Images of fans celebration in the aftermath of Iran’s qualifcation to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Author: Editor
Grand reception awaiting Team Melli
Iranian football federation has arranged a grand reception ceremony for the heroes of Iran’s football on arrival from South Korea.
Team Melli defeated South Korea 1-0 in Ulsan to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil while topping Group A with 16 points. The Koreans had to wait nervously while Iranian players were circling the pitch in joy. Team Melli will be flying directly to Tehran by a special Iran Asseman Jet provided by the Team Melli sponsor. The players will be driven directly to Azadi stadium from the airport and a big crowd of fans are expected top greet them around 5 PM Tehran time. The federation has invited all Team Melli supports to come to Azadi to greet the players, however, as customary in Iran’s football , Females are barred from such an event as it is FOR MEN ONLY !
There has been many celebrations in the streets of Tehran and other major Iranian cities in the occasion of Iran’s qualification to the most important event in football calendar. Scenes of men on motorcycles waving the Iranian flags , while chanting support for the players was a plenty in Tehran and the other cities. The government has allowed the celebrations without any restriction while no disturbances or security violation has been reported.
Ghoochannejad’s majestic goal.
The goal that took Iran to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Brazil.
News on Iran Qualification to 2014 FIFA World Cup
* Iran win 1-0 in Ulsan to qualify for Brazil finals
* Koreans also through on goal difference over Uzbekistan
June 18 (Reuters) – Iran produced a resolute defensive display to snatch a 1-0 away win over South Korea on Tuesday and qualify for the World Cup finals in Brazil.
Despite the defeat, the Koreans also qualified for the finals after they edged Uzbekistan – 5-1 winners over Qatar on Tuesday – for the runners-up spot on goal difference.
Forward Reza Ghoochannejhad was Iran’s hero, latching on to an error by defender Kim Young-gwon to score the winner in the 60th minute with the visitors’ only real chance of a one-sided match in Ulsan.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz punched the air in delight at the final whistle after their third qualifying win in June sealed a fourth finals appearance.
The under-pressure Portuguese had traded verbal volleys before Tuesday’s Group A clash with Korean counterpart Choi Kang-Hee, who had vowed to beat Iran and force them to watch the World Cup on television after being “badly treated” in the reverse fixture in Tehran last year.
Choi’s side showed the same intent by making a fast start at the Ulsan Football Stadium, with lanky striker Kim Shin-wook going close to giving them a fifth-minute lead, but his volley flew just over the bar.
Kim was part of an attacking lineup employed by Choi with Son Heung-min, Lee Dong-gook and Ji Dong-won all starting, but the home side were guilty of using too many long balls for the tall striker rather than mixing up their play.
Iran knew a draw was likely to be enough to qualify unless Uzbekistan could score a four-goal win over Qatar, so they chose to sit back and allow Korea plenty of possession. But the home side failed to create many chances.
The Koreans had a strong appeal for a penalty five minutes before halftime, when midfielder Lee Myung-joo raced clear only to be brought down by Iran fullback Khosro Heydari and goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi, but the referee awarded a goal kick.
Korea were sluggish at the start of the second half, and Iran grew in confidence before taking a shock lead.
Korea defender Kim Young-gwon missed his kick as he attempted a back-pass to his keeper, and Ghoochannejhad raced through to curl home a left-foot shot.
Choi introduced AFC player of the year Lee Keun-ho as the hosts searched for an equaliser against an Iran team that had conceded just two goals in their previous seven qualifiers.
Kim Young-gwon came close to making up for his error when he fired a sharp shot in the 76th minute that was well saved by Ahmadi, while his glancing header two minutes from time sailed just wide.
Substitute Lee had half the stadium on their feet thinking he had scored a 94th-minute leveller but his header edged past the far post with Ahmadi motionless.
While the Iranians celebrated, the Korean players waited for news of Uzbekistan, who cruised past Qatar 5-1 but ultimately fell two goals short of overhauling Korea on goal difference, allowing them to rejoice at a ninth World Cup finals appearance.
[divider]
S Koreans angry over Iran victory
June 18 2013 at 07:25pm
By SAPA
Ulsan, South Korea – Hundreds of fans hurled bottles and debris on to the pitch Tuesday as Iran beat hosts South Korea 1-0 to reach the World Cup after an angry build-up involving taunts from both teams.
