Author: Editor

Team Melli defeats Panama in a friendly.

Nov 9 (Reuters) – Iran beat Panama 2-1 in a friendly in Graz, Austria on Thursday, in a match-up of two teams who have qualified for next year’s World Cup in Russia.

Iran took the lead in the 16th minute with a penalty from Ashkan Dejagah after a wild, sliding challenge from Jan Vargas on Karim Ansarifard.

Three minutes later the Iranians doubled their advantage when Saman Ghoddos finished off a swift break down the left, cutting inside and firing home a right-foot shot. It was a clinical finish and first goal scored by the Swedish-born Ghoddos for Team Melli after his invitation to the team by Queiroz

Panama pulled a goal back in the 39th minute, also from the penalty spot, with Gabriel Torres converting after Rouzbeh Chesmi was harshly ruled to have fouled Armando Cooper.

Team Melli played a well-balanced game plan and manged to control the proceedings in the first half. Most of the junior members of the team performed well in this tough test. Ahmad Abdollahzadeh was outstanding in the midfield while the central defence consisting of Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Pouraliganji hardly allowed the Panamanians any significant chances. The Penalty, which should have never been called, marred the clean record.

Overall, the referee was inconsistent in his decisions and not up to a high standard. 

The second half saw a stalemate while the under-strength Panamanians ventured more and gained confidence. Carlos Queiroz made subsitituted 6 players in the second half. Sardar Azmoun replaced Taremi and his introduction energized Iran’s offences.

Iran will be playing in their fifth World Cup next year while Panama have qualified for the first time. 

The next match for Team Melli will be against Venezuela on Monday.

 

Panama match squad selected

Carlos Queiroz picked 26 League players for the upcoming friendly international match against Panama

The latest Team Melli squad consists of players from the local Persian Gulf League only with no foreign based players named in the list.

 

The Squad

GOALKEEPERS
AKHBARI, Mohammad Reza Saipa
BIRANVAND, Alireza Persepolis
HOSSEINI, Majid Esteghlal
MAZAHERI, Mohammad Rashid Zob Ahan
DEFENDERS
AGHAEI, Saeed Tractorsazi
ANSARI, Mohammad Persepolis
CHESHMI, Rouzbeh Esteghlal
GHAFOORI , Vourya Esteghlal
HOSSEINI, Jalal Persepolis
KANANI, Mohammad Hossein  Saipa
MAHINI,Daneil Saipa
ZAKIPOUR, Milad Esteghlal
MIDFIELD
ABDOLAHZADEH, Ahmad Foolad Khuzestan
DEJAGAH, Ashkan Free Agent
EBRAHIMI, Omid Esteghlal
EMANI, Akbar Padidah Mashad
KAMIABINIA, Kamal Persepolis
KARIMI, Ali Sepahan
FORWARDS
AMIRI, Vahid Persepolis
ANSARI, Sasan Sepahan
ESMAEILI,Farshid Esteghlal
GHOLIZADEH, Ali Saipa
TABRIZI, Morteza Zob Ahan
TAREMI, Mehdi Persepolis
TORABI, Mehdi  Saipa

Beach Soccer team in Dubai

Iran’s Beach Soccer Team arrived in Dubai to take part in The 2017 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup  which will start in 31st October. 

Iran Beach soccer is currently ranked 1st in Asia and 3rd in the world

The 2017 Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup, also known as the Huawei Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup Dubai 2017 for sponsorship reasons, will be the seventh edition of the Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup, an annual international beach soccer tournament contested by men’s national teams, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

After the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup is the biggest tournament in the current international beach soccer calendar. Similar to the FIFA Confederations Cup, eight nations will take part, with one team representing each of the six continental football confederations (except for the OFC) as well as the current World Cup champions, Brazil, and the hosts, the United Arab Emirates.

The tournament starts with a group stage, played in a round robin format. The winners and runners-up from each group advance to the knockout stage, in which the teams then compete in single-elimination matches, beginning with the semi-finals and ending with the final. A third-place deciding match is also contested by the losing semi-finalists.[1] The third and fourth placed nations from each group will play in a series of consolation matches to decide fifth through eighth place.

