we could win by three or four goals,” he said.

Choi used him on the left wing in two recent practices, raising the possibility that he will start Son for a second time. He also started the Uzbekistan match on June 11.

That would give him a good chance to impress Leverkusen and help ensure playing time with the southern German club, which would be indispensable for the advancement of his career.

Hangzhou, China PR.

Iran Futsal team defeated the host China 5-2 at the Zhejiang Dragon Sports Centre in Hangzhou to win the 4 nations invitational tournament which also included Netherlands and Russia.

In the final match on the 15th June, Futsal Team Melli continued its impressive showing and easily overcame the Chinese leading the first half 2-0. China pressed on when the felt that Iran’s team is easing back and managed to score two goals, but Team Melli was never in danger of losing this match which was played with the full first team. Mohammed Taheri, Hossein Tayebi, AliAsghar Hassanzadeh, Vahid Shafei and Taha Mortazavi scored Iran goals.

The champions Iran were rewarded US$10,000.
Iran began the tournament on 13th June by playing against Russia. Futsal Team Melli played an impressive match against the powerful Russians and won with a comprehensive score of 5-1. On the 14th , Iran registered its second win with a narrow and hard fought 4-3 victory.

The matches

15/06/2013

• China 2-5 Iran
• Netherlands 0-1 Russia

14/06/2013

• Netherlands 3-4 Iran
• Russia 2-1 China

13/06/2013

• China 1-3 Netherlands
• Iran 5-1 Russia

No.
1	ABEDAZDEH, Ahmadreza 25-May-66 22 years Jandarmerei
13	MOHARRAMI, Mojtaba 16-Apr-65 26 years Perspolis Defender
9	MARFAVI, Samad 18-May-65 23 years Daraei Foreward
6	FONOONIZADEH, Mehdi 19-May-62 26 years Daraei Midfield
4	MOHAMMADKHANI, Nader 23-Aug-63 25 years Gostaresh Defender
2	ZARRINCHEH, Javad 23-Jul-66 22 years Esteghlal Defender
8	GHAYEGHRAN, Sirous 22-Sep-63 26 years Malavan Midfield
11	KERMANI-MOGHADAM, Morteza 11-Jul-65 23 years Perspolis) Midfield
15	PEYOUS, Farshad 12-Jan-62 26 years Al Ahli (QAT) Foreward
5	FONOONIZADEH, Morteza 31-Dec-60 28 years Perspolis Defender
7	NAMJOOMUTLAQ, Majeed 31-May-67 21 years Esteghlal Midfield
10	BAVI, Karim 30- Dec-64 23 years Perspolis Foreward
14	ANSARIFARD, Mohammad 24-Sep-61 27 years Perspolis Midfield
17	TAQAVI, Mohammad Homa Foreward
18	RAHIMPOUR, Siamak Shahin Defender
20	EFTEKHARI, Ali Esteghlal Rasht Midfield
21	ARABSHAHI, Zia 6-Jun-58 30 years Perspolis Midfield
22	SAJJADI, Ahmad Homa Goalkeeper

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he rhetoric of the South Korean National Team football Choi, apart from it being distasteful and short   of decency towards the opponent, can be a blessing in disguise for the Team Melli. It has triggered a tremendous defiant feeling among the team and hyped them to a level that the encounter on Tuesday will mean more to them than a football match.

Iranians have frequently saved their best for the times they are put under pressure. In football, there have been numerous examples of such. When the team was doing poorly and their fate was dependent on one match, they have bounced back, and even excelled and made it.  It seems that Choi has supplemented the determination of the Persians with added incentive for the players and the coaching staff who would be seeking some kind of payback so that the grim faced coach eats his words.

Results wise, Team Melli has not fared badly in Korea. The records speak for themselves as Iran has won twice, and lost as many in the 8 matches they have met in Korean soil. Even more significant is the fact that Team Melli has never lost a competitive official match like the AFC Asian cup or the FIFA World Cup qualifiers,  in Korean soil (South and North) in a period stretching for 42 years since they first played each other in 1971. The two matches lost were friendly games in 1971 and then 2005. Team Melli last won in Korea in 2010 again in a friendly game. The element of fear or stress of facing the Koreans does not exist with the Iranian players. With a win already in this very competition of FIFA World Cup qualifier, another such victory is not difficult to achieve. That should be a good omen for Team Melli players.

The weather, which is could be a factor with visiting teams, should not be of too much of a concern for Iranian players. The forecast for the City of Ulsan in the east coast of the Korean Peninsula is cloudy with chances of rain & showers. The expected temperature would be around 29 degrees Celsius, That would not be a great issue and in fact it will be 3 degrees cooler than Tehran itself. The more concerning matter would be the humidity and rain. The Koreans are much better adapted to playing to such wet climate and playing surface than the Iranians. What was also significant in the last match in Korea between the host nation and Uzbekistan was the players’ kit. The Uzbeks clearly were not prepared for such weather and their jerseys were not designed for rainy playing conditions. It was soaking wet during the match when the rain poured heavily, making the Uzbek players clearly uncomfortable trying to adjust their wet jerseys that was uncomfortably sticking to their flesh. On the other hand, in the same weather conditions, the Koreans seem to have no issue with their jerseys and played comfortably while running with ease.