Iran scored in the second half and against the run of play to qualify top of Group A and give South Korea some nervous moments before they also went through on goal difference following Uzbekistan’s 5-1 win over Qatar.
As the Iranian players grabbed national flags and celebrated on the pitch at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, angry home fans threw plastic water bottles and other items.
The scenes brought an unsavoury end to a game already tainted by some unusually harsh trash talk, after South Korea pledged to “make life painful” for Iran and to force their captain to cry “tears of blood”.
In return, Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz called the comments “shameful” and accused South Korea of taking it easy in their 1-0 loss to Uzbekistan, in a bid to keep his team out of the World Cup.
This week, pictures circulated on Twitter of the former Manchester United assistant boss wearing a picture of Choi Kang-Hee, his South Korean rival, taped to his T-shirt, in an apparent joke.
But despite the acrimonious build-up, the game started in tepid fashion.
Ex-Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-Gook tested Rahman Ahmadi with a stinging attempt from distance and Son Heung-Min fired over in the 21st minute, but any goal would have been disallowed as the referee blew for a foul by Kim Shin-Wook.
South Korea were firmly on top without creating clear chances, and Lee Myung-Joo’s penalty shout, when he was clattered on the edge of the box on 40 minutes, was one of their best opportunities of the first half.
Iran started the second period with more ambition and on the hour, they were suddenly in front thanks to a defensive howler from Kim Young-Gwon and the alert thinking of Reza Ghoochannejhad.
Defender Kim failed to make a simple clearance on the right touchline and had his pocket picked by Ghoochannejhad, who scampered goalwards and bent a left-footed shot around Jung Sung-Ryong.
South Korea pressed desperately for the equaliser and Kim Young-Gwon nearly made amends for his mistake when he put a free header wide near the end. Lee Keun-Ho also nearly headed the leveller in injury time.
However the Taeguk Warriors clung on to Group B’s second automatic qualifying spot on goal difference, despite Uzbekistan’s 5-1 win over Qatar in Tashkent, which finished a few minutes later.
“It was a very difficult match. We knew that we played a great team,” Queiroz said. “My team played with a realistic approach, to try and wait for a weak point in the Korean team and with a counter-attacking attitude.
“The goal came in one of those situations and fortunately, when Korea created opportunities, our players fought for our lives. The team played with fantastic team spirit with great practical discipline and enormous determination.”
South Korea’s Choi, who is now stepping down from the job, preferred not to comment on his row with Queiroz and said he hoped the team could now “start anew”.
“I take the full responsibility for this result. Even though we’re going to the World Cup, I think we have to start anew,” he said. “I hope this defeat will serve as the opportunity for South Korean football to take the next step.” – Sapa-AFP
Team Melli qualifies to 2014 FIFA World Cup
Team Melli beat South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2014, The winning goal was scored by the Prolific Reza Ghoochanejad in the second half.
60′ Iran took the lead in the 60th minute when Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD robs the Korean defender KIM Younggwon down the right wing, carries the ball into the box and curls it around the advancing Korean goalkeeper JUNG Sungryong (KOR) to break the deadlock and score a classic goal. Superbly taken goal and a clinical finish from a lethal striker.
Despite the defeat , South Korea accompanied Iran to the World cup with the brave Uzbeks falling short by 1 goal. Uzbekistan routed Qatar 5-1 in Tashkent.
Iranian news agencies are reporting street celebrations and joy in Tehran and many other Iranian cities on this glorious occasion for Iran’s football.
Iran has qualified for the World Cup in three 3 different occasions, and 2014 Brazil World Cup will be the fourth.
The Final Table of Group A
2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
| 1 | AHMADI, Rahman |
|---|---|
| 2 | ANSARIFARD, Karim |
| 3 | AZAMON, Sardar |
| 4 | BEIGZADEH, Hashim |
| 5 | BEITASHOUR , Steven Mehrdad |
| 6 | DAVARI, Daniel |
| 7 | DEJAGAH, Ashkan |
| 8 | EBRAHIMI, Omid |
| 9 | GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza |
| 10 | HAJSAFY, Ehsan |
| 11 | HEYDARI, Khosrow |
| 12 | HOSSEINI, Jalal |
| 13 | JABBARI, Mojtaba |
| 14 | JAHANBAKSH, Alireza |
| 15 | KARIMI, Yaghoub |
| 16 | KHALATBARY, MohamadReza |
| 17 | KHALILZADEH, Shojaa |
| 18 | KHANZADEH, Mohammadreza |
| 19 | LAK, Hamed |
| 20 | MAHINI, Hossein |
| 21 | MONTAZERI, Pejman |
| 22 | NEKOUNAM, Javad |
| 23 | NOURI, Mohammad |
| 24 | POOLADI, Mehrdad |
| 25 | SADEGHI, AmirHossein |
| 26 | SHOJAEI, Masoud |
| 27 | TEYMOURIAN, Andranik |
Post match report from Ulsan.
