Category: AFC Asian Cup 2015

12/01/2015

Sanctions choking Iran’s progress, says coach Queiroz

Melbourne (AFP) –

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has voiced anger and frustration at how international sanctions are damaging his plans to build the team’s future.

“It’s been very difficult,” the former Portugal and Real Madrid manager said. “We suffer a lot to prepare friendly games and to move internationally to prepare the team and players. After the World Cup the situation is getting worse and worse.

“The players are victimised by the limitations of the sanctions.”

Sanctions imposed on Iran since its nuclear programme became public in 2002 have crippled its economy.

Queiroz complained that the knock-on effects were hampering his plans, and accused FIFA of not releasing up to $8 million in appearance money owed from last year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Queiroz’s side managed to play only two friendlies in the run-up to the Asian Cup, against South Korealast November and Iraq earlier this month.

“When we come to a competition like this, we have 80 million people dreaming about the team’s expectations, 80 million people supporting the team,” said the 61-year-old, who has brought a squad with several untested players to Australia. “But we can’t play because we don’t have the chance.

“Korea and Iraq did us a big favour, paying some of their expenses. When you come to this tournament (you see) it’s not about fair play. For those who always talk about fair play, there is no fair play.

“Fair play is to give opportunities to these kids to play international matches, to learn as all players deserve. It’s part of the FIFA spirit that politics should not interfere with the game.

“In order to change and really prepare the future of the Iranian national team, it’s time we got the all-clear from directors and the people that can help,” he added. “Iran cannot progress and it’s not fair for sport people, football players.”

Charged with rebuilding an Iran team put on the map by players such as Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, Queiroz’s frustration was palpable.

“Without support they cannot progress,” he shrugged. “At the end of the day when you don’t have resources to play games, it’s not fair for football, not fair for the young players of Iran.”

11/01/201511/01/2015

Iran vs. Bahrain match reports.

Iran floor Bahrain in Asian Cup thriller
Published: 11 January 2015

Ehsan Hajsafi struck with a sumptuous volley in first-half stoppage time to propel Iran to a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in a tempestuous Asian Cup dust-up today.

Iran, seeking to end a 39-year wait for a fourth title, effectively sealed the points in their Group C opener when Masoud Shojaei added a second in the 71st minute to end Bahrain’s brave resistance in Melbourne.

Asia’s top-ranked side, Iran almost opened the scoring after 20 minutes when the dangerous Ashkan Dejagah forced a smart stop from Sayed Abbas in the Bahrain goal.

But Bahrain had already served notice that they were not about to simply roll over as their bulldozing Nigerian-born striker Jaycee Okwunwanne blazed just wide during the frenetic early skirmishes.
Sayed Shubbar then squandered a golden opportunity by heading over as Bahrain threatened to capitalise on a sluggish start from highly fancied Iran.

However, Hajsafi produced a moment of magic with almost the last kick of the first half, expertly trapping a looping clearance with his left foot before instantaneously smashing it past Abbas with the outside of his right boot from just outside the box.

Reza Ghoochannejhad appeared to be incorrectly flagged for offside for a second time when through on goal shortly after the interval, before Okwunwanne almost emulated Hajsafi with a ferocious drive that Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi did brilliantly to keep out.

Tempers flared when Haghighi barged into Faouzi Aaish, Bahrain’s waspish playermaker with a menacing-looking mohican who was a thorn in Iran’s side the entire game.

But moments later Shojaei popped up to steer a right-foot shot just inside the post from another corner to trigger wild celebrations from a crowd of 17,000 – most noisily supporting Team Melli.

Iran’s Asian Cup drought dates back to 1976, when they won the third of three successive titles.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates laid down a marker by thrashing Qatar 4-1 to go top of the group on goal difference. – AFP, January 11, 2015.

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11 January 2015

Match video highlights

Melbourne: Ehsan Hajsafi scored an early contender for goal of the tournament as Iran made the perfect start to their bid to finally land a record-equalling fourth AFC Asian Cup title after posting a hard-fought 2-0 win over Bahrain in Group C on Sunday.

Bahrain had made a lively start to the contest, but after Iran improved as the half progressed, Hajsafi’s eye-catching strike opened the scoring for Team Melli in first half stoppage time.