[dropcap]Q[/dropcap]ueiroz has previously complained about the quality and the suitability of the Team Melli kits and precisely before the Qatar match.  He believed that the weather condition required special type of fabric and hence what was made by the kit manufacturer was deemed unsuitable for the hot and humid condition of Qatar. So, taking that in consideration, it is assumed that Team Melli will be well prepared for that part of the competition.

Technically speaking, there is not much advantage between the two teams. The Koreans are going through a soft patch and if there was anything that perhaps raised a few eyebrows with their performance at home against the Uzbeks, it was their physical condition. Surprisingly, the usually fit and well adapted Koreans ran out of breath. It is not clear if fatigue was the reason behind some of the players’ exhaustion or was it simply the mental stress on them especially since they performed poorly against Lebanon and were on the brink of yet another famous humiliation.

Despite the good goal difference of Korea, their finishing in the last two games was really below par. Creating scoring opportunities is not a problem with the Koreans, however , the finishing is a great concern.

But as the saying goes, football sometimes produces the weirdest of results. This one indicates a possible draw all things considered, a result that will qualify both of the team directly , but Uzbekistan might have something to say about it when they meets Qatar at the same kick of time in Tashkent.

After many years, team Melli has the edge on the H2H records against the South Koreans. Team Melli has 10 wins against the Koreans 9 while 7 ended up in a draw. As far as Iran playing at South Korea, Team Melli has a pretty decent record playing 8 matches away winning 2 and losing 2 while the 4 other matches ended up in draws.

Here are the full records.

[divider]

[divider]

Asian Cup squad 1992

No.
1	ABEDAZDEH, Ahmadreza 25-May-66 26 Years Perspolis
21	NAKISA, Nima 01-May-75 17 years Perspolis Goalkeeper
3	MOHARRAMI, Mojtaba 16-Apr-65 27 years Perspolis Defender
19	KHAKPOUR, Mohammad 20-Feb-69 23 years Geylang United (SIN) Defender
9	MARFAVI, Samad 18-May-65 27 years Esteghlal Foreward
12	GHOLAMPOUR, Behzad 05-Aug-66 26 years PAS Tehran Goalkeeper
10	FONOONIZADEH, Mehdi 19-May-62 30 years Bank Tejarat Midfield
5	MOHAMMADKHANI, Nader 23-Aug-63 29 years Keshavarz Defender
7	HASSANZADEH, Reza 30-Dec-64 27 years Esteghlal Defender
2	ZARRINCHEH, Javad 23-Jul-66 26 years Keshavarz Defender
16	ASHOURI, Mohsen 02-Jan-65 27 years Perspolis Midfield
17	DADASHZADEH, Behzad 22-Jun-71 21 years Perspolis Midfield
6	GHAYEGHRAN, Sirous 22-Sep-63 29 years Keshavarz Midfield
13	KERMANI-MOGHADAM, Morteza 11-Jul-65 27 years Al Ittihad (QAT) Midfield
11	SHAH MOHAMMADI, Jamshid 02-Jul-68 24 years Keshavarz Foreward
4	ABTAHI, Mehdi 02-Mar-63 30 years Vahdat Foreward
8	MODIR ROUSTA, Ali Asghar 25-Jul-68 24 years PAS Tehran Foreward
15	PEYOUS, Farshad 12-Jan-62 30 years Al Ahli (QAT) Forward
14	REZAEI-MANESH, Reza 22-Jun-69 23 years PAS Tehran Foreward
20	SHIR-MOHAMADI, Hassan 22-May-67 25 years Perspolis Foreward

Tension brewing between Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz and the South Korean Choi Kang-Hee.

Following an interview given to the local press, Queiroz took an excption and reponded sharply before the match between Korea Rep. and Iran in Ulsan where Iran needs a point to assure qualification , regardless of the result in Tashkent. In an interview with the Korean media , their coach Choi Kang-Hee has stated that he dislikes Iran even more than Uzbekistan, but much prefers for Uzbekistan to qualify with them from this group. His reasoning was that the Korean team was treated badly while in Tehran where they lost the match 1-0 in Azadi.

That tactless comment from the Korean brought angry  reaction from Carlos Queiroz a day later. The Portuguese coach said  “such talk by coach Choi is a disgrace to football.  He has offended the Iranian football and its coaches and for that he has to apologize or resign. “  Queiroz went on in  adefiant mood and said “In Korea , I shall be buy an Uzbekistan team Jersey and before the match I will give it to the Korean coach.”

The sharp reaction by Queiroz ignited a war of words as the Korean press demanded answers from their grim-faced always angry coach. Choi in his turn responded to Queiroz by questioning his education and football knowledge ! He said “I am surprised by Queiroz , he worked in Real Madrid and Manchester united, but all he learned was strange and weird things!”

Choi added” Football is not about politics. I just want to tell Queiroz to set at home next year in Portugal and enjoy watching the World Cup on TV”

Choi concluded that “ You can tell Queiroz to bring 11 Uzbekistan jersey, I am wearing my own. I am disappointed that Queiroz is talking on behalf of the Iranian people, anyway I had enough of this talk and I do not want to prolong this war of words”