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Queiroz announces new Team Melli squad

Carlos Queiroz announced a provincial list of 32 players for the upcoming training camp and the friendly international match against Macedonia. 3 players from the title holder Esteghlal Khuzestan have been named in the squad which included a number of new names. 10 players playing abroad are in the squad including the two top scorers Sardar Azmoun and Karim Ansarifard.    
No Player Name  Posn. Club
1 AKHBARI, Mohammad Reza GK Tractorsazi
2 AMIRI, Vahid FW Naft Tehran
3 ANSARIFARD, Karim FW Panionios FC (GRC)
4 AZMOUN, Sardar FW FC Rostov (RUS)
5 BIRANVAND, Alireza GK Naft Tehran
6 DEJAGAH, Ashkan MF Al Arabi (QAT)
7 EBRAHIMI, Omid MF Esteghlal
8 EZZATOLLAHI, Saeid MF FC Rostov (RUS)
9 GHAFOORI, Vourya DF Sepahan Esfahan
10 HAGHIGHI, Alireza GK CS Marítimo (POR)
11 HAJSAFY, Ehsan DF FSV Frankfurt (GER)
12 HOSSEINI, Jalal DF Naft Tehran
13 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza MF AZ Alkmaar (NED)
14 KAMYABINIA, Kamaleddin DF Persepolis
15 KOURESHI, Siamak DF Naft Tehran
16 MAHINI , Danial DF Esteghlal Khuzestan
17 MAZAHERI, Mohammad Rashid GK Zob Ahan
18 MOHAMMADI, Milad DF Rah Ahan
19 MONTAZERI, Pejman DF Al Ahli (QAT)
20 PAHLAVAN, Ehsan FW Zob Ahan
21 POURALIGANJI, Morteza DF Al Sadd (QAT)
22 POURGHAZ, Ezzatollah DF Malavan Anzali
23 RAFIEI, Sourosh FW Tractorsazi
24 RAHMANI, Bakhtiyar MF Tractorsazi
25 REZAEIAN, Ramin MF Persepolis
26 SHOJAEI, Masoud MF Al-Gharafa (QAT)
27 SHOJAEIAN, Dariush MF Gostaresh Foolad
28 TAREMI, Mehdi FW Persepolis
29 TAYYEBI, Mohammad DF Esteghlal Khuzestan
30 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik MF Saipa
31 TORABI, Mehdi MF Saipa
32 ZEHAIVI, Rahim FW Esteghlal Khuzestan

Queiroz: Now it will be easier to reach the World Cup

Iran national football team coach, referring to his talks with President of Football Federation said that now it's easier to get to the World Cup. He stressed that Mehdi Taj did not accept his resignation or departure from the outset.

According to ISNA the newly elected head of FFIRI had a series of meeting after his victory in the election with Carlos Queiroz. 

After the last meeting with Mehdi Taj, Queiroz attended the press conference with representatives of mass media. He began by stating his future with Team Melli " As you all know, on February 13th 2016 , I submitted my resignation effective the beginning of May. Then we had a meeting on 9th April , where several issues were raised. All to do with my concerns and problems about the facilities and support for Team Melli.  We came to two conclusions. First, as the head of FFIRI , Mr. Taj did not accept my resignation and did not agree on bilaterally letting me go."

" the second concern, the major concern in my opinion, is that Iran's World Cup begins June of this year not in 2018. Since Taj is realizing that,  it is now that we have to start our hard work. My job is that much easier when the hierarchy understands the seriousness of the situation".