And with Masoud Shojaei adding a second with 19 minutes remaining, 1968, 1972 and 1976 winners Iran joined the United Arab Emirates at the top of the Group C table after the opening round of fixtures following their earlier 4-1 win over Gulf Cup champions Qatar in Canberra.

Despite Iran’s supporters creating an electric atmosphere at a blustery Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Bahrain enjoyed the best of the early chances as Ismail Abdullatif tested goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi after just six minutes before strike partner Jaycee John acrobatically directed a back post volley wide two minutes later.

And Iran received a huge let off after 16 minutes as Sami Al Husaini’s chipped ball forward found Sayed Dhiya racing into the penalty area, but after beating a static offside trap, the midfielder headed over with only Haghighi to beat.

Iran, though, were presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring four minutes later as Ashkan Dejagah raced in behind the Bahrain defence only for goalkeeper Sayed Mohamed Jaffar to crucially smoother his attempted chipped effort just outside the six-yard area.

But there was little Jaffar could do in first half stoppage time as Sepahan’s Hajsafi superbly found the top corner from the edge of the penalty area to the delight of the majority of the 18,000 crowd after taking one touch to control the ball after Andranik Teymourian’s corner had been punched clear by the Bahrain goalkeeper.

And Jaffar remained the busier of the two goalkeepers at the start of the second half as the Bahrain custodian gathered Reza Ghoochannejhad’s well-struck dipping shot from the edge of the area at the second time of asking four minutes after the break.

Iran goalkeeper Haghighi, though, had to be on his toes nine minutes later to beat away a rasping effort from Bahrain striker Jaycee John from underneath his crossbar.

But Bahrain’s hopes of a comeback were all put ended as Iran took full advantage with 19 minutes remaining as Teymourian’s corner found its way to Shojaei close to the penalty spot, and the midfielder saw his scuffed effort creep into the bottom corner despite a despairing dive from Jaffar.

11/01/201511/01/2015

Perfect start for Team Melli in AFC Asian Cup

Team Melli defeated Bahrain 2-0 lead in the first match for the two teams in group C of the Asian cup. The goals scored in the dying seconds of the first half by Eshasan Hajsafi , while Masoud Shojaei made it 2-0 in the 71st minute in the second half..

Carlos Queiroz started with the nucleus of the world Cup team with two exceptions. Morteza Pouralganji and Vouriya Ghafoori were replacing Khosro Heydari and Amir Hossein Sadeghi in the defense line

hajsafy-scores-vs-Bahrain — Hajsafy’s strike seconds after his shoot floats over towards the goal.

The Iranian fans in the Melbourne created a wonderful atmosphere turning the Rectangle stadium into what the Australian TV commentator called a “Mini Azadi”. The vociferous fans loud chant was only challenged by a very whistle happy Australian referee whose continuous whistling threatened to spoil what was an intriguing encounter. Both teams started lively sharing possessions without creating any serious scoring chances.

Ashkan Dejagah was by far the most active of Iran’s players on the right flank. He managed to give the Bahrain defense some real work out, however the ex- Fulham player delivery and finishing were quite poor in comparison to his skills and work rate . He missed a glorious chance to give Iran the lead when Hajsafy put him through with a brilliant pass in the box ,

Ashkan only managed to find Bahrain Keeper Seyed Jaffar’s legs instead while he had better options including squaring to unmarked Ghoochannejad,

The game went on with Iran having a strong grip on the match but the end product was lacking despite being the more controlling side.

And then came a brilliant piece of work by Ehsan Haj Safi from a corner kick in the finals seconds of the half. Teymourian’s floating corner kick, was too close to Bahrain Keeper Seyed Jaffar who ball punched it away only to find Hajsafy. The Sepahan midfielder controlled the ball with a perfect touch before he chips a wonderful ball with side footing over a crowd of players in front of the goal into the net. A truly wonderful strike by one of the two best Iran players of the half.

