Year: 2018

Late strike by Ansarifard gives Iran a narrow win against Lithuania

Karim Ansarifard scored a late winner to give Iran a 1-0 victory over Lithuania in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Carlos Queiroz’s side, who will face Morocco, Spain and Portugal in Group B at the World Cup, went into the game on the back of a 2-1 friendly defeat against Turkey in Istanbul and struggled to create chances against Edgaras Jankauskas’ lively Lithuania side.

After going in goalless at half-time, Iran spent much of the second half pinned back by waves of Lithuanian attacks, with Justas Lasickas firing over the crossbar before substitute Povilas Leimonas failed to hit the target after a neat passing move culminated in a chance on the hour mark.

Iran came to life in the last 10 minutes of the game, piling forwards and creating a number of chances before Olympiacos striker Ansarifard tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area and found the net in the 88th minute.

While the result – Iran’s fourth victory in their last six international friendlies – will have pleased Queiroz, the manner of his side’s performance will have given him food for thought ahead of their group opener against Morocco on June 15.

This was the last friendly of Team Melli. Due to a mixture of issues, games against Greece and Kosovo were cancelled. At the last minute it was been able to arrange this game against Lithuania. The Iran was the first team to arrive in Russia and has been in Moscow for 3 days, where it will play. its fifth participation in the World Cup.

Lithuania is a fourth tier team of Europe, which has not played in any World Cup, nor is it expected to do so in the short and medium term. The team consists of local players who play in their country’s, infima league, where their first division players, would have problems playing in the third division of Spain, for example.

I

GROUP ‘B’ – The Iberian supremacy !

Portugal won’t have good memories of their World Cup campaign four years back. Placed in one of the toughest groups, they began with a humiliating 4-0 loss to eventual champions Germany. The loss proved costly as they crashed out in goal difference after a 2-2 draw against USA and a 2-1 win over Ghana.

Fast forward to 2018, they again face a tough opening fixture against 2010 champions Spain on June 15.

Portugal however head into this tournament as reigning European champions and with a better pedigree than the side that crashed out in the group stages four years back.

Ronaldo has found a highly capable strike partner in AC Milan youngster Andre Silva. Most of the core members of the 2016 Euro-winning side are still in the team that has been bolstered by the likes of Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Guedes.

Spain had also suffered the ignominy of a group stage exit as defending champions in 2014. Then in the 2016 European Championships, they failed to get past the Round of 16.

This time though, they are billed as one of the title favourites because of the abundance of talent. It boasts of one of the strongest midfields with old warhorses Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Busquets backed by the likes of Saul, Koke, Marco Asensio, Isco and Thiago.

The team that both Spain and Portugal will be hoping to avoid a slip-up against is the Iranian side coached by Portuguese tactician Carlos Queiroz.

Arguably the strongest team in Asia, the Iranian side boasts of a highly organised defence that formed the backbone of its campaign.

Saeid Ezatolahi, suspended for the first game, is playing for Russia’s Amkar Perm, will be the team’s creative engine in midfield while Rubin Kazan forward Sardar Azmoun, one of Asia’s most highly-rated talents, is set to lead the line. In Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Iran have another highly effective attacking outlet.

Morocco, meanwhile, are rank underdogs. At the World Cup, Morocco will have their hands full against three strong sides.

Karim El Ahmadi, the team’s defensive midfield lynchpin, will be a crucial cog in the wheel for Herve Renard’s side. Hakim Ziyech and Younes Belhanda, on the other hand, are two key creative forces in midfield.