 

 

GROUP MATCHES SCHEDULE

DATE TIME GROUP ‘A’ GROUP ‘B’
Tuesday, October 31 16:15 Egypt vs Brazil
17:30 Portugal vs UAE
18:45 Russia vs Mexico
20:00 Iran vs Paraguay
Wednesday, November 1 16:15 UAE vs Egypt
17:30 Brazil vs Portugal
18:45 Paraguay vs Russia
20:00 Mexico vs Iran
Thursday, November 2 16:15 Mexico vs Paraguay
17:30 Egypt vs Portugal
18:45 UAE vs Brazil
20:00 Iran vs Russia

 

 

 

 

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World Cup 2018 ; Team Melli seeding.

FIFA seeding for next year World Cup is already taking shape with many teams knowing their seeding already. 

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 1, 2017 at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia. It will determine the group in which each of the 32 qualified national teams will play in at the start of the tournament. The teams will be divided into four pots of eight, with one team selected from each pot to form a group.

Unlike previous editions of the World Cup, all pots will be determined by each national team’s October 2017 FIFA World Ranking, with Pot 1 containing the highest-ranked teams, Pot 2 containing the next highest-ranked teams, and so on; in previous editions only one pot containing the highest-ranked teams was determined by rank, with the other three pots determined by continental confederation. The hosts will continue to be placed in Pot 1 and treated as a seeded team, however, so Pot 1 will consist of hosts Russia and the seven highest-ranked teams that qualify for the tournament.

What is the best Draw for Team Melli ?

Russia , Peru , Iran, Panama

Worst case Scenario

Germany , Spain,  Iran, Nigeria

Which teams cannot be in the same group as Iran?

Egypt – Japan – South Korea – Australia

 

Qualified teams

Country FIFA Ranking
October 2017		 Pot
 Russia (hosts) 65 1
 Brazil 2 1
 Iran 34 3
 Japan 44 3 or 4
 Mexico 16 2
 Belgium 5 1
 South Korea 62 4
 Saudi Arabia 63 4
 Germany 1 1
 England 12 2
 Spain 8 2
 Nigeria 41 3 or 4
 Costa Rica 22 2 or 3
 Poland 6 1
 Egypt 30 3
 Iceland 21 2 or 3
 Serbia 38 3 or 4
 Portugal 3 1
 France 7 1
 Uruguay 17 2
 Argentina 4 1
 Colombia 13 2
 Panama 49 4

 

Possible entrants

Country FIFA Ranking
October 2017		 Pot
if qualified
 Peru 10 2
  Switzerland 11 2
 Italy 15 2
 Croatia 18 2 or 3
 Denmark 19 2 or 3
 Northern Ireland 23 2 or 3
 Sweden 25 3
 Republic of Ireland 26 3
 Tunisia 28 3
 Senegal 32 3
 DR Congo 35 3
 Australia 43 3 or 4
 Greece 47 4
 Morocco 48 4
 Burkina Faso 55 4
 Ivory Coast 61 4
 Cape Verde 64 4
 Honduras 69 4
 South Africa 74 4
 New Zealand 122 4

Iran U-17 hold off Mexico to make last eight

  • Iran were 2-0 ahead by the 11th minute
  • Allahyar Sayyad scored his third goal of India 2017
  • Iranians will face Spain in Kochi on Sunday

Iran made it four wins from four matches at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and qualified for the quarter-finals after fighting to make two early goals stand up against a game Mexican side.

In just the seventh minute, Mohammad Sharifi converted a very confident penalty after Mohammad Ghaderi’s hard work to take the ball from Adrian Vasquez, who responded with a clumsy challenge in the Mexican box.

Just four minutes later, the Mexican defence looked out of sorts again, and they allowed Allahyar Sayyad far too much space in the box. The impressive forward gathered a long ball, turned and chipped his shot over the frustrated Mexican goalkeeper Cesar Lopez.

Iran, whose famous 4-0 win over Germany allowed them to blitz through their group, looked set to run away with the contest, but Mexico settled well after 30 minutes and began to have the better of the chances.

They tested Iran goalkeeper Ali Gholam Zadeh several times first and then found their breakthrough in the 37th minute when Roberto de la Rosa thumped in a volley from near the edge of the area on the rebound.