The first half ended 1-0

Shojaei sidefoots his shoot towards the far end of Bahrain keeper

The second half continued with the rhythm of the first with both teams playing openly. The first real threat came from Bahrain on the stroke of the hour when Alireza Haghighi mad his first save of the match from a powerful strike by Bahrain’s Jessi John , whose ferocious shot was deflected by Iran’s keeper. However , 10 minutes later Haghighi left the crowd ins suspense and anxiety for a few seconds when he collected a ball and then ran into Bahrain’s Fouzi Aaish who dropped on the ground. The referee whistled for a foul, thankfully it was against Bahrain player who protested and was clearly upset at the decision. The replay clearly showed that it was in fact Haghighi who charged into Aayesh. Hs indiscretion and foolish act could have been quite costly except for the mercy of the Aussie referee.

Not long after that incident , Iranian fans were relieved to see Team Melli scoring again. in the 71st minute Masoud Shojaei , whose contribution to the team up to that moment was absolutely minimal , scored from another corner kick. The floating ball was sent to the left corner of the stretched arms of Bahrain keeper to end up in the net. 2-0 for Iran

With the 2 goal margin , Team Melli opted to control the match leaving the Bahraini team to venture forward. Queiroz introduced his new players , with Azmoun , Jahanbakhsh and finally Soroush Rafei coming into the game. Although their contribution were minimal , it gave the team a new look and certainly raised the confidence of the young players.

Despite Bahrain’s gallant attempts , except for one case where Haghighi had to deflect a shot into a corner, Iran defense remained solid and intact. The rookie Pouraliganji was superb in partnering the veteran Hosseini in the middle of the defense, Ghafoori on the right flank was also a revelation while Pooladi was the same solid defender of the World Cup games.

The lack of creativity on the midfield was quite evident. Nekounam and Teymourin doing their routine defensive duties and hardly venturing towards opposition territories. Masoud Shojaei , as poor as always and looked like a lost figure in the midfield simply walking the match off , while leaving the bulk of the offensive load on Hajsafy and Dejagah to feed Team Melli’s lone forward Reza Ghoochannejad who was trapped between 5 Bahrain defenders.

Despite all the preparations problems and many side issues that the team and coach Queiroz had to endure with , this was perfect start for Team Melli . There was the obvious shortcomings but at the end of the day , Iran had the higher quality and experience to finish the match on winning all the 3 points and deservedly so.

10/01/201510/01/2015

History of Iran vs. Bahrain

The tiny Persian Gulf Island state of Bahrain , has given Iran quite a few problems in football matches.

In 1974 during the Asian games , Bahrain came to Tehran not so much to challenge the Big Boys of Asia , but more to learn how the masters of the continent play their football. A 6-0 drubbing against a Team Melli which had a large number of reserves players in the team , was the beginning of what looked like a long domination by mighty Iran.

However, the first shock to the Iranians came in 2000 in Syria, when Bahrain defeated team Melli in Damascus during the Asian Cup 2000 qualifiers, thus recording the first setback of Team Melli against the minnows. Despite winning 7 out of 16 matches played between the two, Iran’s record against Bahrain can hardly be described as dominant and assured.

The worst result for Team Melli must have been the 3-1 defeat in Bahrain , when Iran needed just a draw to make it to the finals of the World Cup in 2002. This left a permanent mark in the ego of Team Melli and the fans especially since some Bahrain players did carried out unsportsmanship act by carrying the Saudi Arabian flag on their victory march at the end of the match.

This is only the 2nd time that the teams meet in the AFC Asian Cup finals. The first , back in 2004 in Workers Stadium , Beijing, China was the third place play off where Team Melli scored a 4-2 victory against the best team that Bahrain ever produced in its history.

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Quotes

Hadi Tabatabaei , Former Team Melli goalkeeper ” Bahrain is not going to be an easy team to defeat. One of the advantages of our team is their fighting spirit than can come to our advantage.”

“Since it is the first game of the competition , we need to tread carefully and ensure that we have strong defensive. We should not allow their players much maneuvering space. From what I have seen of other teams, our task is going b e quite hard to make it all the way, but let us not forget one of our strongest attributes and that is our fighting spirit .”