GROUP B
IRAN

Qualified four times; best – group stage
1978, 1998, 2006, 2014

Qualifying route: Rd 1 – bye; Rd 2 – Gr D winners (W6 D2 L0); Rd 3 – Gr A winners (W6 D4 L0)

CARLOS QUEIROZ
Head coach

(L-R) Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Sardar Azmoun, Saeid Ezatolahi
SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Alireza Beiranvand, Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Abedzadeh

DEFENDERS: Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Morteza Pouraliganj, Ehsan Hajsafi, Pejman Montazeri, Seyed Majid Hosseini, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi

MIDFIELDERS: Saeid Ezatolahi, Masoud Shojaei, Mahdi Torabi, Omid Ebrahimi, Vahid Amiri

FORWARDS: Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Karim Ansarifard, Mahdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Saman Ghoddos, Ashkan Dejagah

Average age 26.7
Oldest Player 34 Pejman Montazeri
Youngest Player 21 Saeid Ezatolahi
Average goal
Total goals of squad 108
Highest scorer 23 Sardar Azmoun
Total Games of squad 685
Avarge game 29.8
Players Domestic League 9 39%
Players Foreign Leagues 14 61%
MOROCCO

Qualified four times: best – Round of 16
1986

Qualifying route: Rd 1 – bye; Rd 2 – bt Equatorial Guinea 2-1 (2-0, 0-1) on aggr; Rd 3 – Gr C winners (W3 D3 L0)

HERVE RENARD
Head coach

(L-R) Karim El Ahmadi, Medhi Benatia, Hakim Ziyech
SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Munir Mohamedi, Yassine Bounou, Ahmad Reda Tagnaouti

DEFENDERS: Medhi Benatia, Romain Saiss, Manuel Da Costa, Badr Benoun, Nabil Dirar, Achraf Hakimi, Hamza Mendyl

MIDFIELDERS: M’bark Boussoufa, Karim El Ahmadi, Youssef Ait Bennasser, Sofyan Amrabat, Younes Belhanda, Faycal Fajr, Amine Harit

FORWARDS: Khalid Boutaib, Aziz Bouhaddouz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Nordin Amrabat, Mehdi Carcela, Hakim Ziyech

Average age 26.8
Oldest Player 33 Boussoufa
Youngest Player 19 Hakimi
Average goal
Total goals of squad 57
Highest scorer 11 A. El Kaabi
Total Games of squad 536
Avarge game 23.3
Players Domestic League 1 4%
Players Foreign Leagues 22 96%
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PORTUGAL   

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Qualified six times; best – third place 1966

Qualifying route: UEFA Group B winners (W9 D0 L1)

FERNANDO SANTOS
Head coach

(L-R) Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva
SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Anthony Lopes, Beto, Rui Patricio

DEFENDERS: Bruno Alves, Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte, Mario Rui, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Ricardo Pereira, Ruben Dias

MIDFIELDERS: Adrien Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Mario, Joao Moutinho, Manuel Fernandes, William Carvalho

FORWARDS: Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gelson Martins, Goncalo Guedes, Ricardo Quaresma

Average age 27.9
Oldest Player 36 Bruno Alves
Youngest Player 21 Rúben Dias
Average goal
Total goals of squad 139
Highest scorer 81 Cristiano Ronaldo
Total Games of squad 892
Avarge game 38.8
Players Domestic League 6 26%
Players Foreign Leagues 17 74%
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SPAIN

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Qualified 14 times: best – champions 2010

Qualifying route: UEFA Group G winners (W9 D1 L0)

JULEN LOPETEGUI
Head coach

(L-R) David Silva, David de Gea, Isco
SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: David de Gea, Pepe Reina, Kepa Arrizabalaga

DEFENDERS: Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Nacho Monreal

MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets, Saul Niquez, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, David Silva

FORWARDS: Isco, Marcio Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, Iago Aspas, Rodrigo, Diego Costa

Average age 28
Oldest Player 35 Pepe Reina
Youngest Player 22 Marco Asensio
Average goal
Total goals of squad 104
Highest scorer 35 David Silva
Total Games of squad 644
Avarge game 41.5
Players Domestic League 17 74%
Players Foreign Leagues 6 16%

Group B fixtures (all times IST)

15th June 8.30 pm: MOROCCO vs IRAN (St. Petersburg)

15th June 11.30 pm PORTUGAL vs SPAIN (Sochi)

20th June 5.30 pm: PORTUGAL vs MOROCCO (Moscow)

20th June 11.30 pm: IRAN vs SPAIN (Kazan)

25th June 11.30 pm: IRAN vs PORTUGAL (Saransk)

25th June 11.30 pm: SPAIN vs MOROCCO (Kaliningrad)

After 4 years in the summit, Iran loses top ranking.

