Month: June 2014

08/06/2014

Jahanbaksh named amongst the young players to watch

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

Last Updated: June 7, 2014, 06:21pm

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
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
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
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
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

08/06/201424/02/2021

FIFA World Cup 2014 Group ‘F’ News

Argentina

Argentina have risked punishment from Fifa after displaying a banner translating as “The Falklands are Argentine” before their friendly with Slovenia last night.

The Argentine Government still maintains the South American country has a legitimate claim to the islands, which Britain and Argentina went to war over in 1982.

The overtly political gesture by Argentina’s football team before their 2-0 win over Slovenia in La Plata could lead to sanctions from Fifa – and risks reigniting the dispute between Argentina and Britain over the islands on the eve of the World Cup.

Two hundred and fifty five British servicemen died during the Falklands conflict, which was sparked by Argentina invading the islands in the South Atlantic.

Why the players decided to display the banner now is unclear, but support for reclaiming Las Malvinas (as the islands are known in Argentina) is believed to still have strong public support.

Argentina are one of the favorites to lift the World Cup, as their side boasts a host of world class attacking talent, including superstar forward Lionel Messi.

Nigeria

Nigeria defender Elderson Echiejile will miss the World Cup because of a muscle injury.

The 26-year-old Monaco player limped out of Nigeria’s 0-0 friendly draw against Greece in Philadelphia on Tuesday shortly before half-time.

Echiejile underwent a scan where the injury was diagnosed as a muscle tear, which is expected to keep him out for up to three weeks.

He will be replaced in the squad by Enugu Rangers winger Ejike Uzoenyi.

Coach Stephen Keshi said: “Doctors have said Echiejile will need up to three weeks to recover from the muscle tear but we don’t have that type of time to play with so we’ve taken the decision to replace him.”

Nigeria face Iran, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina in Group F, beginning their campaign against Iran in Curitiba on 16 June

Iran

Team Melli players expressed their delight by the Volleyball victory over Brazil yesterday in the 2014 World League. Both the Iran’s national volleyball and football teams are in Sao Paulo competing at the highest level of their sports.

Karim Ansarifard , Team Melli striker, in a short interview talking through an interpreter said “I was so excited to hear the news that the Volleyball team won the match in such a result. I know most of the volleyball team members and we are friends., this news really gives me the utmost pleasure. Rest assured that the 3-0 win againt the powerful Brazilians has already motivated us to perform as good as them in the FIFA World Cup.”

The fact that Ansarifard said that he heard the news , means that the player did not watch the match live on TV and certainly did not attend the match.

On the other hand , Brazil National Football team , who are in Sao Paulo , was supposed to attend the match against Iran to provide moral support, however security concerns prevented Seleção Brasileira from going to Sao Paulo’s Ibirapuera Gymnasium.

07/06/201407/06/2014

Grand victory by Iran’s volleyball should inspire Team Melli in World Cup.

FIVB World League 2014

Brazil 0-3 Iran

Iran Volleyball team defeated Brazil 3-0 in Sao Paulo ,Brazil to record the greatest ever team sport victory by any Iranian team in any sport. They don’t come bigger than Brazil in Volleyball. The host of the FIFA World Cup 2014 has an immaculate record in Volleyball , winners of 9 World League titles, 2 times winners of Olympic Games gold medals, 3 times World Champions , 2 times World Cup winners and 4 times World Grand Prix champions. Like their compatriots the football players, they are a championship pedigree team and have produced quality players that have managed to play and excel in the best leagues of the World.

Such a historic win comes at a perfect time and place for Iran’s football Team Melli with the world cup 2014 only days away. A historic victory like this one by Iran’s volleyball team in the most important and highest profile World Volleyball competition will surely provided a huge boost for the footballers and make them believe that even the best teams in the world can be beaten.

There will be intriguing similarities in this volleyball match to the one that Team Melli will face against Argentina on 21^st June 2014. It is similar encounter to the David and Goliath match with the Iranian volleyball players who faced Brazil and against all the odds, beat them comprehensively.