Vahid Talebloo, Former Team Melli goalkeeper “Our biggest advantage is the solid defense. We have performed very well in this area during the World Cup and since the standards in the Asian Cup is not as high as the World Cup , we should be doing fine. First matches always have this intriguing feel to it and can spring surprises. We did will in our first match against Nigeria in the World Cup and that gave us a boost for the nest against Argentina. We need to repeat that in Australia”

“I think we can make it to the finals but that is not going to be an easy job at all. There are so many strong teams in this edition and it is very difficult to pick a winner at this stage. We have the resolve, the quality and the willpower to make it all the way. the boys need to focus and do their best.”

Mahmoud Fekri , former Team Melli defender ” We must defeat Bahrain to have any chance of qualifying ti the next round. If we fail to qualify , then this is a real wake up call for Iran’s football and a disaster in making.”

“The normal cliché of the first match difficulties still applies, but the quality and standard of Iranian football is way above Bahrain’s despite this team being a stubborn opponent for us. If we have any aspiration , any claims for lifting the title , we have to win such matches. Let us not forget that our neighbors on the other side of the Persian Gulf , are progressing steadily and firmly in football. They have managed to build strong teams and are in the top ranks of Asian football.”

Mehdi Foonoonizadeh , Former Team Melli midfielder ” Considering the current team status and the poor preparation, I seriously doubt that our Team, Melli will be among the top 4 in this competition.”

“I also have virtually no hope of Team Melli lifting the trophy. In order to make the grade, the team should have had a proper program with as many friendly games as possible starting way back. This team has not had such preparation and all that the coaching staff have done is to summarize a six months work in two-week of intensive physical training in South Africa and Australia. You cannot substitute proper training by intensified two weeks hard labour camp. One other problem in the team is the high average age of the players compared to other teams. We have not really embarked in renewing the blood in our Team Melli in earnest. I hope that Queiroz starts doing that in Australia.”

“Japan and then Australia , are the two strongest candidates for the championship. ”

Mohammed Hussain , Bahrain Captain and central defender “The difference in standards between Bahrain and Iran is marginal. However , we still have to play to our best level against Iran else it will be difficult for us. We have several players playing in professional leagues out of Bahrain , many of them in Qatar where a number of Iranian national team players are also playing. We have a good knowledge about them and hopefully such knowledge will help us to gain the right result tomorrow.”

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Betting odds

Iran Win	Draw	Bahrain Win
1.62	3.5	6.25

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Match Details.

Iran vs. Bahrain

AFC Asian Cup 2015 – Group ‘C’

09:00 (GMT) – 12:30 (Tehran)

Rectangular Stadium , Melbourne.

Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia)

Past records Head to Head

H / A / N	Matches	W	D	L	Goals	+ / –
Home	6	5	1	0	19 – 0	+19
Away	5	0	2	3	4 – 9	-5
Neutral	5	2	2	1	7 – 3	+4
Total	16	7	5	4	30 – 12	+18

Date	Comp.	H / A / N	Final score	Stadium	Attendance
12.12.2012	WAFF	N	0 – 0	Kazma SC Stadium, Kuwait City	1200
11.11.2011	World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group E	A	1 – 1	National Stadium – Riffa	18000
11.10.2011	World Cup Qualifier / Round 3 – Group E	H	6 – 0	Azadi Stadium , Tehran	83000
24.09.2010	WAFF / Group A	N	3 – 0	King Abdullah Stadium – Amman	12000
31.08.2009	Friendly	A	2 – 4	NATIONAL STADIUM , Manama	1500
21.03.2008	Friendly	A	0 – 1	National Stadium	3000
08.06.2005	World Cup Qualifier / Second Round	H	1 – 0	Azadi – Tehran	90000
09.02.2005	World Cup Qualifier	A	0 – 0	Manama	30000
06.08.2004	Asian Cup / 3rd Place	N	4 – 2	Workers Stadium , Beijing	10000
19.10.2001	World Cup Qualifier / WCQ	A	1 – 3	NATIONAL STADIUM , Manama	8000
14.09.2001	World Cup Qualifier / WCQ	H	0 – 0	Azadi – Tehran	50000
07.04.2000	Asian Cup Qualifier / Group 2	H	3 – 0	Azadi – Tehran	40000
04.04.2000	Asian Cup Qualifier / Group 2	N	0 – 1	Al Hamdaniya Stadium , Aleppo	30000
03.10.1994	Asian Games / Group A	N	0 – 0	Hiroshima	5000
20.08.1975	Olympics Qualifier	H	3 – 0	Amjadiah – Tehran	25000
07.09.1974	Asian Games	H	6 – 0	Amjadiah , Tehran	10000

