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Disconsolate Ashkan Dejagah

Al Ain:

Veteran Iran midfielder Ashkan Dejagah cut a disconsolate figure after his side were eliminated from AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 at the semi-final stage by a 3-0 defeat to Japan on Monday. Appearing in the final four for the first time in 15 years, Team Melli held their own in a competitive first-half, but never recovered from the concession of Yuya Osako's opening goal, with Japan taking full control and ultimately cruising into Friday's final.

It was a forgettable conclusion to an Iranian campaign which had promised so much, but ended, once again, in knockout stage disappointment.

"I believe it was a good tournament for the players and, for the young players, it’s been a good experience," said former Bundesliga and Premier League star Dejagah.

"We performed well until this game. Even in this game, before we conceded, the team was performing well.

"Obviously, Japan are a good team. They put pressure on us, they wanted to go to the final as well, but if we had a little luck, if Sardar (Azmoun's) opportunity was converted into a goal in the first half, maybe the outcome of the game would have changed.

"But this is football, unfortunately we couldn’t do it today.

"While Carlos Queiroz's side had a number of potent attacking weapons on the pitch at Hazza bin Zayed's Stadium, they missed the creativity of suspended forward Mehdi Taremi, and Dejagah conceded the Al Gharafa forward's absence had made life difficult.

"Well, we have good players. I believe the whole team can play well," said the Iranian skipper.

"However, obviously Taremi’s absence affected us. He really helped us out in the last couple of games."

With four wins, no defeats and five clean sheets in their opening five matches, Iran were one of the AFC Asian Cup's form teams, leading many of the fans to dream of an end to their 43-year Asian title drought.

But, with those dreams unfulfilled, Dejagah, who will be 36 when the next AFC Asian Cup is held in 2023, said the result would take time to get over.

"We win together and we lose together. Unfortunately, today we couldn’t [win]. Nevertheless, thanks to the team for trying," he offered.

"It’s hard to talk right now. I have nothing to say. Some time must pass, it’s hard."

Queiroz calls time on Iran adventure

Al Ain:

Carlos Queiroz signalled his intention to stand down from his role as head coach of Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday after his side were knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 by Japan.

Yuya Osako’s double and a late strike from Genki Haraguchi mean Iran’s AFC Asian Cup-winning drought will extend for another four years after a 3-0 loss at Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium took the four-time winners into Friday’s final at Team Melli’s expense.

Queiroz has been at the helm of the Iran national team for eight years, but he suggested he will no longer continue a reign which has seen him lead the country to back-to-back appearances at the FIFA World Cup.

The most important thing for me today is to say I am so proud and this venture, this journey, of the Iranian players has been fantastic,” said Queiroz.

“They deserve to be in the final to be honest, but I think the most simple thing is to say, copying the famous song” ‘And now the end is here.’ And I’m very happy and very proud because I did it my way and it’s time to show my gratitude to the Iranian fans having coached these players and this team for eight years.

“I wish all of them the best of success that they deserve.”

Iran were making their first appearance in the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals since 2004 and shaded a competitive first half, but the game turned in the 56th minute when their defence switched off following a clash between Morteza Pouraliganji and Takumi Minamino.

While the Iranians protested to referee Christopher Beath, Minamino played on and delivered the cross from which Osako opened the scoring.

The Werder Bremen striker then doubled the lead from the penalty spot before Haraguchi put the result beyond any doubt in injury time with an emphatic strike as the Japanese advanced to a fifth AFC Asian Cup final since 1992.

“That moment created an emotional breakdown in my team and after that there was only one team on the pitch and that was Japan,” said Queiroz of the opening goal. “Just to say the best team won, the best team deserve to be in the final and congratulations to Japan.

“But special congratulations and a huge, huge, huge thank you to my players for everything they gave playing all these years, taking into consideration the difficulties, the adversity, the limits and the conditions they have. They are going to be in my heart for the rest of my life.”

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

That English idiom is a classic example which explains a lot about the ills of Iran's football..

