Year: 2022

Allahyra Sayyadmanesh signs for English Championship club Hull City

Hull City FC secure the signature of Iran International Allahyar Sayyadmanesh. The Fenerbahce forward missed Team Melli’s game against Iraq as he had to travel to the UK to complete pre-signing Medical and other formalities.

Hull City hjas been bought by the Turkish entrepreneur Acun Ilicali – who has immediately installed the Georgian coach Shota Avreladze as manager since taking over – has some big deals in mind.

According to the news in Hull Live, Shota Arveladze about Allahyar’s transfer said, “He passed the health checks. He will probably join us on Monday.”

Beating Swansea City 2-0 in the first match under Shota Arveladze management, Hull City adds Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, Fenerbahçe’s player, to its squad. Shota Arveladze, the new coach of Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, one of the British Championship teams, has officially announced the transfer of Allahyar Sayyadmanesh who watched Hull city beating Swansea from the directors’ box.

Iranian international Sayyadmanesh was one of Ilicali  priorities

The highly-rated 20-year-old who was contracted to Fenerbahce has just returned from an 18-month successful loan in Ukraine with Zorya Luhansk.

 Indeed, Sayyadmanesh is regarded as one of Asian football’s top prospects.

The Tigers are hopeful of concluding the deal for the 18-goal striker before the window shuts on Monday night.

While Iran celebrates a remarkable sporting day, world press is excited by females in Azadi stadium.

There is no denying that it was a momentous occasion for Iran’s sport this week. Iran qualification for the World Cup came a few days after the handball team made the World Cup a few days earlier beating Kuwait. The World Press, however, was more interested in the social aspect of the match in which females were allowed entry into Azadi Stadium, which is always a breath of fresh air. The cameras took hundreds of pictures of beautiful Iranian girls in the stadium and the race to publish them is a story in itself.

Articles after article described the scenes in Azadi, females cheering and celebrating the 6th Team Melli success in the Wild Cup.

Here is a sample article:

  • “I am very happy. This is the first time I have attended a match at Azadi Stadium,” said a 26-year-old civil engineer who gave her name only as Mahya
  • “I wished to have my husband beside me but they said men and women are segregated,” said another female spectator, Golnaz Bahari

TEHRAN: Iranian women were allowed Thursday for the first time in almost three years to attend a football match of their country’s national team in a Tehran stadium.
“I am very happy. This is the first time I have attended a match at Azadi Stadium,” said a 26-year-old civil engineer who gave her name only as Mahya. She carried the national green, white and red flag, and covered her head with a grey scarf.

The Islamic republic has generally barred female spectators from football and other stadiums for around 40 years. Clerics, who play a major role in decision-making, argue women must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men.
World football’s governing body FIFA ordered Iran in September 2019 to allow women access to stadiums without restriction and in numbers determined by the demand for tickets.

A month later women were able to attend a 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Cambodia in Azadi Stadium.
For the first match since then, 2,000 of the 10,000 tickets were exclusive to women on Thursday for the 2022 World Cup qualifier between Iran and Iraq, ISNA news agency reported.


“I bought the tickets online and got an SMS confirming it,” Mahya said, adding that “if we win, we will go celebrate the victory in the streets.”
She got her wish, witnessing a 1-0 home side win over Iraq.
“There is nothing strange or complicated” about a woman going to the stadium, said Mahya.
“It should have happened earlier,” she said. “I hope that this will continue.”
The female fans entered through a special entrance via a car park, controlled by policewomen wearing black chador robes and red badges on their arms.
“I wished to have my husband beside me but they said men and women are segregated,” said another female spectator, Golnaz Bahari, 24.
“It will be a lot better if families can come together,” said Bahari, carrying her child in one hand and a vuvuzela horn in the other.
Iran’s female fans sat behind the Iraqi goal.

Wearing thick coats against winter’s chill, some had the national colors painted on their cheeks, and many carried Iranian flags or horns in the national colors.
They sat apart from the men but united with them in supporting their side, with shouts of “Iran! Iran!” drowning out the few fans from Iraq. The two countries were at war for years in the 1980s.

The 2019 FIFA directive, under threat of Iran’s suspension, came after a fan named Sahar Khodayari died after setting herself on fire outside a court in fear of being jailed for trying to attend a match.