10/01/2015

Queiroz: Iran should treat Bahrain opener as final

AFC: Melbourne (January 10, 2015) Carlos Queiroz has called on Iran to treat Sunday’s AFC Asian Cup Group C opener with Bahrain as a final, with the much-travelled Portuguese coach insisting the three-time champions are now fully prepared for the meeting at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Iran are ranked as the number one team in Asia, although having only played two friendlies since returning from an encouraging FIFA World Cup, Queiroz had raised doubts over Iran’s chances of finally adding a fourth continental title to the hat-trick of crowns won between 1968 and 1976.

But following training in both Sydney and Melbourne which included a friendly win over Iraq last weekend, an upbeat Queiroz is now eyeing a successful start to Iran’s record-equalling 13th AFC Asian Cup appearance.

“We’re going to play this game as if it is the Asian Cup final, and for the moment, our full concentration is for the team we play tomorrow,” said Portuguese coach Queiroz following Iran’s final training session at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Saturday.

“We have our expectations and our motivation and we are ready to compete. We are going to try and do our best to finish the game and win the game against a very good team that is Bahrain.”

Photo courtesy AFC.

Prior to last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Iraq, which was secured thanks to a first half strike from highly rated forward Sardar Azmoun, Iran had only beaten Korea Republic by the same scoreline in Tehran in November having drawn with Nigeria and lost to both Argentina and Bosnia & Herzegovina in Brazil.

“The preparation since we have arrived has been fantastic,” added Queiroz.

“We are ready to compete and fight. We have a big soul, big mind, big heart and we are ready for tomorrow.”

Iran’s outing in Melbourne represents their first game in Australia since ending the Socceroos’ 1998 FIFA World Cup hopes in 1997 when Khodadad Azizi’s late strike at the nearby Melbourne Cricket Ground earned the visitors a crucial 2-2 draw in what was then an intercontinental play-off.

The meeting also brings back memories of previous high-profile matches with Bahrain, most notably FIFA World Cup qualifiers in 2001 and 2012.

“It will be difficult against Bahrain, we have a tradition of big games, that’s football and that’s why this is the beauty of the game,” said Queiroz, who saw his side beat Bahrain 6-0 at home during the third round of qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

“All the teams come here with good expectations and huge dreams and we’re no different from the other teams. Our approach is only to be focused on the next match. We put all our concentration and our energy into the next match.”

07/01/2015

Iran’s Asian Cup chances weakened by poor preparation, says coach Queiroz

Michael Lynch

Senior sports reporter with The Age

Iran has been touted as one of the favourites to go all the way and take out the Asian Cup, but if you listen to coach Carlos Queiroz their chances have been vastly over-rated.

The former Manchester United assistant manager and Real Madrid and Portugal coach has been in charge of Team Melli since 2011 and led them to the World Cup in Brazil, where they acquitted themselves honourably against Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia.

But on his arrival in Melbourne on Wednesday ahead of Iran’s opening Asian Cup game against Bahrain on Sunday, Queiroz was quick to play down his side’s hopes, saying their preparation had been compromised by a lack of money and had been far from ideal.

Managing expectations: Carlos Queiroz unhappy with Iran’s build up to the Asian Cup Photo: AFP

When asked if Iran was now a better team with the experience of the World Cup behind it, Queiroz simply said “no” before pausing.

He added: “Its worse now. Because we did not have the preparation we should have. “When you gamble too much with a bad preparation your chances are not so high as before.”

Queiroz’s frustration has been fuelled by Iran’s lack of activity since their three World Cup matches – a scoreless draw with Nigeria, a 1-0 loss to Argentina (when Lionel Messi’s late winner proved the difference) and a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia.

Since then Team Melli have played only twice, a 1-0 friendly win over South Korea in Tehran in November and a victory over Iraq by the same scoreline in a friendly in Wollongong last Sunday.

“The only thing which is disturbing for our team is the preparation. My team is not prepared as it should be according to the demands and dreams of the Iranian FA because we struggle with some problems, financial problems, to support the team,” Queiroz said.