Look very closely at this picture of moments just before Japan opened the scoring against Team Melli in the semi finals of the Asian Cup 2019. 5 players not 1 , 2 or 3 but 5 Iranian players, which is the whole of the defense line plus one are gathered at the corner of the box raising their hands and pleading with the referee to whistle for an imaginary foul!!

Even if there was a  genuine foul , a blatant foul for that, if these players do not realize by now that the action stops only when the referee blows his whistle, frankly speaking , they should not be playing for Iran at this level.

It is very harsh to say that, but unless the truth is told and unless the issues and shortfalls are tackled, Iran will never see another Asian Cup in our life time.

This picture typified the difference between the professional Japanese that have conquered the world with their technology , mind-set , intelligence and work ethics and Iranian who have always been  passionate, forgiving, accommodating  and emotional.

By the time those five Team Melli players realized that the game is alive , Minamino Takumi comfortably controlled the ball and had all the time in the world to adjust his posture , send a perfect cross without any Iranian bothering him for Yuya Osako to head home  (against the uncertain Beiranvand who completely hit an air ball)  and send it into the net.

This goal also exposed Iran's top keeper weakness which we have already mentioned before (see the article below)

It is a simple act that says volume of the difference in mentalities between the Japanese and it is just on reason why Japan has won 4 Asian cups and perhaps the fifth is on the way.

http://www.teammelli.com/2018/12/27/know-your-team-melli-players/

FFIRI announcement

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has issued a communique after the elimination of Team Melli from the AFC Asian Cup 2019 praising the performance of Team Melli players and the coaching teams on its achievement in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

The communique also appreciated the efforts of all government organs and ministries for its support for Team Melli during the competitions thanking them for their gestures and backing.

In the last part , it also wished Carlos Queiroz all the best in his future career.

Both FFIRI and Carlos Queiroz have talked about extension of his contract in case Iran won the AFC Asian Cup title, however, that did not materialize and it seems that Queiroz is on his way to Colombia.

Total Queirozian Collapse !

Al Ain, UAE

teammelli.com reports

After what looked like a close and competitive match in the first half between Japan and Iran , the second half saw a total collapse of Team Melli resulting in the heaviest defeat in official matches that Team Melli has suffered in 26 years. The 3-0 loss to Japan today was only equalled by the same result against South Korea in the World Cup 1994 qualifiers in Doha when the Team Melli collapsed under the coaching of Ali Parvin.

Team Melli was soundly beaten by a better team in all departments, but there is no escape finding the biggest culprit in this defeat and that is one Carlos Queiroz. The Portuguese coach simply ran out of ideas in the second half. Instead of the neat football that we have enjoyed in the last few games especially against China in the last round, Queiroz resorted to route one football. Direct balls from defense to the attack.

Sending Hail Mary footballs in the hope that Sardar Azmoun could out-muscle the Japanese defenders by nicking the ball and heading for goal. It simply did not work today. Azmoun was closely marked, not by one but sometimes two defenders. He was obviously closely studied by Japan and they have cleverly neutralized him. Yet, Queiroz insisted on doing the same again and again!

Karim Ansarifard who was introduced on the hours to supplement Azmoun, was not even in the game most of the time,

There was hardly any balls fed from the half backs Milad Mohammadi and Ramin Rezaeian. No crosses, no runs that could be counted as productive. The latter had a miserable day defending too. Alireza Jahanbakhsh was not really anywhere near his best and Vahid Amiri was a poor imitation of what we have seen of him.

That meant that Askhan Dejagajh had to burden the heaviest of loads, Ashkan did not disappointed, but a football match in this level cannot be won single-handedly by one player. It is a teamwork that Iran did not execute and plans collapsed.

Team Melli faced a real stiff opposition in the Japan players who are tactically accomplished, mentally superior and physically as strong as any team in Asian. While emotions and hypertension was evident in Team Melli players after the penalty, the Japanese played professionally and calmly.

And in their young coach Hajime Moriyasu, Queiroz found a real competitor. The recently appointed Japan coach  out foxed and outmaneuvered his much more illustrious and experienced counterpart Carlos Queiroz. The man has done his homework on Iran perfectly while Queiroz and his Captain Shojaei always insisted during press conferences that Team Melli will always plays the same regardless to the competition. “We will always play the way we play”!!!