The CONCACAF champions continued to look the more dangerous team throughout the second half, with Diego Lainez going close and Jairo Torres rattling the post near the hour mark. 

However, Iran recovered and exerted their prowess, holding the ball well in the Mexican half to close out the match and reach their first-ever quarter-final in this event. It was a difficult contest, but they maintained their momentum, heading into their last-eight clash against European champions Spain.

MARGAO: High on confidence after a strong show in the group stage, Asian powerhouse Iran would look to keep their unbeaten run intact when they face Mexico in a round 16 match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, here on Tuesday.

Iran have enjoyed a good run in this tournament, beating Guinea (3-1), Germany (4-0) and Costa Rica (3-0) to top Group C.

They had would be looking to keep the momentum going in their bid to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in their fourth appearance in the tournament.

Iran will, however, be without their key defender and captain Mohammed Ghobeishavi for tomorrow’s match after he received a yellow card against Costa Rica, his second in the tournament.

Coach Abbas Chamanianian took Ghobeishavi’s absence in his stride, saying these things happen in football.

“Our main focus for tomorrow’s match is to play a collective game just like we did in the group phase especially against Germany which was the best in the tournament.”

“Now we are looking to do the same against Mexico who will pose a threat with their physical built and stamina and speedy run,” Iran coach said.

Iran’s confidence is sky high after three wins on the trot, especially after a 4-0 thrashing of European powerhouse Germany in their second match. Their strikers have been among goals, defence has looked compact so far and they have conceded just one goal in the tournament.

Younis Delfi and Allahyar Sayyad have been brilliant upfront as and have been involved in almost every chance Iran have created.

Mohammad Ghaderi and Mohamad Sharifi have been lively in the midfield. Iran are good in the air and take advantage of the dead ball situations. And they are fast on the counter- attacks as well.

The farthest Iran had progressed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was the round of 16. They’ve matched that already and must be looking to go further and improve their record. Coach Abbas Chamanyan said they expect to at least be in the semi-finals.

Two-time Champions Mexico have not had a great tournament so far, considering that they came here as Central American champions.

They finished third in Group F and qualified for the round of 16 without a win — as one of the four best third- placed team. They earned the least number of points (two points) in the group stage among the round of 16 qualifiers.

They drew their first match against Iraq (1-1) and then lost to England (2-3) before drawing against Chile (0-0).

Mexico, who play a one-touch game and are known for their attacking game, have not lived up to the expectations. And they will face a stern test tomorrow against a confident Iran.

Mexico coach Mario Arteaga said he wants to forget the past performances and look afresh for tomorrow’s match.

Iran biggest story of group stage

The Times of India (New Delhi edition)

  • Baichung Bhutia

The group stage is over and it’s now over to the knockout stage which kicks-off with the Round of 16 matches. The knockout matches always have their own charm – it’s a do or die for both teams as there can be only one winner.

To me, Iran have been the biggest story of the group stage. Normally in any World Cup we always expect the traditional forces – Brazil, Germany, Spain — to do well. But Iran, the ‘Giants of Asia’, have surprised all. More than the three wins in three matches, it’s the manner in which they demolished opponents was most noteworthy.

African teams have always done well in youth World Cups and keeping true to tradition, Mali and Ghana have been equally impressive. Kolkata: New Caledonia’s ce- lebration, after Jekob Jeno scored the equalizing goal in the 83rd minute of their final Group E league encounter against Japan at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, said it all.

Their players rushed to the bench as the substitute players, coach and support staff joined the euphoria on the sidelines. Even goalkeeper Gaizka Ipeze sprinted about 50 metres to join in the celebrations.

For a team making its debut in the Fifa under-17 World Cup and having conceded 12 goals in their previous two matches, holding Asian powerhouse Japan to a 1-1 stalemate was indeed creditable. For New Caledonia, who are taking baby steps in world football, the match this match will be part of their footballing folklore.

The celebrations continued even after the match as the players wowed the spectators

Iran the benchmark for AFC futsal championship 2018 hopefuls

the-afc.com

Tabriz: The Islamic Republic of Iran is the setting as the countdown starts for the AFC Futsal Championship 2018 with the South and Central Zone Qualifiers which kicks off on Sunday.

