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Rank 30 for Team Melli

Iran climbed 3 places to number 30 in the world in the latest ranking figures that was published by FIFA on the 25th October 2018.

While still maintaining the top title in the AFC Zone , Team Melli managed to add 3 extra points to its grand total.  All other Asian teams maintained the same place in the AFC zone ranking.

 

FIFA Ranking Oct 2018

Rank Team Points Previous  Change
28 SVKSlovakia 1483 1491 -2
29 VENVenezuela 1479 1476 3
30 IRNIR Iran 1478 1474 3
31 PARParaguay 1477 1477 0
32 BIHBosnia and Herzegovina 1476 1468 2

 

 

AFC Zone

 

Asia

Rank

 World Rank Positions Total Points Previous Points +/-
1 30 IRNIR Iran 1478 1474 3
2 42 AUSAustralia 1432 1431 1
3 50 JPNJapan 1409 1398 4
4 53 KORKorea Republic 1401 1395 2
5 72 KSASaudi Arabia 1334 1337 -1

 

 

 

Biranvand flying high.

He might not be every fan’s cup of tea, but Biarnvand is certainly flying high these days and was the man of the match in Persepolis AFC Champions League semifinal victory against Al Sadd of Qatar.

Persepolis has secured a 0-1 away win against Al Sadd in Doha. A draw in the jammed packed Azadi would have taken the most popular club in Iran to the finals of the AFC Champions League for the first time in its illustrious history.

Al Sadd star-studded team included two famous Spanish midfielders. The legendary ex-Barcelona star Xavier Hernández Creus or better known to the world as “Xavi“, and ex Ateltico Madrid Gabriel Fernández Arenas or “Gabi”in addition to the competition top scorer the Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah and South Korean national team midfielder Jung Woo-Young

The crowd, estimated to be over 120,000 fans in Azadi , despite the official viewpoint of 78,000 , were stunned when the Algerian Bounedjah scored passed Biranvand in the 17th minute.

Persepolis scored the equalizer early in the second half when Siamak Nemati scored in the similar fashion to Al Sadd goal.

Minutes from the final whistle with the match finally in balance and the 1-1 draw result taking Persepolis to the final of the AFC Champions League. Xavi, with his immense wealth of experience in World football and Barcelona, escaped all the Persepolis defense to be on the receiving end of a fine cross which he headed powerfully towards the far end of Persepolis goal. The trajectory of the header seemed to be certain to end up in the goal and a definite winner for Al Sadd.

Alireza Biranvand , stunned by the freedom given to Xavi to freely head the ball was off guard. However, Team Melli guardian flew like an eagle and brilliantly deflected the ball over the bar to save his team from certain elimination.

This type of saves are written in the records book for its brilliance but more for its significance on the result and the fate of the teams. It was a huge and spectacular save that needs to be written in the records book which Alireza Biranvand has a claim on another one, which was his World Cup Penalty save against no other than Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.

Biranvand has saved a Xavi header and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Not many keepers can claim such feat.

Saying that, Birnavand remains an enigma. He can be world-class one day, and a villain the next. He concedes goals that even the weakest keepers can save. He is also a bit of nuisance cum showman in the matches with his running and shouting at his defenders act. Add this to his time-wasting tactics that are far from clever and has brought him several yellow cards.

The Team Melli fans across the world would be much gladder to see the positive side of Biranvand in the UAE. He is undoubtedly flying high now and we all hope to see that continues for the next 3 months.

Esteghlal and Pas Tehran are the only Iranian clubs who have won the Asian Clubs top prize before.

Sepahan, Zob Ahan and Esteghlal have also been finalists.

Persepolis will play Kashima Antlers of Japan in the final of AFC Champions League 2017/18 season.

Ansarifard and Rezaeian on the brink of drop from Team Melli.

For Karim Ansarifard and Ramin Rezaeian , two key players of Team Melli, the time is fast running out for them to find suitable clubs and hence their selection for the AFC Asian Cup 2019 will be seriously under threat.

Ansarifard, was Team Melli’s lone goal scorer in the World Cup , albeit from a penalty spot, however, he is also a valuable player in Carlos Queiroz plans. His European experience has enhanced his abilities while he thrived in the Greek league with significant number of goals. The Olympiacos new coach, however, did not believe in Karim and did not utilize him much. Ansarifard’s contract was not renewed for the new season leaving the Team Melli forward out of contract as a free agent.