Queiroz continued "We have reached a conclusion that priority will be given to Team Melli to ensure success. Our objective is to qualify for the World Cup. In the next 5 months we have 5 games to play which is 15 points and the next year program there is a total of 21 points to be contested. To achieve qualification , we need total commitment in order to answer the aspiration of the fans. . The national team needs to  be together, and those who love the national team must support it, we need to succeed with them."

queiroz

Queiroz dodged the question about the events in Ayfmark , the Center for Medical Research and Talent Management , where he was alleged to have used foul language and had an altercation with the personnel there over some activities that was deemed unauthorized. His response was " I think the question is not important now . Something that is important is that we need to have adequate resources and support. South Korea team has many sponsors for the 2018 World Cup campaign while the fact is that Iranian companies are shying away from sponsorship deals to support us in this  campaign. China in our Group also has great resources. Yesterday it was officially announced that for their preparation, they have allocated  $ 50 million budget. If money is abundant for Team Melli it will be a big bonus that can help us progress. "

If I was  not confident that Taj will not deliver on his promises , I would not have been here and still working for Team Melli.

National coach of Iran in response to the question of the prospects of Team Melli now that Taj has taken over the presidency of the football federation , and if that will differ from Kaffashian's era when many promises were given but very few delivered. "I am not concerned about the past. I Believe that Taj and Kaffashian have the same ideas . If I was  not confident that Taj will not deliver on his promises , I would not have been here and still working for Team Melli. I have faith in Taj and his promises. I remember that several times at news  conferences I declared that now is not the time for promises but work and delivery"

He added that "next week we will have a training camp in preparation for the Macedonia  game, even with the problems that we face like the Hazfi Cup final rendering many of our players unable to be in the camp. This was not the plan we have and certainly affects the national team. It happened before the World Cup qualifiers but I am confident that the management of FFIRI and football community , should no longer commit the previous mistakes. Our doors are open and we welcome all. Anyone with a good heart and an open mind can say what he wants. Even different opinions are welcome."

"At least now that we are confident of management awareness of the difficulties facing the squad, and aware that the head of the federation is trying to find solutions to them, our spirit is higher. When you're faced with two options. The first option is that if you do not solve the problem you're faced with further problems. The second option is to solve the problem and open the node."

He continued " we need to work together now and we're looking for the best way to prepare national team. It is an unfair to compare ourselves with China and Qatar. They have better training facilities and richer resources , so that is 2-0 for them. They both have good foreign players in their Leagues and that helps them too , so that is 3-0 already. Add to that , the good coaches  in their clubs and teams that will promote them, so it is 4-0. Charter flights for their team and good hotels make that 5-0. However , with our good preparation we will be 6 points ahead so it will be 5-6 for us(...)"

Queiroz Dejagah Ansarifard
Queiroz Dejagah Ansarifard

Queiroz added " With the enthusiastic support of the fans , the players will strive to reach the final with a result of 8 to 5. The issue is very clear. The main subject is the best preparation we can afford and that is how we can succeed. There are two examples in the world this year. Leicester City team was the first example and the second example Esteghlal Khuzestan . I deem it necessary once again to congratulate the team and its coach. With these examples we can keep football alive. You can not buy a championship trophy , it is too precious to be bought. If the championship was paid for, then Real Madrid and Manchester City will win every year. You can take a big step and prepare to succeed."

Queiroz concluded " I will prepare an overall program and provide the details at a later stage. The first camp will be held in Tehran and then to Macedonia and unfortunately we have not been able to coordinate our second game. If we can coordinate our second game our players will have  to relax and go on vacation before we start early preparation of the World Cup. "

Sardar Azmoun continues to excel

Team Melli's forward, Sardar Azmoun is continuing to impress in the Russian league with his team FC Rostov. Azmoun , who is on loan with Rostov has just scored his 8th league goal against Ural on Monday to set up a thrilling final round of the Russian league.

CSKA Moscow is leading the table with 62 points with one match to go , while Azmoun's FC Rostov is in hot pursuit in 2nd place with 60 points. Interestingly, in the final round CSKA Moscow will meet Azmoun's original team Rubin Kazan on 21st May in Kazan. A win will secure them the Russian League title.

Meanwhile FC Rostov will not be travelling too far with an away match to Terek Grozny  lying 7th in the table. FC Rostov must win to stand any chance of catching  CSKA Moscow in case of a slip up  in Kazan.

 

Veisi defies the odds, Esteghlal Khuzestan is the champion of Iran.

it is simply a fairy-tale. A little known team from Khuzistan's capital Ahvaz lifts the Persian Gulf title on a thrilling final day of the Persian Gulf football league season 2015/16.