The South and Central zones have been merged into one qualification zone as Nepal are the only representatives from the South, bringing the total to seven teams competing for four spots in the Finals in Chinese Taipei next year.

Uzbekistan, runners-up in the previous edition, are one of the favourites to qualify.

The White Wolves had an impressive run at the 2016 tournament, topping Group A to progress into the quarter-finals where they beat Iraq 3-0, before a 3-1 penalty shootout win in the semi-finals against Thailand secured them a place in the final against Iran.

In the recent 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, history repeated itself with Iran beating Uzbekistan to claim the title.

Uzbekistan will face Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan and Nepal in Group A of the qualifiers.


Uzbekistan faced Kyrgyz Republic in the AFC Futsal Championship 2016.

Kyrgyz Republic finished sixth in the AFC Futsal Championship 2016, and an early elimination from the 2017 Asian Indoor Games leaves the Snow Leopards with much ground to cover.

However, they have not missed a single Finals since the tournament’s inception in 1999, and can be expected to provide stiff opposition.

After two failed attempts to qualify for the Finals, Turkmenistan are ready to make a difference.

Despite losing out to Afghanistan on penalties in the quarter-finals in 2016, hosting the 2017 Asian Indoor Games has helped the team improve significantly.

Having played more competitive matches, the Turkeminstan side will be aiming to outdo their previous performances.

The South zone’s sole representative Nepal will make their AFC Futsal Championship debut against Asia’s best, but in a top flight tournament, surprises cannot be ruled out.

In the three-team Group B, Iran are the ones to beat and the odds are surely against Tajikistan and Afghanistan.

The futsal powerhouse hold the record of 11 championship titles, and the team have enjoyed much success in recent years.

After winning the 2016 AFC Futsal Championship, the Iranians finished third in the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016, before claiming their fifth Asian Indoor Games gold medal.

Dangerman Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh (pictured below), who was named the Most Valuable Player after assisting Iran beat Uzbekistan in the final, will definitely play a huge role in this qualifier.

Tajikistan’s closest attempt at the title was their 2007 campaign where they reached the quarter-finals but were halted by Uzbekistan.

They have struggled to make the cut into the knockout phase ever since, despite consecutive qualifications.

Afghanistan turned heads in the 2017 Asian Indoor Games when they defeated Uzbekistan 4-2 to claim top spot in their group to progress to the quarter-finals, but losses to eventual champions Iran in the semis and Japan in the third place play-off secured them fourth place.

A result worth highlighting, as the Lions of Khorasan have yet to make an appearance in the AFC Futsal Championship Finals stage.

Matches

October 15

Group A
Uzbekistan v Nepal
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1400

Kyrgyz Republic v Turkmenistan
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1630

Group B
Afghanistan v Iran
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1900

October 16

Group A
Nepal v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1400

Turkmenistan v Uzbekistan
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1630

Group B
Tajikistan v Afghanistan
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1900

October 17

Group A
Uzbekistan v Kyrgyz Republic
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1400

Turkmenistan v Nepal
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1630

Group B
Iran v Tajikistan
Venue: Pour Sharifi Futsal Hall, Tabriz
Kick-off: 1900

Taha Shariati , a star is born.

Taha Shariati, the towering defender of the Iran’s U-17 national football team who played a major role in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 qualification to the next round, is a classic star in the making for Iran’s football.

Strong in the tackle and excellent in the air, Shariati is a rugged defender who will keep things together under even the most intense pressure. Superb leadership qualities, tough tackling and no-nonsense approach to defending makes this young star a gem of a player as such a tender age.

Shariati also weighs in with his fair share of goals. 

The player, who has recently signed a one year contract with Esteghlal Tehran, is considered by many as one of the top 3 talents emerging out of Iran’s youth football system in the recent years. Taha Shariati is considered in the same class of talent as Reza Shekari and his current teammate Mohammad Sharifi.

Shariati who started his football in Moghavamat team of Tehran, is commonly compared to Pejman Montazeri, Team Melli and Esteghlal player.