The willpower, the pride, the team spirit , the motivation , the skills , the harmony , the grace that these players have displayed shall be an inspiration and a boost for our football players.

21st of June is also a blessed date for Iran. In this date in year 1998 , Iran has recorded its only victory in the FIFA World cup against USA.

Let us hope that the victory by the Volleyball players inspires the football players to excel against their mighty opponents.

Farhad Ghaemi celebrate victory against Brazil

Seyed Mohammad Mousavi celebrates a poit scored

07/06/2014

FFIRI denies Queiroz has banned his players from cheering the Volleyball team.

The closer we get to the World Cup kick off , the more rumors and controversial issues pop up in Iran relating to Team Melli and Queiroz

News that Carlos Queiroz has banned his players from attending or watching Iran’s National volleyball team , has prompted the FFIRI to issue a strong denial and accuse the unknown journalist of fabrication the story. Iran’s National volleyball team is currently in Sao Paulo , the same city that Team Melli is carrying out its training in. Iran’s volleyball team is meeting the powerful Brazil team on Friday and Saturday in the FIVB World League 2014. The matches start 09:50 local time.

While many in Iran hoped that Team Melli will be available in the arena and attend the match to provide moral support, they were disappointed by the absence of the footballers. The Queiroz ban story could have originated from someone in that group, who saw no reason for Football Team Melli not attending Volleyball match. Iran lost the first match by the smallest of margins 3-2, the last decider set was won by Brazil 15-13 while Iran was ahead 13-11 moments earlier. It was that close.

To justify the reason why Footballers could not attend the match , FFIRI published a few photo showing that the players were busy having lunch around 09:50 in the morning while watching the volleyball match between Brazil and Iran on TV!!

It was a pity Queiroz and his players did not attend that volleyball match , they could have picked a few good points from the Iranian and Brazilian teams in that match. It was a brilliant encounter of the highest level..

Team Melli is currently setting camp in the Corinthians Training center in Sao Paulo. The team schedule is split into two parts, morning sessions consisting mostly of physical training and the evening sessions which are spent on the football pitch.

06/06/2014

The young Iranian boys lift “Caspian Cup” trophy

Iran’s U16 team lifted the Caspian Cup trophy after defeating Turkey 1-0 in the final at Baku , Azerbaijan.

The only goal of the match was scored by Nima Mokhtari on the 19th minute. Reza Karimi was awarded a red card on the hour as Iran played with 1 player short for half an hour. Mostapha Ghanbarpour players managed to hold on until the end against sustained Turkish attack and win the title for the first time. Of the powerful Asian teams, Japan U16 team also participated in the tournament but could only manage to win the 5th position.

Iran U16 won its two matches in the group stages beating Kyrgyzstan 3-0 and Azerbaijan U16 4-0 . In the semi finals Team Melli U16 defeated Azerbaijan U17 team 1-0 to reach the final.

In the play-off for the third place A

Azerbaijan U17 beat Tajikistan U17 4-0 to win third place.

05/06/2014

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

05/06/201406/06/2014

Team Melli begins training in Brazil

Team Melli squad hit the gym as it started the last phase of to its tough training regime in Sao Paulo Brazil.

After completion of several formalities in the morning, in which the team was also given a briefing by FIFA representatives and local organizing committee covering the events and rules applicable to the tournament, the squad left to the Corinthians training complex under strict security from the Brazilian authorities. Fears of disruptions and protest by many Brazilian citizens who object to the huge amount of funds spend to host the World Cup has increased the alertness of the police with security forces leaving nothing to chance. Team Melli was escorted by the police from the hotel to the training ground and back.

The squad hit the gym early on for physical training before moving to the football pitch.

During the training Queiroz received many requests for interviews and statements , which he eventually provided to the local newspapers and TV stations.