Out of the few offers that Ansarifard has received, the one from Nottingham forest of the English championship league was the most attractive. With all the efforts, this contract did not materialize as it is believed the Iranian could not secure a work permit to enable him to play in England.

So, up to now Karim remains without club and of course is not taking part in training and will significantly lose form because he is not competing at the highest level or even in a moderate football competition.

Ramin Rezaein has a similar story with his Belgian club K.V. Oostende  which has released him at the start of the season. Rezaeian is a free agent and so far he has not been able to secure a club. It is believed that several major clubs in Iran has turned down Rezaeian offer of a contract. The right back who can also operate in the defensive midfield role has  a prior with Persepolis and Turkish sides which perhaps alarmed the Iranian clubs on his behaviour.

Carlos Queiroz will have no serious issues replacing both the two players posts, however undoubtedly effective and valuable players for the team even being on the bench would be adding value to the squad. Coaches do not normally pick players who are out of practice, short of form or away from competitive match. Quieroz has been known to defy that rule.

For Ansarifard, former Saips and Persepolis player, the only path to English football and Nottingham forest, if the club is still interested, is the winter transfer window which opens in January.  It might be too late for him as far as the Asian Cup is concerned. As for Rezaeian, there is still no sign of any club that has shown interest in recruiting him. at least publicly.

Venezuela also cancels the friendly match!

FFIRI has received a message from its Venezuelan counterpart stating that its national team which was supposed to be in Tehran on 20th November to face Team Melli, will not be able to appear.

 

According to FFIRI spoke person Homeira Asadi, the Venezuelans have stated that several of their players are resident in the USA and hence will be unable to join the squad. Asadi declined to comment on whether the FFIRI will seek compensation from the Venezuela FA for such move.

After this cancellation , Team Melli will play against Trinidad and Tobago and Qatar before flying to UAE for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

Iran and Qatar to meet in a friendly

Team Melli will probably be playing its last preparation match against Qatar on the last day of the year to complete its schedule before flying to the UAE to compete in the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

The Qatar Football Association has announced the program for its national team which includes four matches against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Algeria and Iran.

Team Melli will be playing against Trinidad and Venezuela before meeting Qatar.

There was no confirmation from FFIRI on this match., but that is pretty much expected.

Ladies allowed into Azadi Stadium.

Last night, the Team Melli met Bolivia in a friendly international match at Azadi Stadium, the result of which was a narrow win by two goal to one for Iran.

Apart from the satisfactory result, a more significant and important thing in Azadi Stadium was the surprise presence of women after 40 years. Since the Islamic revolution, females were banned by the fundamentalist government from attending men football matches at all the stadiums in Iran.

Although the presence of women watching the match was selective and limited, and ordinary people could not watch the match, nevertheless allowing such limited numbers to enter the stadium for the first time after 40 years, even in a controlled manner, could be a good omen and might even be the beginning of equal opportunity for men and women to be able to attend football match at all Iranian stadiums.

This particular ban by the religious authorities is second most despised and unpopular of all the freedom restrictions that the Islamists have forced upon Iranians after that hated forced Hijab wearing for females.

Under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran in accordance with the concept of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist, the powers of government are vested in the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive powers, functioning under the supervision of the Absolute Guardianship and the Leadership of the Ummah , which is in reference to the Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamnaei.

Iranians and Persians in general, have always taken pride in the role of women not just at home but in a greater scope in their society. Iran was a leading country in literacy of females and their involvement in civil activities and sport

During the Shah’s regime, women ministers served in the government. Dr. Farrokhroo Parsa was Minster of Education from 27th August 1968  to 2nd January 1971. Parse was a physician, educator and parliamentarian. Her mother, Fakhr-e Āfāgh, was the editor of the women’s magazine Jahān-e Zan (“The World of Woman”). After the Islamic revolution and after 8 years out of office, Parsa was callously executed after a summary trial.

Another female Minister was Mahnaz Afkhami, who manged to escape to USA but remained an outspoken campaigner for women’s rights in Iran.

Women Rights did not appeal to the Islamic Republic’s more conservative elements especially at the beginning of the revolution when many radical and extremists where in power.