Taha Shariati himself says: “I am originally Tabrizi, but I started my football in Tehran. I joined Moghavamat team through the scouts and from there, I was invited to the U-17 national team. I worked hard and tried to excel to prove myself. After 5 years of playing football I was honored to be selected to represent my country including competing for Team Melli U-16 in the AFC Championship. I played with Esteghlal for one year and I am excited and ready to play for my current team Saipa Alborz under the great Ali Daei.”

Taha Shariati, bearing the number 6 Jersey of Team Melli U-17 played as right back in his team and even when selected by the National Team. However, due to an injury to a central defender of his team in a tournament in Kazakhstan, Shariati had to occupy the central defense role and he has not looked back since then. He was selected as the MVP of the tournament and it seemed to be the ideal position for him according to Team Melli U-17 coach Abbas Chamanian. This would be the role and the ideal platform for the imposing defender to excel.

Shariati says: ” I do not have a particular idol, but I love the way that Pejman Montazeri’s plays, and I also think he’s a great footballer all round. I also have great respect for Steven Gerrard and Thiago Silva among the foreign players.  

Although I was a right back and my real interest is to play as defensive midfielder, I will play in any post that the coach wishes me to , and I have no problem with playing as the central defender . Because I’m wearing number 6 and Tabriz, many people compared me with Karim Bagheri.”

It is no wonder that scouts from Europe have spotted this talent as Shariati has already been approached by an agent for possible transfer to Greek, Swedish or Austrian leagues. The player is tight-lipped about such offer, but by the end of the FIFA U-17, there could very well be a possibility that the strong tenacious defender may end up playing European football and learning from top professionals.

Player Details.

Name: Taha Chamanian

Date of Birth: 3rd March 2000 (Age 17)

Birth place: Khameneh, Tabriz.

First Club:  Moghavamat Tehran

Post: Central Defender

Current Club:  Saipa Alborz

Date of join:  1st Jul, 2017

Date of contract end:   30th June, 2020

Height: 1.87 m

 

 

 

Perfect record for Iran U-17 with 3rd win in a row

Team Melli U-17 blanked Costa Rica 3-0 to top Group C with an all-win record in the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Friday.

Iran had already secured a place in the Round of 16 with wins over Guinea and Germany, thus coach Abbas Chamanian elected to use give opportunity to some players while resting others.

In their final group engagement at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the Team Melli youngsters scored through Mohammed Ghobeishavi (25th minute), Taha Shariati (29th) and Mohammad Sardari (89th) to top the group with nine points from three matches.

Germany, who beat Guinea 3-1 at Kochi in the other match of the day, finished second with six points, and will now travel to Delhi to play against Colombia in the knockout round.

Costa Rica and Guinea finished the group stage with one point each.

Team Meli U-17 , who topped this group with 9 pints, will stay in Goa and will play against one of the third best teams from either Group A, B or F on  Tuesday 17th October.

Keen to top the group, Asian powerhouse Iran employed five defenders and kept the rival attackers at bay, while finding the back of the net on three occasions.

After brief period of midfield battle, Iran slowly opened up the rival defence with raids from the flanks leaving Costa Rica team feeling panicky, and as a result , conceded two penalties in a span of four minutes.

Amferny Arias, while going for an aerial ball, brought down Younes Delfi inside the box and referee Hamada Nampiandraza awarded the spot kick, which Iran captain Ghobeishavi converted by sending the ball to the bottom right corner.

Under tremendous pressure in the face of Iranian offensive, Costa Rica again conceded a penalty when defender Karin Arce needlessly pushed down Younes Delfi while going for an aerial ball inside the box. On this occasion, defender Shariati had no problem converting the spot kick.

Costa Rica, who needed a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive, found the going tough and were not allowed space by the Iranian defenders.

After the break, Costa Rica coach Breansse Camacho brought his trump card Jose Alfaro in the hope of changing their fortunes, but to no avail.

Team Melli cruised through the second half before adding a third goal just before the final whistle through substitute Mohammad Sardari. The only disappointment for Iran at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was a second yellow card of the competition for Captain Ghobeishavi, which will rule him out of their Round of 16 match.