The champions title was contested by 3 teams Persepolis [54 pts GD +15] , Esteghlal Tehran [51 pts +15]  and the tiny club from the south Esteghlal Khuzestan [54 pts GD 17].

Persepolis had the easiest of the tasks on paper as they were facing the relegation zone team, Rah Ahan at Azadi. Both Estghlals had a much tougher oppositions in the penultimate day. Tehran's side was facing Saba while Ahvazi had to beat the strong Zob Ahan team from Esfahan who are still involved in the AFC Asian Champions League.

In front of over 100,000 passionate and hyped up supporters in Azadi stadium,  Persepolis started nervously. They had to win and score two goals more than Esteghlal Khuzestan if both teams ended up winning their matches. Persepolis was quite hopeful to win its first title in years after some gallant performances under the guidance of Branko Ivankovic.  The former Team Melli coach, took Persepolis from the abyss of the league to the top with his shrewdness, style and experience. However, the reds faltered couple of rounds ago going down to Naft Tehran 0-2. Rah Ahan defended well  as losing would mean relegation for them.

Meanwhile in the south , Esteghlal Khuzestan was defeating Zob Ahan 2-0, While Saba Qom and Esteglal Tehran ended in a 1-1 draw

Persepolis 2-1 win in jam-packed Azadi was not good enough and the title was handed to Abdollah Veisi's young team, Esteghlal Khuzestan.

Veisi  (45 years) the local boy born in the city of Ahvaz, is nicknamed  Guardiola,  more for his looks rather than style. He has a remarkable resemblance to the Spaniard,  and has really created a footballing miracle in Iran. With a budget a fraction of the size of the likes of Esteghlal Tehran and Persepolis, Veisi assembled a bunch of local lads from Ahvaz, Abadan , Soosongard and other towns in Khuzestan to create a formidable team that is  now the League Champions of Iran.

None of his players are household names and not even a single player is selected by Carlos Queiroz for Team Melli squad, not many football fans have even heard of Esteghlal Khuzestan let alone thinking of them, as potential champions material. The story of the Esteghlal of Khuzestan is not too dissimilar from now World famous Leicester City of England. A year before facing relegation both teams in their respective leagues were facing relegation. This year they are champions against all the odds and on full merit.

Esteghlal Ahvaz was promoted to top flight of Iranian football in 2013. Abdollah Veisi coached them to 12th position in his first season, three points better than from relegation zone. In the second season, Veisi and his team ended up in the 14th position which placed them in relegation play-off where they played against Mes Kerman. Esteghlal Khuzestan won the play-off 3–0 on aggregate and survived the drop.

A hearty congratulation to Abdollah Veisi and is young Esteghlal Khuzestan team.

The Final standing

#   Team MP W D L F A D P Last 5 matches
1 Previous rank: 2 30 15 12 3 33 14 +19 57 WWWDD
2 Previous rank: 3 30 16 9 5 50 34 +16 57 WWLWW
3 Previous rank: 1 30 13 13 4 43 28 +15 52 DLWWL
4   30 13 12 5 43 27 +16 51 WWWLD
5   30 13 10 7 30 21 +9 49 DWWLD
6   30 11 13 6 38 26 +12 46 LWWDD
7   30 9 15 6 30 24 +6 42 DDWDD
8 Previous rank: 10 30 11 7 12 28 31 -3 40 DWLLD
9 Previous rank: 8 30 10 9 11 36 32 +4 39 DLLDL
10 Previous rank: 11 30 10 9 11 30 35 -5 39 WLLLW
11 Previous rank: 9 30 8 14 8 29 30 -1 38 LLWWD
12   30 9 8 13 26 37 -11 35 DLWLW
13 Previous rank: 14 30 7 6 17 23 34 -11 27 WLLWD
14 Previous rank: 13 30 5 12 13 23 35 -12 27 LDLWL
15   30 5 10 15 24 36 -12 25 LWLWD
16   30 2 7 21 16 58 -42 13 LLLLD
 

   

Results of autopsy on Mehrdad Ouladi revealed.