Dubbed “Blue Girl” because of the colors of the club she supported — Esteghlal FC — she had reportedly been detained in 2018 when she tried to enter a stadium while dressed as a boy.

Her death sparked an outcry, with many calling for Iran to be banned and matches boycotted.
Since Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979, women have borne the brunt of swift changes in the nation’s moral codes.
Women are subject to a strict dress code, and while deemed more liberal than that of many Arab countries, Iranian legislation since the revolution has been criticized as detrimental to women in cases of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

Women may hold high positions, including in parliament and the government, but cannot serve as judges and have not been allowed to run for president.
FIFA had been pushing for years for Iran to open its stadiums to women, but Tehran had until 2019 only allowed a limited number of them to attend matches on rare occasions.
Since October 2019, when women last attended a national match, Covid-19 restrictions put an end to attendance by any fans — until Thursday.

Iran v. Iraq Players Performance.

Amir ABEDZADEH: Hardly put a foot wrong. The few threats that came from the Iraqi forwards were dealt with in confidence and with little trouble. His ball distribution is quite good as well. Abedzadeh is definitely proving himself as the number one keeper of Team Melli [8.0]

Shojaa KHALILZADEH: Like always, a firm and strong performance. He does slip sometimes and the yellow card he got near the end was totally needless, but no denying that Shoja’a is an asset for Team Melli [8.0]

Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN: Although he had a quiet game, his solid work in the heart of the defense was noticible, He could have been on the scoresheet only if his header was a little lower [7.5]

Sadegh MOHARRAMI: The problems that Team Melli had on the half-backs is surely being addressed by the inclusion of Moharrami. He adds finesse to defending, perhaps a bit more physical toughness is required in the big games, otherwise a pretty solid game [7.5]

Omid NOORAFKAN: Although he is not playing in his natural post, Noorafakn is turning into a utility player for Team Melli as he can fill in for halfback and midfield. HIs runs on the flank were delightful and created a real threat. His defense work was also error-free [8.0]  

Ali GHOLIZADEH: Not his usual immaculate performance. He had several chances to make a big difference in the game including a chance to score. In any case, he was slightly lower than average but did what was required [7.0]

Saeid EZZATOLLAHI: Quiet game but his physicality is a real asset. Surprisingly not too involved in the dead balls and corners with his height being an advantage. He is now much more comfortable in the team lineup. [7.0]

Vahid AMIRI: Not his best match and created a real scare with his feeble pass near the end of the match, however, Amiri remains a valuable player and despite his advancing age, his energy level is remarkable.[7.0]

Saman GHODDOS: The Brantford midfielder was disappointing. Not only he missed several chances to score, Time is running out for Ghoddod to make a real impression in Team Melli. He certainly has the talent and skill, but the application is just not there [6.0]

AliReza JAHANBAKHSH: By far the best player on the pitch today performance-wise. Commanding, leadership, shooting, impressive delicacy and skill., ball control, and all the attributes of a great player. Jahanbakhsh is on a real revival and this augurs well for Team Melli. Today it was a true grand performance [9.0]

Mehdi TAREMI: The goal he scored that took Team Melli to the World Cup, was a work of a clinical finisher that Taremi is. Considering he had only a few hours to sleep arriving in the early hours of the morning, Taremi deserves respect for showing up and giving the fans the joy that they deserve. Brilliant goal and extra credit for the Porto forward [9.0]

 

Dragan Skočić : Another grand performance. Immaculate players selection, the proper game plan, timely change of pace of the team, and level-headed approach. Dragan Skocic has queir=ten a few thousand doubters by his performance and taking the team to the World Cup, a mission which seemed to be quite tricky when he took over. [9.0]

Iran confirm Qatar 2022 berth

the-afc.com
Tehran: The Islamic Republic of Iran booked the first AFC ticket to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a third consecutive win in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar, beating neighbours Iraq 1-0 at Azadi Stadium on Thursday.
The result sees Team Melli go back to top the group after Korea Republic had temporarily snatched the lead with a win against Lebanon earlier in the day, the Iranians building an unassailable lead at the top that pulled them past the finish line with three games to go.
Both teams were lively from the off with chances coming as early as the sixth minute when Omid Noorafkan got a shot following a good pass from Alireza Jahanbakhsh, but Iraq’s Fahad Talib fisted the ball away for a corner.