- Team Melli started the day in the hotel Gym. The light training began after breakfast.
- Sport Minister Abbassi along with Kaffashian and Moradi were present with Team Melli players at breakfast.
- Expatriate Iranian fans from Japan , USA and Canada are expected to be present to support Team Melli in today’s match. Many of the fans are staying in the same hotel as the players. Around 1000 Iranian fans are expected to be present in the stadium which has a capacity of 44,000.
- The weather in Ulsan is cloudy with chances of rain and shower. Early morning fog was also noticed, however chances of fog at the time of the match is minimal. The temperature is pleasant and should be no issue for both teams. The pitch conditions is likely to be wet and windy. According to local weather reports, there is 90 percent chance of rainfall on Tuesday afternoon in Ulsan, with 10 mm to 19 mm of precipitation predicted. Wet conditions make the pitch faster and accurate passes that bit trickier to execute.
- IRIFF has arranged a welcoming program for the squad in case of qualification to the World Cup finals in Brazil. The players will be going directly to Azadi Stadium after arriving from Korea. The specially chartered flight operated by Asseman Airlines, is expected to land at Mehrabad airport rather than Imam Khomeini airport, which makes the journey from the airport to the stadium much smoother and quicker.
- All 42,000 pre-sale tickets for the match have been snapped up, with only 1,000 set aside for match day. The Korean fans are hoping for a resounding victory from the team after a series of disappointing performances in what could well amount to Manager Choi Kang-hee’s last game. Choi has said repeatedly that he only intended getting the team through the last round of qualifiers before calling it quits.
Queiroz responds to Choi in grace and dignity.
Contrasting the Korean national team coach , Carlos Queiroz Iran’s boss wished the South Korean side all the best while also expressed his desire to celebrate Iran qualification for the World Cup like their host.
In the post-match press conference today , the Portuguese coach, who was involved in a stern indirect verbal argument with his Korean counterpart, warmly welcomed the media in presence and apologized for his late arrival to the press conference due to the heavy traffic. He said “ If Mr. Choi was present right now; he would have already started a war. However, we would like to apologize for the unpleasant exchanges. The Korean national team has virtually clinched a spot in the World Cup finals and I like to congratulate them” Queiroz commented.
“It is our outmost desire to see an entertaining game tomorrow and for a good reason. The Korean team will be celebrating and we would like to join them celebration. We respect South Korea’s very much, We’re here to finish the mission and hope to do it after the match. Tomorrow we achieve our mission in style.”
Queiroz was asked about the statement of a Korean player against Nekounam, which he responded in a calm manner ” I have worked and coached in many countries of the World In 33 years of professional career. I worked in Japan, USA, Spain, South Africa & England but never heard the kind of language that I have heard in the last few days, such as seeking revenge and make opponent eyes bleed. I believe that such matter have to end right here.”
Queiroz then expressed his admiration for the Korean people and culture, while emphasizing that he has not changed his mind about them because of the misdemeanor of a few individuals.
“I believe that the Korean Football federation consists of many respectable personalities and the Korean players are good people. The world knows that the Korean people are friendly, kind and welcoming. When one or two of these people use such hostile language while being disrespectful, it does not reflect on the good nature of the people of Korea, It is an individual act of disrepute.
Iran coach continued, “ For the sake of both countries fans, we have a duty to display good football . As also highlighted by FIFA rules, we also have to stick to the fair play football. It is an Iranian tradition that prior to a match, we award our competitors a bouquet of flower, and tomorrow we shall do that. When there is talk of revenge and blood, we simply respond by playing football. That is the decent and civilized way of responding. In fact, It is the only way we know how to respond. When there is talk about making someone’s eyes bleed, we will respond by running and by sweating it out . My final message is very simple, we are here to celebrate qualification to the World Cup, we did not come to engage in a fight against Korea. I’m requesting the Korean and Iranian media to come together to enjoy the football.” By his statement, Queiroz quelled any fear of rough play from his side.