“The women who participated in the revolution, and they did in large numbers, many of them were actually pushing for more rights, they were pushing for more freedoms, pushing for more equality,” Mahnaz Afkhami, currently living in US explained to BBC in an interview.

“That was why the disappointment was so great when the revolution ended up taking away the rights that they had already gained.”

After the Iranian revolution in 1979, many of the secular rights that women had being afforded under the Shah were abolished or rolled back. An order was passed that laws that were in contravention of religious (or sharia) rules had to be revoked.

Islamic polygamy was instituted and, most visibly, the hijab head covering became mandatory in all public spaces.

For 40 years Iranian women resisted and protested the government’s harsh treatment of women and for that, they were victimized. Thousands were dragged to police station and jailed for simply what they label as bad hijab.

Change was coming however.

The authorities eased the rules that mandated the strict wearing of hijab which even Presidents such as Rouhani criticized

Allowing women in Stadium, which must have been approved by the supreme leader, is seen as one  further step towards easing of the nation suffering which is experiencing hardships and economical decline partially due to American sanctions.

Restrictions on activities such music concerts and mixing of men and women in public have started being relaxed although not totally abandoned by the government.

No doubt that the Saudi Arabia allowing women to drive and also allowing them into stadiums to watch  football matches in what was forever an autocratic ultra conservative regime, has enticed the Iranians  to respond and not be left behind.

Sarah Ghumi, Iran’s women’s National Team player , fan who watched the game closely as a fan, said in an interview with ISNA about her experience: “Last night, there was a lot of excitement among spectators, and we were all happy when we were going to the stadium for the first time. As a fan I always wanted to go to the stadium and watch my favorite teams playing closely. Thanks God that this time the ladies entered the stadium to watch the match of our national team. We were so glad that it was really worth it.”

About the continual entry of women to the stadiums, she added “: I’m optimistic about this. I think there have been talks that families will be allowed entry to watch games from now on. I’m sure this will happen, and I hope the entry will be free for all women.”

Question of indiscretion!

One thing that not even the strongest critic of Carlos Queiroz can deny, is the fact the Portuguese head coach of Team Melli has introduced and implemented a strict discipline code and a no nonsense policy towards his Iranian players, that has helped Team Melli to develop. Queiroz demands discipline, hard work , commitment from his players. Any indiscipline or insubordination would result in the culprit being thrown out of the squad for good. There is no appeal committee with Queiroz. Many players have experienced that too.

Queiroz always claims that he does his work in a systematic manner using advance tools in player’s analysis and not based on affiliations or issues that are not performance or character related.

Yet, the Portuguese master has a habit of paradoxical behaviors that defeats his preaching and practices.  Ramin Rezaeian is one such case.

Rezaeian was not invited by Queiroz to the Team Melli squad for the last match against Bolivia. Rightly so, since he is out of competitive match practice as he did not join any team after the World Cup after his contract with the Belgian club K.V. Oostende has ran out.

However, after a few months without training, the player turned up in the Team Melli training camp that he was not invited to, and joined the training sessions, presumably with the approval of Carlos Queiroz. Although that is odd, there have been cases of former players training with their previous clubs to get in shape and gain some valuable practice for the next/future team.

Perhaps, that was the good intention of Carlos Queiroz with Rezaeian.

But the strangest decision and a kind of shock for the observers was when Rezaeian, the uninvited player, was seen on the Azadi bench on Tuesday during Bolivia game!! No matter how one likes the player, when he is not part of the team sheet, it means exactly that in professional football, he simply cannot occupy a seat on the team bench as that is reserved for the substitutes and coaching staff.

The Portuguese is very quick to criticize and denounce anything out of order or thing he does not like. He is very vocal too. Yet, he does not seem to explain what was Rezaeian doing on the bench?. Of course, no matter what justification, the laws and practices of football are very clear about the occupation of the bench which Queiroz in his own wisdom, decided to ignore!

In professional football, the one that Queiroz always rants about being part of it for decades, players who are not listed on the match sheet, normally are granted special seats in the stands but certainly NOT on the bench which was so over-crowded on Tuesday it resembled a crowded Tehran Bus.

Naturally, the question that begs itself to be asked is if that coach was Daei or Ghalenoei or any Iranian national, what would have been the reaction of the media and Critics towards such a decision? Would he not be accused of being unprofessional and bias?

