Iran will meet Iraq on Wednesday in the final Group D match to determine who will end up as head of the group. It will be a repeat of the quarter-final of AFC Asian Cup 2015 where Iraq came on top on penalties to qualify for the semi finals. This time round, there will be no penalty kicks. A draw is sufficient for Iran to clinch the table lead. This will be the 27th meeting between the two neighbors since  their first meeting 57 years ago in Amjadieh Stadium, Tehran in 1962.  Iran is on top by a big margin with 16 wins to Iraq's 4.  

HEAD 2 HEAD

H / A / N	Matches	W	D	L	GF	GA	+ / -
H	11	8	1	2	18	8	10
A	3	2	1	0	4	1	3
N	12	6	4	2	16	10	6
Total	26	16	6	4	38	19	19

  Match Date: 16 January 2019

• This is the seventh encounter between Iran and Iraq at the Asian Cup. Only one fixture has been played more frequently at the tournament (8 matches between South Korea and Kuwait).
• Iran have won four of their six previous Asian Cup encounters with Iraq (D1 L1, penalties excluded), scoring in all six of those encounters. However, their last encounter saw Iraq beat Iran on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2015 edition (3-3 a.e.t., 7-6 on pens).
• Iran are unbeaten in 19 group stage games at the Asian Cup (W15 D4), a run that stretches back to 1996, when they lost 2-1 to Iraq.
• Iraq will be looking to finish the group stages unbeaten for just the second time in the Asian Cup, last doing so in 2007 when they went on to win the tournament, defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final.
• Iran’s Sardar Azmoun is the first player to score three goals in the 2019 Asian Cup, he has already netted more than he did in the 2015 edition (2).
• The most common result in the 26 matches played between Iran and Iraq ended up 2-1

 

Table of Asian Cup

Asian Cup	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	+ / -
Total	6	4	1	1	12	6	6

 

Results in Asian Cup

Country	Date	Round		Score	Venue	Attendance
Australia	23.Jan.2015	Quarter Finals	N	3 - 3	Canberra Stadium , Canberra.	18,921
	Sardar AZMOUN (24), Morteza POURALIGANJI (103), Reza GHOOCHANNEJAD (119)
Qatar	11.Jan.2011	Group D	N	2 - 1	Rayyan Stadium , Doha	10,870
	Gholamreza REZAEI (41), Iman MOBALI (84)
Lebanon	18.Oct.2000	Group A	N	1 - 0	Municipal Stadium ,Sidon	8,582
	Ali DAEI (77)
UAE	07.Dec.1996	Group B	N	1 - 2	Al Maktoum Stadium , Dubai	20,000
	Ali DAEI (pen.) (77)
Iran	04.Jun.1976	Group B	H	2 - 0	Aryamehr Stadium, Tehran	50,000
	Nasser NOORAEI (45),  Hassan ROWSHAN (57)
Thailand	09.May.1972	Group A	N	3 - 0	National Stadium, Bangkok	5,000
	Hossein KALANI (34), (70), (78)

 

IRAN vs IRAQ FULL MATCHES LIST

Date	Comp.	H / A / N	Final score	Stadium	Attendance
23.01.2015	Asian Cup / Quarter Finals	N	3 - 3	Canberra Stadium , Canberra.	18,921
04.01.2015	Friendly International	N	1 - 0	WIN Stadium, Wollongong, NSW
11.01.2011	Asian Cup	N	2 - 1	Rayyan Stadium , Doha	10,870
01.10.2010	WAFF / Semi Final	N	2 - 1	King Abdullah Satdium - Amman	10,300
25.06.2007	WAFF / Final	N	2 - 1	International Stadium , Amman	8,000
16.06.2007	WAFF / Group B	N	0 - 0	International Stadium , Amman	5,000
04.10.2006	Others / LG CUP	A	2 - 0	King Abdulla Stadium , Amman	1,000
23.06.2004	WAFF / Semi Finals	H	2 - 1	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	15,000
13.08.2003	Others / LG CUP	H	0 - 1	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	20,000
05.09.2002	WAFF / Semi Finals	N	0 - 0	Al Abbassyin  Stadium , Damascus	2,000
12.10.2001	World Cup Qualifier	H	2 - 1	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	90,000
07.09.2001	World Cup Qualifier	A	2 - 1	Al Shaab Stadium, Baghdad	60,000
18.10.2000	Asian Cup	N	1 - 0	Municipal Stadium ,Sidon	8,582
07.12.1996	Asian Cup	N	1 - 2	Al Maktoum Stadium , Dubai	20,000
22.10.1993	World Cup Qualifier	N	1 - 2	Khalifa International Stadium, Doha	30,000
05.11.1989	Peace & Friendship Tour	N	0 - 0	Kadhma Stadium , Kuwait City	8,500
04.06.1976	Asian Cup	H	2 - 0	Aryamehr Stadium, Tehran	50,000
29.08.1975	Olympics Qualifier	H	1 - 0	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	80,000
13.09.1974	Asian Games / Semi Finals	H	1 - 0	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	85,000
09.05.1972	Asian Cup	N	3 - 0	National Stadium, Bangkok	5,000
07.03.1969	Friendship Cup	H	2 - 1	Amjadiah Stadium,Tehran
07.03.1966	Friendly International	H	2 - 1	Amjadiah Stadium,Tehran
03.01.1964	Olympics Qualifier	A	0 - 0	Sahat Al Kashafa , Baghdad	20,000
12.12.1963	Olympics Qualifier	H	4 - 0	Amjadiah Stadium,Tehran	25,000
03.06.1962	Friendly International	H	1 - 2	Amjadiah Stadium,Tehran	12,000
01.06.1962	Friendly International	H	1 - 1	Amjadiah Stadium,Tehran	10,000