BBC reporter asked Queiroz “According to your previous message to Korean coach , will you buy him Uzbekistan shirt . My second question , after two years of living in Iran, how much of an Iranian do you feel?” The national coach of Iran said “allow me a little joke! I was ready to buy a shirt for Choi, but when he demanded 11 shirts, I changed my mind about my offer. I do not have enough money to buy him eleven jerseys! In fact, at the end of the match I will shake hands with him. We shall both celebrate our teams qualifications. It will be my pride to award Choi Iran’s jersey, but the answer to the second question: I feel at home in Iran . Iran is like where my Family is.”
The Feud continues!
Verbal feuds continues between Iran and the Koreans as both appear to be headed for one of Asia’s worst-tempered World Cup qualifiers after their coaches traded barbs and one player said he would make Iran’s captain cry “tears of blood”.
The gloves-off verbal sparring has dramatically raised temperatures ahead of their crunch meeting in Seoul on Tuesday.
After Korean coach Choi Kang-Hee’s promise to “make life painful” for Iran drew a strong response from their coach Carlos Queiroz and captain Javad Nekounam, the home players launched a fresh salvo.
“I will make him (Nekounam) shed tears of blood,” said Germany-based forward Son Heung-Min.
Son added: “Nekounam is known for talking too much. I will let my action on the pitch do the talking. We will beat them by three to four goals.”
The dispute follows South Korean complaints of ill-treatment during their visit to Tehran last October, with gripes including visa problems and poor training facilities. In a feisty encounter, South Korea lost 1-0 with Iran playing almost entire of the 2nd half with one man short after Shojaei was sent off. .
Choi said memories of the trip were still fresh in his players’ minds, and vowed to return suit to Iran this week — in comments that were slammed by Nekounam and Queiroz, who called them “shameful”.
But the South Korean coach, who is set to resign from his post on Wednesday morning, was unrepentant, predicting that Queiroz would be watching next year’s World Cup in Brazil from his home in Portugal.
Midfielder Lee Myung-Joo, man of the match on debut in last week’s tight 1-0 win against Uzbekistan, also dismissed Nekounam as well as the threat posed by Iran.
“I don’t know who Nekounam is. I’ve only heard about him in the media,” said Lee. “I don’t think Iran are that strong. We can beat them if we just focus on playing our own game.” It will be as an omen if Lee’s or his teammates fail to recognize Nekounam As Iran’s Captain might very well repeat his feat and slip past the Koreans to score like he did in their last encounter.
Unlike their Japanese neighbors, the Koreans have always shown superciliousness and arrogant attitude towards opponents. While the Japanese, are known for their fair play and civilized attitude in football , the same cannot be said for the Koreans who are hostile and antagonist.
This match means much more than a football match. There are a lot in stake, of course the grandest prize of them all is the qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. There also the bragging right and the continued rivalry between the two nations’ football, where there is no love lost.
South Korea’s senior team captain Kwak Tae-Hwi picked up an injury in the Uzbekistan match and will be absent. The hosts will be looking to forward Son Heung-min, who recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen, to cause problems for Iran.
he 20-year-old, who recently left Hamburger SV for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga league, made his first start in the final qualification round against Uzbekistan last week to mixed success.
He started as a striker alongside the towering Kim Shin-wook and had some moments of brilliance. Yet it was when Son was moved down to the wing in the second half that he showed more energy and creativity that made him a hotly pursued player among European clubs this summer.
Leverkusen’s Son Heung-min is hyped up.
Korea Joongang Daily
BY MOON GWANG-LIP
Son Heung-min enters the match against Iran tomorrow with much to prove.
Bragging rights as Asia’s strongest team are at stake in the bitter rivalry that will decide the winner of Group A of the World Cup final qualifying round. And many eyes will be on the 20-year-old striker, including those of his new club.
On Friday, Son confirmed signing a five-year contract with Leverkusen, a move that many predict will be a bridge to the English Premier League. Reports said Leverkusen paid 10 million euros ($13.3 million) – a record transfer fee for the German club, for the Korean.