Food for thought

Marginal win for Team Melli vs Bolivia

Iran’s Team Melli defeated Bolivia 2-1 at Azadi this evening. The game was the second in a series of matches that Queiroz have arranged in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2019

The first half ended 1-0 to Iran from a goal scored by Alireza Jahanbakhsh in the 17th minute.  Bolivia tied the match from a fantastic volley by Rudy Cardoso on the 51st minute.  Mehdi Torabi then scored the winner on the 63rd minute. His second in as many games for Team Melli.

The starting line up of Team Melli was a pleasant surprise as Queiroz sent an offensive team with one recognized defensive midfielder in Omid Ebrahimi. At front, the full force of Team Melli in the shape of Azmoun, Taremi and Jahanbakhsh  while the midfield was orchestrated by Saman Ghoddos who rarely starts for Team Melli despite enjoying g a highly successful season in the French League.

Queiroz attempt at offensive game plan came in front of a relatively weak team from Latin America. Despite much better possession  percentage and more shots on goal , Team Melli players were going through the same old problems that has marred their game for many years, poor finish and poor last ball. Jahanbakhsh , Azmoun and Taremi wasted many chances due to weak control or inaccurate shots.

The two prominent players in this half were Saman Ghoddos and Sadegh Moharrami.

The defense line up was lacking the presence of injured Morteza Pouraliganji and was quite short of experience.  It is obvious that Queiroz needs a lot of work to mend this fragile defense line. Biranvand, once again showed his weak side and unreliable goaltending when his suspect positioning resulted in the Bolivia goal.

Despite the fatigue by Bolivian Team, they managed to contain the Iranian offensives easily. Team Melli players did not help themselves with their own poor finishing, inaccurate passes, and wasted final balls.

Overall, this match against a team that has no relation to the style and type of football that is going to be played in the Asian Cup, did not give confidence to the fans that Iran is really able to mount a serious challenge for the title. Queiroz, who is by now becoming so unpredictable in whatever he does, realizes more than  anyone what an uphill battle is ahead especially when the likes of Japan , Australia and Korea are preparing against stronger teams and achieving good results.

The two lines that have disappointed the most were the forwards and the defense. Taremi does not have the quality to perform at the highest level and there is very little that Queiroz can do about that. However, the better tactical and skilful duo , Jahanbakhsh and Azmoun were both lethargic like despite the former scoring the lucky goal.

With two remain matches before the Asian Cup, Queiroz will have more opportunity to experiment before opting to filed an offensive minded team in UAE or revert back to his comfort zone of defense.

 

Farias acknowledges that “Queiroz is a great coach”

In the pre-match press conference between Team Melli and Bolivia at Azadi Stadium, the guest team coach , César Alejandro Farías said: “We will play a great match tomorrow which will be different from our other matches.”

The Bolivian soccer coach (45 years) who is a native of Venezuela , went on to mention Carlos Queiroz on the bench of the Iranian national team and acknowledged what a great coach is occupying the bench of Iran. “Iran has great players and coaches. The team played well in the World Cup and was strong in terms of defensive structure.”

“In our continental competitions, we have rivals like Argentina and Colombia who have great physical strength,” he added. ”There are very strong teams in South America. It’s hard for us to compete against these teams. We have to prepare ourselves very well to face the strong continental rivals. Iran is also doing the same to maintain its rank and reputation in Asia. “

Referring to Bolivian players, who are preparing to face Iran tomorrow “it is a great opportunity for the younger players. Based on their physical fitness, they can challenge for a starting line up in the team” .

Bolivia boss responding to queries whether Bolivia has brought the full team to Tehran, said ” We have very good players who are in good conditions in the team. Iran is a very good tactical team. Our next opponent is one of the best in Asia. Our team is preparing itself for the qualifications matches. As you know, Bolivia is playing its home matches at high altitudes above the sea level, and now we are going to experience different environmental conditions.”

He continued “We traveled a long way to reach Tehran. This trip will be good for players to measure their readiness and bodily conditions to play around the world.”

The Bolivian national football team coach commented on the chances of Iran winning the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE and said “Carlos Queiroz, who sits on a bench, is a great coach. Iran plays with good tactic and maintains a high standard. Iran national team was in the toughest World Cup group. But what we saw, was a fine display. While In London conference, we analyzed the World Cup games. Mr. Queiroz was also present. Iran’s strong performance was reviewed and analyzed. It is a team that played very well and very solid.”