Japan has certainly taught Iran a lesson that needs to be reviewed comprehensively if Team Melli has aspirations to progress.

It was a sad end for a team that has showed so much promise to collapse in such a manner. Despite the very obvious shortfalls of Carlos Queiroz in this match and his inability to match the tactics of the Japanese, it is prudent to learn from the good legacy of Queiroz and build upon it.  What Team Melli does not need after Queiroz's departure is to go a few step backward and opt for a local option to coach the team because of financial difficulties. What Iran requires for Team Melli is another Queiroz class coach

AFC Asian Cup 2019 semi final Iran v. Japan first Half

Al Ain Teammelli.com reports The first half of the match between Iran and Japan played in Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in the semi finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 ended goal-less.

In front of near capacity stadium mostly consisting to Team Melli fans , the match started in a competitive and tense manner. Both teams started cautiously with each  aware of the threats the other team can create. Japan had the upper hand in the first 20 minutes by limiting the threats of Iran from the midfield. They succeeded to do so by populating the midfield and breaking the supply line from Dejagah mainly and from Jahanbaksh and Amiri. In the process the Japanese also created some pressure of their own on Iran back line but without any real threat.

After the 20 mints mark, the scenario changed with Iran having more of the ball and managing to get feed Azmoun who created the best chance of the match on 21st minute. From the left, Azmoun dribbled passed two of his markers inside the six yard box about his final shoot was blocked by the keeper and defender for a corner.

TM continued to excert pressure on Japanese and were the better side but not serious enough to dislodge the tough defense of Japan.

Vahid Amiri committed a clumsy foul to receive a yellow card in 25th minute. This is his 3rd card of the tournament. Amiri obviously requires a proper professional training  in tackling.

Unlike previous matches, the feeding and crosses from the flanks were scarce which forced Team Melli to route one football by utilizing long balls to Azmoun who was a constant threat to the Japan defense.

Iran players were committing needless fouls at times , Ebrahimi got a yellow card late in the half.

Half Time

IRAN  0  - 0  JAPAN

Al Ain: Ahead of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 semi-final between two unbeaten giants of Asia, the-AFC.com looks at the key facts and history surrounding the eagerly-anticipated clash.

No Taremi for Team Melli

The major team news ahead of the semi-final is the enforced absence of Mehdi Taremi, who will miss Monday's clash through suspension having collected a second yellow card against China PR.

While card trouble has cost them the Al Gharafa star, who has scored three goals in UAE 2019, the Iranians will welcome back Vahid Amiri, while Yoshinuri Muto returns from suspension for Japan.

Outstanding yellow cards were erased following the quarter-finals, meaning only a red card in Monday's match will result in a player missing the final.

Carlos Queiroz's Iran have become one of only three teams in history to go through their first five games at an AFC Asian Cup without conceding a goal, but the amazing record of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand goes back even further.

The Persepolis shot-stopper has represented his country in 20 competitive matches (including UAE 2019 and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and finals) and conceded only four goals, keeping a remarkable 17 clean sheets, with only Portugal, Spain and Syria finding a way past him.

Japan have claimed a piece of statistical history of their own in the UAE. Hajime Moriyasu's side are the first ever to win five successive matches by a single-goal winning margin.

Asian powerhouses, divergent histories

The two sides are both Asian football powerhouses, having qualified for the past two FIFA World Cups - and in Japan's case, every edition since 1998 - but the East Asians have had far more recent success on the continental stage.

While Iran are enjoying the excitement of being 90 minutes away from reaching the AFC Asian Cup final for the first time since 1976, Japan have been champions in four of the last seven editions, and three of the current squad were part of the victorious 2011 team.

Japan have only ever lost once at this stage of the competition, a 3-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2007, which was also the last time the Samurai Blue lost any AFC Asian Cup match outside of penalty shootouts.

Despite making their first appearance in the last four since 2004, Iran have not a lost a single AFC Asian Cup match inside 90 minutes this century, with three of their previous eliminations coming from the penalty spot, and the other twp - both defeats to Korea Republic - suffered in extra time.