• ONLY INTERNATIONAL FIFA MATCHES

Abu Dhabi

teammelli.com reports

Team Melli ensured qualification to the next round with its second win in as many matches after defeating a tough Vietnamese team 2 - 0. Both of goals were scored by the prolific Azmoun .

The match held in Al Neheyan Stadium in presence of a sizable crowd of 10,841 Vietnamese and Iranian fans in a gorgeous atmosphere and perfect weather. Both sets of fans start cheering from the beginning to the end.

As expected , Team Melli was in full control of the match leaving very little for the opposition who were obviously depending on long balls to penetrate the solid Iranian defense. The pacey Vietnamese forwards.,  however failed to create any scoring chances.

The midfield trio consisting of Dejagah, Ghoddos &, Ebrahimi manged to spread the game and have a tight grip on midfield. They also opened up Vietnam defenses with their through balls.

In 25th minute Azmoun lashed a powerful shot Dang Van Lam in Vietnam goal with a good reflex parried to corner.

The first goal was scored by Sardar Azmoun header from a perfect cross by Saman Ghoddos after the Amiens player was nicely set by Vouria Ghafoori pass on the right flank. Taremi, Dejagah and Ghoddos all has shots at goal in 1at half.

The half finished 1 -0 but Azmoun himself could have easily scored a hat trick.

In the second half, with a close score, Vietnam played more offensively looking to get back into the game. Their effort was nearly rewarded but for Alireza Biranvand's timely interception of Nguyen Cong Phuong on the 51st minute.

That Vietnam attack was the first real offensive move of the 2nd half. However, Team Melli's response was swift. The next move saw Azmoun creating a space to shoot, he did that with some venom. Vietnam keeper again deflected the ball in the path of Taremi , but the Al Gharafah forward rebound shot flew skyward.

On the hour, Queiroz made two substitutions, Ahmad Noorallahi replaced Amiri and Mehdi Torabi came in for Taremi.

Torabi's impact was immediate. It took him 5 minutes to create a chance for Azmoun. After receiving Torabi's pass,  the Rubin Kazan forward created space and with clinical finishing he shot into the far corner of on Vietnam goal.  2 - 0 for Iran.

Saman Ghoddos was a true fighter in this match and was one if the stars of the match with his assist. Torabi is a breath of fresh air with pace, agility and finesse. He also had an assist as a second half substitute.  Kanani-zadegan played very well in the center of the defence.

Overall it was a solid performance by Queiroz players.

The starting line up for the Vietnam match which will start in one hour time has been announced.   Alireza Beiranvand Vouria Ghafoori Morteza Pouraliganji Hossein Kanan-Zadegan Ehsan Hajsafi Omid Ebrahimi Saman Ghoddos Ashkan Dejagah Vahid Amiri Sardar Azmoun Mehdi Taremi  

Abu Dhabi Teammelli.com reports. Iran pre-match press conference was held in Al Nehayan stadium on Friday afternoon. Large number of reporters filled the conference room which began with a short statement by Iran head coach, Carlos Queiroz who was accompanied by his vice Captain Masoud Shojaei. Queiroz expressed his admiration of Vietnam team and specifically credited their wonderful coach for the progress of the team. He recognized that Iran has a difficult match in front of them tomorrow, but he is ready and well prepared as always. He has no injuries and is glad to know that for each position he has 4 players competing for a place in the lineup. All our energy is on the game against Vietnam Q. After the strong showing against Yemen, can the same result be repeated. A: We know what to do but not easy to play the same with each team. This is sport of football not theater. It is tough game especially with a team like Vietnam. They have played lots of matches and seem to have together. They have a great coach. Q we realize that there are no easy game , but is he thinking of goal difference in this match? A. No, not thinking of goal difference. As a leader I want to share fundamental values with my players. our foundation is respect for the opposition that is the basic principle that we operate on. Q Vingada has been observed with the squad. In which capacity or role? A. I always try to surround myself with the best in the business. In my career I tried to build a good network of expertise to support me and my team. Iran faces financial sanctions and the death of money makes it difficult to attack the professionals. Fortunately I have good friends who can help without any financial reward expected. I am very fortunate in that matter to have Nelo Vingada on my side. We are pleased with his contribution for free. Another person that deserves the mention is Dr Craig from Australia who is a great support for the squad. If you want to progress you should have 2 good teams , one good team on the pitch, and another good one outside it in form of coaching and support team. We are a good family, the players are like family. Of course, I have my own family but this team is another family to me. Q what is your opinions of Vietnam after Iraq match. A I mentioned earlier that I have a lot of respect for them. I was more impressed with the team after Iraq game. When Vietnam was leading it was due to positive and progressive football they were playing. I was not surprised with what I saw . The result was not fair for Vietnam, a draw would have been a fair result. In any case It is a warning for us not to take them lightly. I was lucky to see them play against Iraq. Q . Perhaps it is not the right time to ask, but we heard that you are going to Colombia? A. This is neither the place nor the time to ask such question, this press conference is about our game versus Vietnam and I request that the media respect that. I have a job to do and my job is up to the end of this tournament. The federation and the sport Minister deem that my contract should be up to this Asian Cup. That is what is on the table now. Q.