At the other end just a few minutes later, Aymed Hussein got a header on Bashar Resan’s delivery from the flank, but an alert and well positioned Amir Abedzadeh held the ball, with the following attack seeing Jahanbakhsh’s long range shot take a bounce before hitting the post, in what was an exhilarating opening 12 minutes.

With 25 minutes on the clock, Talib pulled off a magnificent double save after Jahanbakhsh’s shot was spilled into Mehdi Taremi’s path, with the FC Porto striker’s shot going straight at the Iraqi keeper’s fists to be sent away. Vahid Amiri also got a shot seconds later, but that was deflected behind for a corner by Talib.

Talib’s heroics showed no signs of stopping when Ali Gholizadeh, unchecked, was in on goal following a magnificent long pass from the other side of the pitch by Jahanbakhsh, yet the former’s shot was yet again saved by the Iraqi keeper, capping off an electrifying opening 45 minutes

The deadlock was finally broken just two minutes after the break, when Ahmad Ibrahim attempted to intercept but missed Jahanbakhsh’s low through ball, allowing Taremi a clear path on goal with the Team Melli forward dinking it just above Talib to pull his country ahead.

Saman Ghoddos almost doubled IR Iran’s lead when Taremi’s feigned run between the two central defenders as Moharrami played the former through, allowing the Brentford FC man to take a low shot from close range that skimmed past the post.

The Lions of Mesopotamia threatened to equalize with 15 minutes left on the clock after substitute Hasan Abdulkareem fired a stinging low shot that was saved by Abedzadeh, but fell into the path of Huseein who could not get a clean touch on it.

The result sees Iraq remain in fifth place with four points, with IR Iran topping the group with 19 points. Iraq faces Lebanon away in four days, while Dragan Skocic’s men will remain in Tehran to take on the United Arab Emirates on the same day.

Sixth World Cup and third consecutive for Team Melli.

Team Melli sealed its qualification to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 1-0 win against Iraq. The only goal was scored by Mehdi Taremi early in the second half.

With three more matches to play, Iran now can safely and comfortably plan for the next stages and a World Next Door in Qatar.

This qualification which seemed so easy with three matches to spare, was nothing like that under a shaky coach in the beginning.  Iran stuttered in the first qualifiers and suffered two consecutive defeats by Bahrain and Iraq under Marc Wilmots, By the end of the second round halfway stage, Iran was third in the group and in danger of elimination. But after the Belgian failure left not to return back again, a Croat with little fame and claim guided Team Melli to glory. Everything was rosy and Team Melli under Dragan Skocic who hardly put a foot wrong despite doubters and skeptics made it comfortably to the greatest football show on earth.

CONGRATULATIONS to Team Melli.

The sixth qualification for the finals of the World Cup and the third consecutive one.

  1. 1978
  2. 1998
  3. 2006
  4. 2014
  5. 2018
  6. 2022

 

At last, Taremi lands in Tehran and available for the match against Iraq

Tehran :

Mehdi Taremi, who was stranded in Turkey for days after his flight to Tehran via Istanbul was diverted due to a severe snowstorm in Istanbul airport, finally landed in Tehran early morning Thursday.

The Iranian  Porto striker underwent the PCR test and the result returned negative after arriving in Iran and hence Taremi is available for selection for the match against Iraq.

Due to fatigue and other issues, Dragan Skocic, might very well opt to use Taremi as a substitute rather than in the starting lineup. The technical staff, due to the absence of many of their players, made a great effort to ensure the availability of Mehdi Taremi for this match.

Team Melli will still be deprived of 3 key players, Azmoun, Nourollahi, and Hajsafi.

Zeljko Petrovic is desperate but determined.

Zeljko Petrovic has had an eventful debut as Iraq national coach. After a tumultuous end, the successor to the resigned Dick Advocaat drew 1-1 against Oman in the FIFA Arab Cup. After ninety minutes of play, Iraq still faced a 1-0 deficit in the Qatari Al Wakrah stadium.