In the last FIFA Ranking before the World Cup, Team Melli finally lost its record breaking 4 years reign as the top rank Asian Team in June 2018.

Australia overtook Iran as the top Asian team while Iran dropped to second place ahead of Japan and South Korea.

FIFA/COCA-COLA WORLD RANKING

Rank Team Asia Points +/-
36
Australia  AUS
1
 718 18
37
IR Iran  IRN
2
 708 -19
38
Congo DR COD
 
 706 -5

 

 

Rank Team Total Points Previous Points +/-
1 36 AUSAustralia 718(718.33) 700 4
2 37 IRNIR Iran 708(708.35) 727 -1
3 57 KORKorea Republic 544(543.67) 520 4
4 61 JPNJapan 521(520.75) 528 -1
5 67 KSASaudi Arabia 465(465.28) 462 0
6 73 SYRSyria 440(439.65) 423 3
7 75 CHNChina PR 423(423.09) 431 -2
8 77 UAEUnited Arab Emirates 418(417.66) 405 4
9 79 LIBLebanon 411(411.49) 404 3
10 84 OMA Oman 391 383 3

Team Melli lands in Russia

Team Melli squad including 23+1 players landing in Moscow on a chartered flight from Istanbul Turkey.

An official FIFA delegation and organizing committee members were in the airport to greet the team. Mohammed Reza Saket was heading the delegation while the head of FFIRI is recuperating after his stroke in Istanbul.

Team Melli squad was also greeted by a good number of Iranian fans waving the tr-color flag.

The team then proceeded towards the special camp preparing for the last friendly match against Lithuania.

Team Melli spent over 7 days in camp at Besiktas club in Istanbul including a friendly game versus Turkey which Iran lot 2-1.

FIFA World Cup 2018 : Team Melli Final List

Team Melli final list for the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia has been announced on the deadline date today.

There were various rumors that Jalal Hosseini and/or Veria Ghafouri will be included in the final list and two other defenders were heading out of the squad, but based on track record of Carlos Querioz , it was clear that he would not reverse his decision.

Carlos Queiroz announced his final list at the last hours of FIFA deadline, and only Ali Ghalizadeh was left out of the squad. Queiroz organized his team with 24 players so that if one of the players gets injured he can repalce him easily.

Following the release of the list, the coach sent a brief message to the soccer community saying “I would like to appreciate the efforts of all the players who helped the national team in the World Cup qualifying and preparation games, especially players such as Andranik Teymourian, Jalal Hosseini, Vouria Ghafouri , Kaveh Rezaie, Mohammad Ansari, Ali Karimi, Ezatollah Pourghaz, Saeed Aghaei and Sousha Makani , who have played a major role in qualifying Team Melli to the World Cup. ”

 

The 23 final players in the 2018 World Cup are as follows:

 

Persepolis

 

Jersey : 11

D.O.B: 02.Apr.88
Born: Darreh-ye Badam
Height: 191 cm
International Debut: Iraq 04.Jan.2015
Position:  Forward- Midfield

 

 

 

 

 

Olympiacos CFP (GRC)

 

Jersey: 10

D.O.B: 03-Apr-90
Born: Ardabil
Height: 175 cm
International Debut: Iceland 10.Nov.09
Position:  Forward
Age: 27

More ->

 

 

Rubin Kazan(RUS)

 

Jersey: 20

D.O.B: 01-Jan-95
Born: Gonbad-e Kavus
Height: 185 cm
International Debut: Montenegro 26.May.14
Position:  Forward
Age: 22

More ->

 

 

Persepolis

 

Jersey: 1

D.O.B: 22.Sep.92
Born: Khorramabad
Height: 195 cm
International Debut: Iraq 04.Jan.15
Position:  Goalkeeper
Age: 24

 

 

 

Esteghlal

 