“My new club has been decided now, so I will put my focus on the remaining match,” Son told a media conference Friday at the National Football Center in Paju, Gyeonggi.
Korea and Iran, the two leaders in Group A, will wrap up their qualifying campaign at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.
Uzbekistan, trailing Korea by three points and Iran by two, faces Qatar tomorrow and could overtake one of the leaders with a lopsided victory.
That has driven Korea coach Choi Kang-hee to declare the Iran match a must-win for Korea, although a draw could be enough for Korea’s eight successive World Cup entry.
Son was more confident.
“I think Korea is best,” Son said, when asked about facing Iran. “They are not a weak team, but we can surely beat them.”
Iran has been a tough opponent for Korea. During previous matchups, Korea has nine victories against 10 losses and seven draws.
Korea’s only loss in the final qualifying round for Brazil was against Iran, allowing Javad Nekounam to score the winning goal in the 73rd minute at Teheran on Oct. 16.
Son revealed that Nekounam kicked him in the back of the leg during the match, and he vowed to take revenge by scoring in the rematch.
“If we are armed well psychologically, I think we could win by three or four goals,” he said.
Choi used him on the left wing in two recent practices, raising the possibility that he will start Son for a second time. He also started the Uzbekistan match on June 11.
That would give him a good chance to impress Leverkusen and help ensure playing time with the southern German club, which would be indispensable for the advancement of his career.
Iran wins Futsal tournament.
Hangzhou, China PR.
Iran Futsal team defeated the host China 5-2 at the Zhejiang Dragon Sports Centre in Hangzhou to win the 4 nations invitational tournament which also included Netherlands and Russia.
In the final match on the 15th June, Futsal Team Melli continued its impressive showing and easily overcame the Chinese leading the first half 2-0. China pressed on when the felt that Iran’s team is easing back and managed to score two goals, but Team Melli was never in danger of losing this match which was played with the full first team. Mohammed Taheri, Hossein Tayebi, AliAsghar Hassanzadeh, Vahid Shafei and Taha Mortazavi scored Iran goals.
The champions Iran were rewarded US$10,000.
Iran began the tournament on 13th June by playing against Russia. Futsal Team Melli played an impressive match against the powerful Russians and won with a comprehensive score of 5-1. On the 14th , Iran registered its second win with a narrow and hard fought 4-3 victory.
The matches
15/06/2013
- China 2-5 Iran
- Netherlands 0-1 Russia
14/06/2013
- Netherlands 3-4 Iran
- Russia 2-1 China
13/06/2013
- China 1-3 Netherlands
- Iran 5-1 Russia
| No. | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ABEDAZDEH, Ahmadreza25-May-66 22 years Jandarmerei |  |
| 13 | MOHARRAMI, Mojtaba16-Apr-65 26 years Perspolis Defender |  |
| 9 | MARFAVI, Samad18-May-65 23 years Daraei Foreward |  |
| 6 | FONOONIZADEH, Mehdi19-May-62 26 years Daraei Midfield |  |
| 4 | MOHAMMADKHANI, Nader23-Aug-63 25 years Gostaresh Defender |  |
| 2 | ZARRINCHEH, Javad23-Jul-66 22 years Esteghlal Defender |  |
| 8 | GHAYEGHRAN, Sirous22-Sep-63 26 years Malavan Midfield |  |
| 11 | KERMANI-MOGHADAM, Morteza11-Jul-65 23 years Perspolis) Midfield |  |
| 15 | PEYOUS, Farshad12-Jan-62 26 years Al Ahli (QAT) Foreward |  |
| 5 | FONOONIZADEH, Morteza31-Dec-60 28 years Perspolis Defender |  |
| 7 | NAMJOOMUTLAQ, Majeed31-May-67 21 years Esteghlal Midfield |  |
| 10 | BAVI, Karim30- Dec-64 23 years Perspolis Foreward |  |
| 14 | ANSARIFARD, Mohammad24-Sep-61 27 years Perspolis Midfield |  |
| 17 | TAQAVI, MohammadHomaForeward | |
| 18 | RAHIMPOUR, SiamakShahinDefender |  |
| 20 | EFTEKHARI, AliEsteghlal Rasht Midfield |  |
| 21 | ARABSHAHI, Zia6-Jun-58 30 years Perspolis Midfield |  |
| 22 | SAJJADI, AhmadHoma Goalkeeper |  |