At the end, Farias remarked: “I’ve been coaching in Venezuela for six years, and then I was involved in the South American under 20 competition. I was also in the Copa Libertadores and Superliga. I’m currently the Bolivian National football team coach. I am at the same time the coach of a Venezuelan club, my contract will become official as of the beginning of December. I have 25 years of coaching experience”

Mick McDermott raises the anger against Queiroz!

Mehr New sport service published an article on the recent exchanges between FFIRI personnel of Team Melli and Omid Team. The article is highly critical of Queiroz and his assistants and once again ignited the arguments against the Portuguese coach, who is never ever more than inches away from controversy.

Here is a brief excerpt

Mick McDermott the assistant coach of the team Melli, in response to Hamid Estilli’s remarks which he said that “I would go to the World Cup at my own expense and await the federation’s response to use the PAC Center”, the right hand man of Queiroz said “It seems that Mr. Estilli is confusing Team Melli with the circus! If you are looking to use the bear for a circus, you should use the bears that you have left in Myanmar.”

This is the comment of Carlos Queiroz s assistant. The Portuguese man who has been using such offensive and vulgar literature for many years over and over against some of Iran’s most respected sports personnel, soccer directors and officials including civil servants. He has now delegated  this task to his soldier to fire back at Hamid Estili

McDermott has used the same “bad” literature as Carlos Queiroz. The literature of “insult” to an Iranian legend is just like the style of the Portuguese professor and his student who will naturally follow suite.

Experts and the media have repeatedly criticized Queiroz and his subordinates for these coarse manners. Rude remarks, lack of respect and contempt, is contradictory to the Iranian culture, Queiroz camp has infuriated many respected personalities and it seems they are adamant to continue while there seems that nothing is going to repel them. Surely, a feeble head of the Federation who is on a shaky ground himself has neither the courage nor the desire to put them straight.

What kind of glory and successes has Queiroz and his coaching team achieved for Iran to justify such insults to everyone, is beyond comprehension!.  Which great success has been made for Iranian football, which is so outrageous to the footballers and honors of this country?

Hamid Estilli will always remain the hero in the history of Iranian football for that strike on the USA team in 1998, if Queiroz and his assistants have done a great job in the FIFA World Cup 2018, when they won a single match thanks to the their opponents’ own goal and drew once with a last minute penalty, the like of Estili have done many honors too.

If the Queiroz end result in the World Cup was praised by the leader of the Revolution, Hamid Estilli, with a goal against the United States, was especially praised by the Supreme Leader, and they kissed the goal scorer on the forehead.

Why Queiroz and his assistants think that they have done miracles for this football.?Team Melli won praise for the  good results in the World Cup, but which critic and football expert said that Iran’s played a beautiful game and showcased audience? Who is the fair expert who has forgotten the long minutes of “Hail Mary” style of football against Morocco, Spain and albeit to much less against Portugal?

Team Melli head coach and his assistants should know their limits and not extend their legs beyond their bed cover. Of course, in reality, they are not to be blamed, the blame is solely on the federation’s officials, who, from day one, did not take the correct action against misdemeanors of Queiroz for whatever reasons.

All what Hamid Estili said, which Queiroz and his assistant found offensive (..) , was a demand by Estili, the appointed Manager of Omid Team (U 23), for his squad to utilize the facilities of the national team camp. Is this training camp built for Queiroz and his assistants and players only?? It seems like that because the mere request by Estili has ignited the wrath of Queiroz coaching staff.

 

Who is Michael “Mick” McDermott

Born 1974 in Belfast,  Northern Ireland.  Irish former professional player, McDermott has held various coaching roles in professional football clubs as well as at the international level over the past 15 years. He has held coaching positions at some of Asia’s biggest Clubs; Al Ain FC (Abu Dhabi), Esteghlal FC (Tehran), Al Nasr FC (Dubai).

In 2011 he was part of Carlos Queiroz coaching staff. In 2012 he left his job with Team Melli citing family issues, but then joined Al Nasr club of Dubai in the same capacity of assistant coach. However, in 2017 he turned up in Iran once again this time as the assistant coach of Esteghlal lead by the German head coach Winfried Schäfer.  His contract was terminated in October 2017 and then he re-joined Carlos Queiroz in Team Melli where he is currently an Assistant Coach.