An official spokesman for the District Attorney , denied that the death of former Team Melli and Malavan player was an act of suicide.

Mehrdad Ouladi , was pronounced dead in a Tehran hospital after he was taken to the Emergency Ward in an ambulance from his home. The doctors said that the 30 years old player had suffered a heart attack and all efforts to revive him were fruitless.

In the absence of official reports, rumors were rife that the Malavan player was suffering from depression and subsequently has took his own life. However, the spokesman for the Attorney General in Tehran declared today that the result of the post mortem was excessive consumption of alcohol and substances which has led to Ouladi's heart failure.

Mehrdad Ouladi passed away on 19th April 2016. 

Givova , the new Kit Supplier of Team Melli.

The Football Federation reveled the newest Team Melli kit by Givova in a low key ceremony in Tehran.

The FFIRI has already announced that the contract with the German sportswear manufacturer UHLSport will be extended by suddenly the hardly known brand of Givova has cropped up in the scene and signed with the Federation as the kit supplier. The Italian firm has only one other client amongst the 210 FIFA members and that is Malta national Team.

All other famous and not so famous Asian teams have world-renowned brands such as Adidas, Puma ,  Nike but Kaffashian administration managed to find the most obscure brand of sport wear to supply the national team !

The other interesting fact is that the politically sensitive Iranians have elected Givova brand despite it being the supplier and sponsor of Israel National handball team.

Givova is a sportswear and footwear trademark founded in 2008 in Scafati (Italy) by Giovanni Acanfora.

Iran maintains top Asian FIFA ranking April 2016

Team Melli steadfastly is sitting at the top of Asian ranking in the latest FIFA Ranking published today in Zürich. Meanwhile Australia (50th)  jumped 4 places in continental ranking and replaced Japan as the 2nd team, South Korea (54) is in third while the Japanese (57) dropped to 4th. The other Group 2 opponent teams in the final rounds of FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers set as follows: China: 8th  and  81  Qatar: 10th & 83 Syria: 14th & 110    
Rank Team Total Points Previous Points +/- Positions Avg. AVG WGT Avg. AVG WGT Avg. AVG WGT Avg. AVG WGT
 1 42 IRNIran 672(672.3) 672 0 321.98 321.98 336.87 168.43 439.32 131.80 250.48 50.10
 2 50 AUSAustralia 601(600.64) 601 0 353.81 353.81 272.17 136.09 240.62 72.19 192.79 38.56
 3 54 KORKorea Republic 591(591.29) 579 2 316.17 316.17 312.46 156.23 217.75 65.32 267.84 53.57
 4 57 JPNJapan 577(577.02) 577 0 266.44 266.44 335.96 167.98 213.61 64.08 392.56 78.51
 5 60 KSASaudi Arabia 559(559.01) 559 0 380.91 380.91 118.20 59.10 297.06 89.12 149.41 29.88
 6 66 UZBUzbekistan 549(548.8) 549 0 311.74 311.74 181.07 90.54 303.39 91.02 277.53 55.51
 7 68 UAEUnited Arab Emirates 521(520.95) 521 0 256.74 256.74 242.20 121.10 291.77 87.53 277.90 55.58
 8 81 CHNChina PR 423(423.24) 423 0 234.48 234.48 245.50 122.75 132.40 39.72 131.43 26.29
 9 82 JORJordan 418(418.02) 418 0 257.18 257.18 61.72 30.86 272.08 81.62 241.77 48.35
 10 83 QATQatar 416(416.24) 416 0 251.18 251.18 171.62 85.81 162.51 48.75 152.51 30.50

Alireza Jahanbakhsh: The eye-catching Iranian, in name and style

The 60-second story

Born in the tiny town of Jirandeh in the mountainous Armalu District in northern Iran, Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s career started in humble surrounds when he joined the youth academy of local club Damash Gilan.