Unfamiliar foes

Despite their permanent presence in the latter stages of both the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifying, Japan and Iran have consistently managed to avoid each other in competition draws.

It has been over a decade since their last competitive fixture, a 2-1 Samurai Blue win in 2005, while their last AFC Asian Cup clash came back in 2004 when the two sides shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in Group D.

 

Head2Heads

IRAN VS JAPAN
H / A / N Matches W D L Goals + / -
H 3 1 2 0 5 - 4 1
A 3 0 1 2 2 - 4 -2
N 11 5 3 3 12 - 10 2
Total 17 6 6 5 19 - 18 1
 

Matches

Date Competition H / A / N score Stadium Attendance
13.10.2015 Friendly H 1 - 1 Azadi Stadium , Tehran 15,000
17.08.2005 World Cup Qualifier A 1 - 2 Nissan Stadium , Yokohama 65,000
25.03.2005 World Cup Qualifier H 2 - 1 Azadi Stadium, Tehran 120,000
28.07.2004 Asian Cup N 0 - 0 Olympics Sport Centre , Chongqing 52,000
11.08.1999 Friendly A 1 - 1 International Stadium, Yokohama 35,860
16.11.1997 World Cup Qualifier N 2 - 3 Larkin Stadium-Johor Bahru 22,000
18.10.1993 World Cup Qualifier N 2 - 1 Al Khalifa Stadium , Doha 15,000
03.11.1992 Asian Cup A 0 - 1 Big Arch Stadium , Hiroshima 37,000
01.10.1990 Asian Games N 1 - 0 Fengtai Sports Center-Beijing 10,000
20.01.1989 Friendly H 2- 2 Azadi Stadium, Tehran 50,000
04.12.1988 Asian Cup N 0 - 0 Qatar FC Stadium , Doha 4,000
22.09.1986 Asian Games N 2 - 0 Hanbat Stadium, Daejeon 30,000
20.11.1982 Asian Games N 0 - 1 Modeltown Stadium-New Delhi 10,000
18.12.1966 Asian Games N 1 - 0 Tarua Football Stadium-Bangkok 20,000
11.12.1966 Asian Games N 1 - 3 Chulalongkon University Stadium-Bangkok 10,000
08.03.1951 Asian Games N 3 -2 Ambedkar Stadium -New Delhi 30,000
07.03.1951 Asian Games N 0 - 0 Ambedkar Stadium - New Delhi 23,000

Iran- Japan match is sold out.

As expected, the semi final of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 between Iran and Japan is a sold out.

The match on Monday in Al Ain will be played in the new Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium which has a capacity of 25,000 seats. It is expected that the majority of the fans will be Iranians living in UAE and quite a few who will be coming from Iran for the match. The last match that was a sell out involved Team Melli in the match in Dubai's Al Maktoum stadium vs. Iraq. Tickets were sold in black market for that match.

The second semi final will be played in the main Zayed Sport City stadium which twice as big as the one in Al Ain.

Team Melli players will be exempted from Military service if.....

The Ministry of Sports announced that Iranian national football team players conscripted or undertaking the compulsory military service, will be exempted or released from military service if Iran wins the Asian Cup.

According to ISNA, the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Sports quoted Mohammad Reza Davarzani as saying that the soldiers of the national team have been exempted from the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Davarzani, in an interview with journalists, said that according to the announcement by Sardar Kamali , commander and chief of staff of the Armed Forces, all players of Team Melli who are members of the squad are included in the exemption if Iran wins the AFC Asian Cup title.

Team Melli vs China: players rating and performance review.