Jersey: 4

D.O.B: 24.Jul.93
Born: Tehran
Height: 192 cm
International Debut: Korea Rep. 31.Aug.2017
Position:  Defender
Age: 24

 

 

 

Nottingham Forest

 

Jersey: 21

D.O.B: 05.Jul.1986
Born: Tehran
Height: 181 cm
International Debut: Qatar 29.02.2012
Position:  Midfield
Age: 31

 

 

 

 

Esteghlal

 

Jersey: 9

D.O.B: 16.Sep.1987
Born: Neka
Height: 177 cm
International Debut: Bahrain 12.Dec.12
Position:  Midfield
Age: 29

 

 

 

 

Amkar Perm (RUS)

 

Jersey: 6

D.O.B: 01.Oct.1996
Born: Bandar Anzali
Height: 190 cm
International Debut: Uzbekistan 11.Jun.15
Position:  Midfield

 

 

 

 

Saipa Alborz

 

 

Jersey: 24

D.O.B: 10.Mar.1996
Born: Namin
Height: 176 cm
International Debut: Sierra Leone 23.Mar.18
Position:   Midfield
Age: 22

 

 

 

 

SC Heerenveen (NED)

 

Jersey: 16

D.O.B: 20-Sep-87
Born: Mashad
Height: 180 cm
International Debut: Korea Rep 16.Oct.12
Position:  Forward
Age: 29

 

 

 

Olympiacos (GRC)

 

Jersey: 3

D.O.B: 25-Feb-90
Born: Kashan
Height: 168 cm
International Debut: Zambia 25.May.08
Position:  Midfield /Defender

 

 

 

 

AZ Alkmaar (NED)

 

Jersey: 18

D.O.B: 08.Oct.93
Born: Jirandeh
Height: 180 cm
International Debut: Lebanon 19.Nov.13
Position:  Midfield
Age: 23

 

 

 

 

 

Padidah

 

 

Jersey: 13

D.O.B: 11.May.91
Born: Tehran
Height: 184 cm
International Debut: Saudi Arabia 09.Dec.12
Position:  Defender
Age: 26

 

 

 

 

Terek Grozny(RUS)

 

Jersey: 5

D.O.B: 29.Sep.93
Born: Tehran
Height: 178 cm
International Debut: Uzbekistan 11.Jun.2015
Position:  Defender
Age: 23

 

 

 

 

Esteghlal

 

Jersey: 15

D.O.B: 09.Sep.83
Born: Abadan
Height: 186 cm
International Debut: China 19.Dec.08
Position:  Defender
33

 

 

 

Al Sadd (QAT)

 

Jersey: 8

D.O.B: 19.Apr.92 
Born: Babol
Height: 185 cm
International Debut: Iraq 04.Jan.15
Position:  Defender / Midfield
03.Sep.2015
Position:  Forward
Age: 25

 

 

K.V. Oostende (BEL)

 

Jersey: 23

D.O.B: 21.Mar.90   
Born: Sari
Height: 183 cm
International Debut: Guam 03.Sep.2015
Position:  Defender / Midfield
Age: 27

 

 

 

AEK Athens (GRC)

 

Jersey: 7

D.O.B: 09.Jun.84 
Born: Shiraz
Height: 184 cm
International Debut: Laos 17.Nov.2004
Position:  Midfield
Age: 33

 

 

Al Gharafa (QAT)

 

Jersey: 17

D.O.B: 18.Jul.92 
Born: Bushehr
Height: 186 cm
International Debut: Uzbekistan 11.Jun.2015
Position:  Forward
Age: 25

 

 

 

Saipa Alborz

 

Jersey: 16

D.O.B: 10.Sep.93
Born: Karaj
Height: 185 cm
International Debut: Uzbekistan 11.Jun.2015
Position:  Midfield
Age: 23

 

 

HEAD COACH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Team Melli’s World Cup moments of glory.

1978: Danaeifard snatches a point against favoured Scotland

Iran qualified for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina after going unbeaten in their AFC qualifying campaign. They had failed to reach the tournament Finals in their first attempt four years earlier, but Ghafour Jahani’s solitary strike in a 1-0 win over Australia secured Team Melli’s World Cup berth with one match to spare.