 

FACTBOX

  • Date of birth: August 11, 1993
  • Place of birth: Jirandeh, Iran
  • Height: 1.80m
  • Position: Attacking midfielder
  • Current club: AZ Alkmaar

After a brief spell with Damash Tehran, an affiliate of Gilan, he returned to his parent club in 2011 and made his Iranian Pro League debut as a 17-year-old in a 1-1 draw against Mes Kerman, making him one of the youngest players in the club’s history.

Ten goals in 42 appearances for Damash Gilan, along with a number of eye-catching performances for Iran’s under-20 and under-23 national teams, including five goals in four games in the qualification for the 2012 AFC Under-19 Championships, caught the attention of Dutch side N.E.C.

The talented winger was promptly signed to a three-year deal in July 2013.

 
The youngster has impressed during his time in Holland.

While the club struggled on the pitch and was ultimately relegated at season’s end, Jahanbakhsh excelled, scoring six times and providing five assists in 33 matches.

Playing in the second-tier Eerste Divisie only hastened his development as he helped N.E.C. gain promotion back to the Eredivisie with 12 goals in 28 matches, which caught the attention of some of Holland’s bigger clubs.

A move to AZ Alkmaar on a five-year contract was sealed in August last year, and while he struggled for a spot in the side at the start of this season, he has since established himself as a regular for the two-time Eredivisie champions. He already has 19 appearances and scored two goals, his first coming in January this year against his former club N.E.C.

Iran exited last year's Asian Cup in a quarter-final defeat to Iraq

Why you need to know him

Alongside fellow whiz-kid Sardar Azmoun, Jahanbakhsh will be the star of the Iranian national team for the next decade. In a country that demands success and entertaining football, the pacy winger has all the attributes to be a long-term standout for Team Melli, with some likening him to former Iranian legend and 2003 Asian Player of the Year Mehdi Mahdavikia.

As the top-ranked team in Asia, Iran will be expecting to qualify for their second consecutive FIFA World Cup and after playing only a bit-part in Brazil (44 minutes in total), the 22-year-old Jahanbakhsh will want to play a leading role on the road to Russia, and in the tournament itself if Iran qualifies.

Strengths

Fellow national team youngster Sardar Azmoun is thrilled by the prospect of playing alongside him for the next decade

Like the aforementioned Mahdavikia, Jahanbakhsh has pace to burn on the flanks, primarily on the right, but is far from being a one-trick-pony. He knows how to finish and has both an excellent crossing ability, the avenue of a lot of his assists, and the ability to find the back of the net, with a calmness in front of goal. With poise that belies his tender age, he has great game awareness and knows what to do in the right moments.

And for a player who only stands at 180cm, his aerial ability is surprisingly strong, making him a weapon all over the park.

Weaknesses

While he is strong in the air for his small stature, his small physique can see him bumped off the ball too easily at times against more physical defenders. To make up for this he can commit quite a few fouls, with five yellow cards already this season for AZ following on from nine yellows and one red card in his two seasons with N.E.C.

Jahanbakhsh has drawn comparisons with Iranian great Mehdi Mahdavikia. Photo: iranfootballteam.com

They said

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 by Jahanbakhsh, fellow national team youngster Azmoun, who is generating just as much excitement in Tehran, is also thrilled by the prospect of playing alongside the winger for Team Melli for the next decade.
“Jahanbakhsh and me have been doing well. We are great friends and hope to serve the country for a long period of time.”

Did you know?

Mahdavikia, the player some Iranian fans think Jahanbakhsh can emulate, was partly responsible for the then 20-year-old making the move to Europe. He encouraged the young star, who was his teammate at Damash Gilan in 2011-12, to take the plunge and ignore more lucrative offers from the likes of Iranian giants Persepolis, even visiting him in Holland to ensure he had settled in.

And while he admits to some initial struggles, settle in he did. After being named behind only Memphis Depay as the best young player in the Eredivisie in the 2013-14 season, Jahanbakhsh went one better in 2014-15 when he won the Golden Ball as the player of the season in the Eerste Divisie with 12 goals and 18 assists from 28 matches.

What happens next?