A penalty called for Iraq in the 96th minute seemed to be the saviour and would prevent a defeat after all. Aymen Hussain took that spot kick and missed, but Petrovic had seen that the Oman goalkeeper had come off his line too early. The coach furiously stormed into the field and started prtesting to the referee in a graphic manner.  He  was right, as the VAR decided that the Omani Keeper made an illegal move and the penalty had to be retaken. Iraq scored the equalizer from the repeated penalty kick.

The excitement facing the Montenegrin coach of Iraq in the Middle East seems to have no end. Zeljko Petrovic was the right-back of the Yugoslavia team that faced Iran in the Stade Geoffroy Guichar , Saint-Etienne in Group D of the FIFA World Cup 1998. The East Europeans defeated Iran with a solitary goal scored by Milosovic in the 72nd minute. In the pre-match press confrence, Petrovic was reminded of that match by a lady reporter. He was surprised and apprecieted the sharp remark of the reporter and acknowldeged that match and how he was assigned to control Mehdi Mahdivikia.

History aside, Petrovic concern is rather immidiate. He is desperate to get all the three points of the match against Iran in Azadi, a mission that seems to be as far fetched as he can imagine. But the Tough man is not one that quits so easily and despite the slim chances, especialiiy with a depleted team and his main striker missing among many other players, he will hardly let Iran have an easy game like the last time the two have met.

He spoke about his team’s limitations due to the absence of some of his team players, such as the Iranian national team, which does not have several players:

“Four of our players are infected with the Corona virus. We are experiencing a difficult situations. It is a problem for both teams, but it is easier for Iran because they are the hosts and they can manage this problem. We are testing now and we are worried about the results.”

“Yesterday, we were really glad that Bashar and Amjad, joined us. Yesterday, the Amjad test was also positive. On the other hand, we had the problem that some of our players were stuck in Turkey and they only managed to arrive late today. All we can do is have a good perspective. It is not right to weave negatively. What has happened is in accordance with the law of nature, and it is only a bigger problem for us than Iran. Because Iran, along with South Korea, are certain to qualify for the World Cup. It is our team that is struggling with these big problems to get the third place. The players we lost were among our key players,” Petrovic said. “The current problem is global, and we try to add motivated players to tomorrow’s game who have the best performance.”

It seems that both the teams have faced simiular problem, but Petrovic is a great motivator and will be looking to give Iran a tough game.

Zeljko Petrovic  in Yugoslavia jersey against Iran in Stade Geoffroy Guichar , Saint-Etienne

Skocic “The conditions are not ideal”

Dragan Skocic, in the pre-match press conference, said: “It is definitely not an ideal situation, but if my players stick to the plan and give it their best, we can finish the game successfully.”

 “As you know, tomorrow’s game is very important because we can seal our qualification. I saw the Iraq games in the FIFA Arab Cup. I know they are a young and tough team. Conditions are not ideal for us. We do not have 4 players due to Positive PCR tests. Mehdi Taremi has not joined us yet. However, our players are ready and capable. The team that we have is good enough.”

Asked about the next games and what changes he is implementing “My main concern is tomorrow’s game. After this game, we think about other games and how we can move forward. We will definitely have changes in the team. Each player who plays has his own unique characteristics. That’s why we may not appear with the usual squad, but I’m sure all the players will play with all their strength and we can get off the field with our heads held up high.”

Commenting on the invitation of Hossein Kananizadegan, who is sanctioned by the disciplinary committee for inappropriate and divisive comments he made, and how this situation differs from Taremi’s disciplinary action, He said ” I must say that moral principles are very important for my team and for myself. If there is one thing that is a priority, it is ethics, discipline, and behavior. We must be careful because we represent our country. I do not agree with such alleged behavior, and this behavior may be far from honorable on the part of this player, but at the same time,  we have not received any credible evidence or instructions from the disciplinary committee on his case. It seems like the case is still open and being discussed in the ethics committee. I do not want to punish or judge anyone for talking in cyberspace and Instagram and retaliate prematurely. This situation was an opportunity to know our responsibility to the country and the people and to be careful about our behavior, and this is a lesson for others to be careful that this does not happen. “

For the record, Taremi was disciplined by Skocic for commenting on social media, which Skocic just said he must be careful not to punish a player on that basis. It is a case of double-standard in fairness.