Abu Dhabi teammelli.com reprts.

Team Melli continued training for the upcoming match against Vietnam. On Thursday, the designated training facility for Team Melli was the cricket ground which is not far from the main stadium in Abu Dhabi and the team hotel.

The next training session on Friday will be held at the match venue, Al Neheyan stadium.

As the media is only allowed 15 minutes to observe the training, most of this time is spent on warm up and muscle stretching exercises. No tactical work is carried out in presence of the media.

Injury situation Alireza Jahanbakhsh was the only concern for the team, however, he has trained fully and expected to be ready for Vietnam match. Queiroz might opt to start him on the bench on Saturday.

The players are following their coach on their media statements on the matches and sticking with the party line. Nobody is taking about finals or lifting the trophy at this moment while the team only focuses on the next match.

The pre match press conference for the Vietnam match will be carried out in the Al Neheyan Stadium followed by the last training session before the Saturday match.

General view

This edition of Asian Cup is the closest in history despite the two large results by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Less known teams are flexing their muscles and giving it all. Turkmenistan was a real match for the mighty Japanese and even led the 4 times champions 1 - 0 at half time from a ferocious long-range shot, however, individual mistakes and lack of concentration by the Turkmen defense allowed Japan to come back from behind in the Second half which ended 3-2.

Jordan is the first team to qualify for round 16. Continue reading "AFC Asian Cup 2019 notes." →

Team Melli retained their position in 29th spot, with Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia's positions also unchanged at 29th, 41st, 50th, 53rd, and 69th respectively to complete Asia's top five. All five teams will convene in the United Arab Emirates, where they will be joined by 19 other nations - including hosts UAE - for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. Preparations for all teams have gathered pace with a series of friendly matches taking place over the next two weeks, before the Continental showpiece kicks off on January 5.   AFC Teams Top Ranking

Asia	World	Team	Total Points
1	29	Iran	1481
2	41	Australia	1436
3	50	Japan	1414
4	53	Korea Republic	1405
5	69	Saudi Arabia	1335
6	74	Syria	1322
7	76	China PR	1317
8	79	United Arab Emirates	1309
9	81	Lebanon	1296
10	82	Oman	1295
11	88	Iraq	1271
17	100	Vietnam	1229
26	135	Yemen	1106

Team Melli arrived in Doha on Monday evening for the start of the 10 days Training camp in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2019.

Soon after arriving in Doha, Team  Melli held its first training session in Doha's Aspire Camp. The training on Monday evening started by light work and warming up with the ball, doing tensile strides, and after a mini game, the squad continued on the ground with mini goals duels. The session eventually ended with stretching. One of the interesting points in the training today was the lack of adequate security for the tactical exercises of the team, so that the children practiced with the players at the training site!

Meanwhile, various sports teams, as well as different groups of people at the training site, were able to watch the training exercises, which surprised the players and members of the team's coaching staff.

Queiroz talked about the injury list of players and his hope of preparing them for the Asian tournament: "In the first stage of the camp, which will be in Doha Qatar, from December 17 to December 25, we will have 21 players in the camp. The official date of the final list of the national team is December 26th. We will announce December 25th the final list. We currently have 21 players in the camp, and 9 players are on the list of players in Europe. Thirty-five players are competing to the best of their ability to  make the final list of Team Melli. I believe these players have the chance to be present at the final squad. I hope that with the work that my staff will do in the next few days and with the grace  of God, we will have the best performance in the Asian Cup." Interestingly, Queiroz refuses to talk about challenging for the Asian Cup title.

Before the squad left Tehran's Imam Khomeini's airport, Carlos Queiroz went on another rant and criticism. This time he accused even the Minister of Sport for not paying due respect to the team!!

Many critics feel that Queiroz has a pre-package of justifications and excuses in case of failure. Apparently, NOT respecting the team is another major factor for possible failure.