With qualification for Russia a distinct possibility, he would (have) the perfect window to impress bigger clubs

Jahanbakhsh has said he prefers to stay in Holland to develop his career, knocking back offers from France and Turkey before signing with N.E.C. in 2013, and with a five-year contract with AZ Alkmaar under his belt he certainly has a chance to do that.

“I always follow my heart. I had offers from France and Turkey, but didn’t accept them. I was also close to a move to Persepolis, the biggest club in Iran, but preferred to play abroad," he said recently.

Still only 22, the right-winger has the world at his feet. With Iran about to enter into the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Jahanbakhsh will likely play an increased role in Carlos Queiroz’s side.

With qualification for Russia a distinct possibility for Team Melli, he would be just the right age and with the perfect window to impress the bigger clubs in Europe. With reports that Celtic and Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the winger in recent years, don’t expect Jahanbakhsh to see out his five-year deal with AZ.

 

Mehrdad Ouladi passes away !

The former Team Melli player , Mehrdad Ouladi passed away hours ago  (Tuesday afternoon) in suspicious circumstances in Tehran.

The 30 years old ex Persepolis, Esteghlal and Malavan player was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A large number of people attended the emergency ward including teammates and family members.

Ouladi who had so much promise when he came into the ranks of Persepolis , never managed to achieve his potential. The Qa'em-Shahr born player played professional football in the UAE league with Al Shabab in 2006 until 2009.

Ouladi played 13 games for Team Melli scoring 1 goals. He also played for several National Team age levels.

 

Iran drawn against Korea Rep. again.

Iran was drawn with Korea Rep. , Uzbekistan , Qatar , China and Syria in Group A of the FIFA World Cup 2018 Final qualification rounds. The draw was conducted by AFC General Secretary Dato Windsor John, with a helping hand from former Korea Republic star Park Ji-sung. Numerous personalities were in attendance, headed by the coaches of the teams that will contest the third round. The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking was used to split the 12-country field into six pots. These were then drawn into two groups of six teams, who will do battle for direct qualification to Russia 2018 between 1 September 2016 and 5 September 2017. Both group winners and runners-up will go straight through to the 2018 World Cup. Meanwhile, the two teams that finish third will meet in a two-legged showdown on 5 and 10 October 2017. Whoever triumphs in this double-header will look to secure their spot at the finals in an intercontinental play-off – also to be played over two legs – against the fourth-placed country from CONCACAF qualifying. Australia , the AFC Asian Cup title holders is grouped with Japan , Saudi Arabia, UAE , Thailand, and Iraq in group B. The two teams Iran and Korea Rep. will renew their rivalry once again in the qualification for the World Cup. In the last encounter , the relationship between the coaches were making the headlines and as there was not love lost between Carlo Queiroz and the South Korean Choi KANG-HEE . The South Korean for all his rhetorics ended up in the losing side and eventually resigned his job, South Korea survived by the skin of their teeth after Uzbekistan failed to score one more goal to put them ahead on goal difference in the other group matches. The draw avoided a potential problem for FIFA and AFC after the Saudi's claimed they will refuse to play in Iran. Iran, Japan, Korea Rep.,  Australia and Qatar are the top seeds for qualification. The first round will commence on 1st September 2016.  

MATCHES SCHEDULE

Matchday One September 01, 2016 Thursday Iran vs. Qatar – H Matchday Two September 06, 2016 Tuesday China vs. Iran – A Matchday Three October 06, 2016 Thursday Uzbekistan vs. Iran – A Matchday Four October 11, 2016 Tuesday Iran vs.  South Korea – H Matchday Five November 15, 2016 Tuesday  Syria  vs. Iran – A Matchday Six March 23, 2017 Thursday Qatar vs. Iran – A Matchday Seven March 28, 2017 Tuesday Iran vs  China – H Matchday Eight June 13, 2017 Tuesday Iran vs. Uzbekistan – H Matchday Nine August 31, 2017 Thursday South Korea vs. Iran – A Matchday Ten September 5th, 2017 Iran vs. Syria – H