The Croat Head coach then talked about Azmoun’s case and Zenit’s opposition to Sardar joining the national team camp and also the possibility of adding Azmoun and Hajjasfi to the squad for the UAE match: “This club (Zenit) can not do that. Our game is on FIFA Day and the club has no rights whatsoever to stop a national team player from joining his National Team. We have to review the FIFA & AFC rules regarding players who recover from a positive test and the subsequent tests prove negative. The players you mentioned are not available to us right now. We have to see if we can use them for the next game. “

“Every coach brings new things to the team,” Skocic said of his knowledge of the current Iraqi coach, Željko Petrović from Montenegro, who previously played for Dinamo Zagreb and also coached in Croatia for some time. “He (Petrović ) has rejuvenated his team. When he played for Dynamo, I was in Rijeka and I have a history of facing him.”

“Our team is ready and we know what we want from tomorrow’s game.” He was asked whether the substitutes in his team will have the same quality as the absent players and whether we will see a surprise selection in Team Melli. “I do not think the unexpected will happen,” he said. “We are still one night away from the game and it will be a long night for me to reach the final conclusion. It is clear that the Azmoun is difficult to replace. With these interpretations, the team that will be fielded will be on the game with all its energy and we will have the necessary quality. “

In response to whether the Football Federation could not have done better planning for the presence of players in the national team so that players like Mehdi Tarmi in Turkey would not be caught due to the weather? “The issue you are talking about is the federation’s duty to plan, and I know they did their best,” he said. “Taremi is our key player. I do not specialize in weather forecasting and for this, I am not in a press conference”

Iran v. Iraq match preview.

the-afc.com
Tehran: Iran could celebrate qualification to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Thursday if they beat neighbors Iraq when the two sides lock horns at Azadi Stadium in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar.
 
 
Unbeaten in Group A, hosts IR Iran leads the group with 16 points, two ahead of the second-placed Korea Republic and a whole 10 points clear of the UAE in third. Meanwhile, Iraq are yet to celebrate their first win in the group and languish in fifth place with four points.
 
 
A home win against their arch-rivals would put coach Dragan Skočić’s men at least 10 points clear of third place with just nine points remaining to compete for, confirming a place at the FIFA World Cup for the third time in a row for Team Melli. All hope is not lost for the Lions of Mesopotamia, who remain just two points adrift of the playoff qualifying third-place currently occupied by the UAE, and a win on Thursday could see them leapfrog the Emiratis with three games to go.

Porto FC striker Mehdi Taremi returns to Skočić’s squad after missing out last time but his participation in the match is in doubt as he is still stuck in Turkey, while all of captain Ehsan Hajsafi, Majid Hosseini, Sardar Azmoun and Ahmed Nourollahi tested positive for COVID-19 and were replaced by Persepolis FC holding midfielder Kamal Kamyabinia, as well as Aref Aghasi and Soroush Rafiei.Fenerbahce youngster Allahyar Sayyadmanesh remains a doubt.

 

The Iraqi camp has not fared better in terms of absences, with Rebin Sulaka, Amjad Attwan and Ali Fayez testing positive for COVID-19.

On a brighter note, Manchester United wonderkid Zidane Iqbal is in line to make his senior international debut, potentially forming an exciting forward line with youngster Ali Al Hammadi, but with doubts on Aymen Hussein’s availability for the second game against Lebanon.

The two sides met in the reverse fixture back in September, and Team Melli came out comfortable 3-0 winners, but a lot has changed since that match for the Lions of Mesopotamia, who have appointed former head coach Dick Advocaat’s assistant Zeljko Petrovic with a mission to revive the 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions’ fortunes.
IR IRAN v IRAQ
Venue: Azadi Stadium, Tehran
Kick-off: 18:00 hours (UTC+3:30)
 

Latest PCR tests results

The PCR test of two players Team Melli players was negative and these two players will leave for Iran to play against the UAE.

One day before the match against Iraq Iraq, the test results of Saradar Azmoun and Ehsan Haj Safi were negative. These two players can now fly to Tehran to prepare for the match against the UAE. Of course, these two legionnaire players will not be available for the Iraq match tomorrow, but the national team staff has counted on their participation in the next match against UAE.

Meanwhile, the three traveling players Ansarifard, Niazmand, and Abedzadeh proved negative and the three players now are in the camp training for tomorrow’s match.