Drawn into a difficult group containing Peru, the Netherlands, and Scotland, many believed that the Central Asians were simply there to make up the numbers. A 3-0 loss to eventual finalists Netherlands did not help matters, with Rob Rensenbrink storming to a hat-trick in the teams’ opening match. In their second game against Scotland, things went from bad to worse when Andranik Eskandarian bundled the ball past his own goalkeeper to give Scotland a first half lead.

Instead of letting their heads drop, IR Iran fought back and were eventually rewarded when Iraj Danaeifard skipped past Archie Gemmill and fired home from a narrow angle; the Iranians had finally scored in the World Cup. When the final whistle blew, there were jubilant celebrations, as Team Melli secured their first-ever point in a World Cup.

1998: First World Cup win

After a 1-0 defeat to Yugoslavia on Matchday One, IR Iran came into their tie against the United States knowing they needed a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

An already-charged atmosphere ignited when Hamid Estili’s looping header over Kasey Keller gave his side the lead. Both teams then battled it out until the 83rd minute, when would-be Asian Footballer of the Year Mehdi Mahdavikia raced clear through on goal before firing past Keller to all but secure a win. Brian McBride then proceeded to pull one back for the US via a scrappy goal to set up a tense final few minutes.

In the end, IR Iran held out for their first World Cup win in five attempts. A 2-0 loss to Germany in their final Group F match saw Team Melli eliminated at the group stage yet again, but the night in Lyon will always be a fond memory for all Iranians.

2014: Heroic performance against Argentina

Team Melli’s return to the FIFA World Cup after missing out on the 2010 edition saw them pitted against eventual runners-up Argentina as well as Nigeria and debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina. After a stalemate in Curutiba against the then reigning African champions, it was time to face Lionel Messi and co on Matchday Two.

Going into the match as the clear underdogs, Carlos Queiroz’s men were not fazed by the opposition, matching the Argentinians in every area of the pitch in the opening period. Jalal Hosseini’s header just above the crossbar was as close as either team got to breaking the deadlock before the break.

FFIRI to file a complaint against Greek FA with FIFA.

As the media in Iran were actively researching this new European and less known team including for information such as their foreign based players, it was announced soon after (about seven hours later) by the Kosovo Football Association that it was calling off the match with Team Melli , due to the demand to play behind closed doors without spectators.

The match was scheduled to take place at İstanbul Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadyumu (same venue as the match against Turkey), but with the cancellation of this match, Team Melli is now only practicing in Turkey. After that, the  final list will be declared, then the squad will head to Russia to complete its last match against Lithuania.

After canceling the game, the Iranian Football Federation FFIRI condemned its Greek counterpart, saying it has suspended all relations with the Greek Football Association in a more formal and demonstrative fashion!  The statement by the federation, said “Despite the claims, the Iranian national team was always ready to play in Greece, as the documents exchanged between the two federations had an account of this issue. The FFIRI will file a complaint and report the issue to FIFA and will take all legal action for compensation for the losses incurred. Until such time as FIFA takes action on this case, the Iranian Football Association has announced that it will suspend all its relations with the Greek Football Association. “

Apparently the topic of the discussion was the venue of the game with Greece. The Greeks suggested to play in Greece, Xanthi. Then Athens was discussed as an alternative to Xanthi, but eventually the game was canceled because of the Greek Football Association sponsor! The federation statement goes on to point out the attempts to replace Greece with the new opponent and the subsequently canceled match with Kosovo:

“At the right time, all the necessary actions to find an alternative team to play the friendly match were taken on June 2nd. After seeking several options, the Football Federation of Iran began talks with the Kosovo Football Federation and a preliminary agreement for a friendly match was made. Following the initial agreement, the Iranian Football Federation accepted all the demands of the Kosovo Federation (including transport, residency, etc.), a new and final request was submitted by the Kosovo Football Federation that rendered playing the match Impossible. “

New and last-minute wishes? What the Kosovars have pointed out is very much a normal football practise of 100 of years and that is the presence of spectators. The Iranians have not accepted that and subsequently the game was called off. Now, who is desperate for a practise match, Kosovo who has nothing to play for , or Iran with a World Cup ahead in a fortnight?  Simple question , who is the loser here, regardless to the fact that Kosovo ranks 152 in the FIFA Ranking, which is even worst that Sierra Leone at 103?