Team Melli will be meeting Trinidad & Tobago on the 8th June behind closed-door , for the final preparation match before the match against Nigeria. Argentine beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-0 last night with goals from R. Palacio 45’+1 (assist by Á. di María) , J. Mascherano 51′ (assist by Messi) and Maxi Rodríguez 64′ (assist by R. Palacio)

Dejagah , Teymourian and Ale Nemeh doing push ups

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04/06/2014

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.

These 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.

What 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

04/06/2014

Salute to Iranian fans, you are one of a kind

You will be hard pressed to find more passionate sets of fans like the Persians football fans.

In every part of the globe Team Melli has played, there has been loyal fans flocking to the stadium cheering for their beloved team. The last recent camp in Austria was a testament to the passion, patriotism, loyalty and sheer devotion of the Persians to their team and country.

In the little sleepy Austrian town of Hartberg , with a total population of just over 6000 people, in their modest football stadium holding a capacity of 4500 , over 4000 Iranian fans traveled from all across Austria , Germany and other parts of Europe to cheer their team and give them moral support ahead of the World Cup. None of the matches played in Austria had much importance or significance in any sense. They were glorified training sessions for the team, but the vocal support the fans offered the players from the stands in the three matches , not only encouraged them to perform better but also made them feel the extent of the passion these supporters have towards Team Melli.

“I like to really thank these loyal fans that traveled a long distances to come and cheer for us “ Ando Teymourian who is no stranger to seeing massive crowds in Azadi said of the fans in Austria “ We realize how much responsibility we carry on our shoulder and how we the players can make millions of our supporters feel the joy and pride if we do well in the World Cup.”

Gatherings of true Iranian supporters in many parts of the globe is something that no other team in the world can claim to have. We are not talking about those Thai fans cheering for England in a game held in Bangkok Stadium, or the Chinese chanting for Brazil in a game in Beijing, but true supporters of the team, passionate and loyal supporters who cheer and support regardless of the outcome. Iran is certainly blessed with such class of supporters.

There are millions of Iranian expatriate livings outside the country. Be it the thousands of expatriate workers in the Asian Far East, or the huge numbers of them in the Persian Gulf countries, the millions in America and Europe , some of whom are sons and daughters of immigrants who would be second or third generation Iranians, even in Africa despite the smaller numbers but definitely as vocal and as passionate , these fans embrace the passion for the motherland and are the core of the global support that Team Melli is blessed with.

We expect to see these fans in Brazil, large number of them carrying the tri-color of Iran, chanting, cheering and hopefully enjoying themselves after victories and experiencing a sense of pride and achievement.

Salute and Kudos to all Iranian fans across the globe, for you are truly one of a kind.

Iranian Fans in Frankfurt Rail Station World Cup 2006

Team Melli fans in Frankfurt during World Cup 2006

04/06/2014

Croatia and Iran squad arrived Brazil for the World Cup

After Australia, the first of the 31 teams to land in Brazilian territory for the 2014 FIFA World Cup last week, Croatia and Iran arrived in the country on Tuesday, 3 June.

Brazil’s rival in the opening match on 12 June at the Arena de Sao Paulo, the Croatian national team arrived at the Salvador International Airport at 4:15pm (local time). From there, the delegation went straight to the Team Base Camp in Praia do Forte, Mata de Sao Joao, in the metropolitan region of Salvador .

Queiroz presented with Brazil flag by the Mayor

In addition to the hosts in Group A, Croatia will face Mexico and Cameroon in the group stage.
Iran arrived in Brazil shortly before the Croatians, landing at the Sao Paulo International Airport at 4:10pm (local time). The Iranians, who start the campaign in the FIFA World Cup against Nigeria on 16 June in Curitiba, also face Argentina (21 June) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (25 June), and will prepare for the group stage matches at the Corinthians Training Centre in Sao Paulo.

Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, coach Carlos Queiroz said that Iran will do everything possible to have a successful campaign in the FIFA World Cup.

“As we came from the other side of the world we arrived earlier to start our preparation. We have earned the right to play against the best and now it’s time to do it. We have 90 minutes in each game and we will use them the best possible way”, Queiroz said.