It was yet , another majestic display by Team Melli under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz. against China. Team Melli has not only enhanced its reputation as a team that can play modern and beautiful football, it also laid a solid claim and are the Chief contender for the title of AFC Asian Cup 2019. Yet, neither Queiroz nor any of his players are talking beyond the next match. It is a wise and measured move but it does not mask the fact that from what we have seen in the last two weeks, Iran is the best team that has dominated its opposition and won matches deservedly on merit and perhaps with a class above the rest. China was well beaten by Team Melli and much credits should go for one player, Sardar Azmoun. The Ruben Kazan forward was on a mission and he succeeded by mixture of strength, skill and determination. The Chinese defense, in truth, had a big role in the defeat of their team with some poor defending and suspect decision making. China, however, was not a minnow team and did not lack the skills required at such level of football. They are guided by one of the world best and famous coaches in Marcello Lippi. A world Cup winner and a coach who has a trail of trophies behind him. Queiroz, on the other hand, out foxed the master in every department and his team came out a clear winner. Queiroz has masterfully rotated the team for this tournament. He is the envy of the rest of the teams in UAE because he is spoiled for choices in every department. The absence of Vahid Amiri was not even felt. Hopefully , the same will be true against Japan when Mehdi Taremi will be missing due to his suspension. Team Melli dominated the center and at times defended deep. their teamwork was a delight to watch. On my occasions, the series of short and fast passes interchanged between the players intimidated the Chinese who were chasing shadows. Despite the fact that most of the goals came either from long balls or route one followed by a Chinese defense blunder, that doe not hide the fact that Iran was the better team in all departments. To be able to take advantage of the opposition mistakes , you need the quality player to do that. Team Melli had the right quality to punish mistakes by opposition defenders. If there were some negative points, they were the same ones that were mentioned in other matches too and that is the wastefulness of the forwards, particularly Mehdi Taremi. It is very difficult to criticize a player who scored one goal and provided an assist for another, but Taremi was really appalling when he missed an open goal from a few meters after the ball was given to him on a plate by a perfect header from Kanani-Zadegan. It was a shocking miss! Overall, it was an emphatic win in the quarter final of the AFC Asian Cup. Now……Bring on Japan.

PLAYERS RATING

  • Alireza Beiranvand (7.5): Hardly tested but when required he did his job perfectly.
  • Milad Mohammadi (7.5):  Routine day, defensive work was excellent, however, limited venturing forward to neutralize possible opposition fast breaks.
  • Morteza Pouraliganji (8): Another solid performance. His strong tackling and marking left very little space for the Chinese forwards.
  • Ramin Rezaeian (6.5): Improving with every match despite the fact that Queiroz wise squad rotation is not giving Rezaeian regular starting place.
  • Hossein Kanani-Zadegan (7.5): Only his second start of the tournament, however, he was as good as any of the regular players. When called upon for offensive work on corners, he nearly assisted in a goal but for Taremi’s profligate finishing from close range.
  • Omid Ebrahimi (7.5): Another solid exhibition of sheer power and tenacity. His defensive duties were executed perfectly. Strong and reliable as a holding midfileder. Tireless runner with great stamina.
  • Ashkan Dejagah (8): Continued where he left off. His vision, ability to find players on flanks and timely dribbling made a big impact on the game. Although he did not assist in the goals, his domination of the center of the park was excellent.  
  • Alireza Jahanbaksh (7.5): Continues his recovery and put up a good shift against China. Substituted in the second half.
  • Ehsan Hajsafy (7): Had a quiet game in the midfield zone. Nearly scored from a long range shot from outside the box, but the Chinese keeper saved it with full stretch.
  • Mahdi Taremi (7.5): Scored a goal and provided an assist for the third, however, he is still clumsy and wasteful. A player in his class should not miss an open goal, and that reckless challenge on a Chinese player cost him a yellow card and a suspension. Many rough edges to his game.
  • Sardar Azmoun (10): The best of the lot. A really great performance by Sardar capped with an assist and a goal. He was on turbo mode today running at the Chinese defense and creating havoc. He could have score more goals too.
  Substitutes 
  1. Saman Ghoddos (7): Proving his quality every time he comes on. He does need to have more playing time to reach the peak of his performance and improve his teamwork.
  2. Roozbeh Cheshmi (7): Had a decent game and stuck to the script.
  3. Karim Ansarifard (8): In his short spell on the field, he scored a beautiful goal which proves that he can be a clinical finisher. He needs to deliver more frequently to dislodge Taremi.