That episode clearly shows the shortsightedness of the Iranian football officials and the stubbornness of one Carlos Queiroz, a coach who is not world renowned for his flexibility or diplomacy.

With this account and since it is unlikely that in these one-two days a new opponent will provide a challenge and much-needed practise for Team Melli, the Iranian side’s preparations for the World Cup was made up of a match against the Olympic team of Uzbekistan, under strength Turkish side and a match against reserves of Lithuania, ranked 91!!

Thus , Team Melli is about he worst  prepared team of the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia.

 

Kosovo turns down Queiroz request for a friendly.

Team Melli’s request for a friendly match  against Kosovo has been turned down.

The Iran-Kosovo friendly match was supposed to be played on June 13th in Istanbul, Turkey. The
meeting was refused according to the Kosovo football website, which is attributed to the country’s Federation.

The Kosovo Football Federation issued a formal statement announcing the cancellation of the visit, as the Iranian side has requested the match to be held behind closed-door!  The Kosovo Federation did not entertain such request.

Carlos Queiroz has this habit of playing matches behind closed-door where even journalist are not allowed to enter the stadium. This antic, presumably for hiding a special tactics that he has up his sleeve, has never worked and is considered obsolete in the Modern Football world!

Team Melli is currently in Istanbul Turkey on a training camp preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2018, Group B matches against Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

Ali Gholizadeh joins the belgian club Sporting de Charleroi

The Iran international winger has joined the Belgium football team Sporting de Charleroi from Saipa Alborz

Ali Gholizadeh, 22, who scored six goals and registered six assists this season in the Persian Gulf Professional League, signed a two-year contract with the Zebras.

Gholizadeh, who is in the team Melli squad for the World Cup in Russia, was followed by several European clubs but chose Sporting de Charleroi, where he will be playing alongside his compatriot Kaveh Rezaei.

SC Charleroi is also considering another Team Melli player , Omid Noorafkan of Esteghlal Tehran. The young Noorafkan is in negotiations with the club.

Queiroz dilemma two weeks before the World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz, had a clear message after the game against Algeria. Team Melli head coach pointed out that the domestic league Iranian players are not ready for the World Cup, and so they need a special preparation program in the next 40 days to reach the desired form  “domestic players need to prepare for better duels. They need to be stronger and faster. They need to practice thinking and playing fast so they need to work with me closely. ”

Queiroz, after the game with Tunisia and Algeria, made his message clear to the Iranian football officials and emphasized that the preparation of domestic league players for the World Cup needs a special program and more time.

However, his statement about the Iranian league players did not go down well with many, particularly coaches like of Esteghlal’s Winfred Schaefer and Persepolis’ Branko Ivankovic.

Last night’s Team Melli match against Turkey was a proof that Queiroz had a point.

In the lineup, apart from Alireza Biranvand, the only other player of the domestic league was Roozbeh Cheshmi, Esteghlal defender, who was the culprit in both goals. Although a number of legionnaires were far from the ideal form, they could not be considered as major concerns, however.

Despite all the criticisms that Roozbeh Chesmi received after the loss to Turkey, Queiroz refused to single out a player for blame for that defeat. At the press conference, he said that ” if we make a mistake all the blame should not be pointed to one player. If we do that it shows we are short sighted”

Alireza Biranvand also had a poor performance. He did not show any sign of confidence in both the goals. His poor timing in the second goal was a proof. He also did not ease the worries of Querioz as the Portuguese, surely has nightmares on whom to pick as the number one keeper. Using Biranvand , is taking an enormous risk, not just because he is weak, but it is quite apparent that the Persepolis keeper is losing his confidence after so many blunders at club and national level.