“Our expectation was to come here with more camps and more games. You can’t have too much expectations when we only play two games from July until now. Its not enough. But I can count on the spirit of the players and the strong mentality to try to make the right balance.”

Queiroz has probably the strongest CV of all the coaches at this tournament, having spent five years (in two separate stints) as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two at Old Trafford sandwiched by a spell in charge of the Galacticos of Madrid.

In addition he managed perhaps the sport’s biggest star, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the Portuguese national team during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

His pessimism over Iran’s prospects are at odds with those pundits who have rated their form on their World Cup exploits.

Queiroz agrees that if they were at the same level as their Brazilian preparation that might be the case.

“A competition like the Asian Cup is always a very difficult and complex situation for all the teams, especially the ones that come from far away. We are mentally prepared to fight for a win in every single game but our explanation and approach is just to think about the next game.

“We know that without the first game, the second game there is no future. For us it’s a very simple approach: be focussed and concentrate on Bahrain, and that’s it, after we start to think about the next game.

“We have been struggling a little bit with the jet lag [and] the environment is very warm and humid for us.”

Looking back at the World Cup, he believes the Iranians were satisfied by the performances against strong opponents.

“I think the priority, the main goal of our participation, was to bring joy and honour to the country for sure. Iran was not one of the teams that were expected to win the World Cup … we didn’t embarrass ourselves against the best teams in the world.

“The game against Argentina, the second game, when you have Messi on the other side and a referee that didn’t have the courage to do his duties, it was more difficult for us. It was clear and embarrassing for the referee not to give a penalty to Iran. If in that game we had got a draw, I think we at least had deserved it.”

07/01/2015

Beigzadeh out of Team Melli squad.

Hashim Beigzadeh , Team Melli defender was put on the injured list after he broke his wrist during training in Melbourne.

Beigzadeh will not be able to play for a few weeks hence the Team coaching cadre opted to recall a replacement in Persepolis’s Mohammadreza Khanzadeh who is in Tehran. Khanzadeh was informed on the news while he was in a training session with his team. He bid farewell to his teammates and left the training urgently to prepare himself for the flight to Sydney.

Team Melli will be playing its first match against Bahrain on the 11th of January.

Khanzadeh’s selection means that Persepolis will have at least 1 player in the squad , although the chances of him getting actual playing time is minimal. Interestingly enough , Khanzadeh faced the same situation in the World Cup being the spare player for the same Beigzadeh in Brazil. However , during the World Cup Beigzadeh recovered while Khanzadeh’s name was not included in the official 23 players list.

06/01/201507/01/2015

Jalal Hosseini ” the fans should not expect miracles.”

Jalal Hosseini , Team Melli central defender said “since Team Melli preparations was way behind the other opponents , the fans should not expect miracles.”

Seyed Jalal Hosseini spoke to Mehr news agency about the conditions of Iranian national team six days before the opener match against Bahrain, He said: “Thanks God our physical condition is quite decent. Unfortunately, we did not have an ideal number of preparation friendly games and that is a crucial point. Therefore, we had to compensate with much preparative physical work. From the day we landed in Australia, we have worked quite hard to get in shape ready for the Asian Cup with hard and tough training.”

He added “we had a very good game against Iraq. I hope that despite all the hardships, the lack of preparatory friendly games, we manage in showcasing our abilities and qualities in the Asian Cup. The first game is very important in such tournaments in particular, since our first opponent in the tournament is Bahrain, the team that we usually have some difficulties against. Anyway, I hope we have a good start, then continue from there on”

Hosseini said that there is no point in regretting what happened and divulging about the level of team preparations. “No matter how long we have been in a training camp, it is not a substitute for playing strong friendly games against quality oppositions. If you ask me whether our team’s preparation is on the same footing at the oppositions, I categorically say NO. However, this is all water under the bridge now. We must deal with this situation . Very little time is left to the start of the tournament., so we must not think about the past and feel sorry about ourselves , this is like shooting ourselves in the foot if we keep on about that. We simply have to carry on. In any case, the fact is that we are way behind the other teams in preparation programs. Each of them has done a dozen or so friendly games against strong teams. Ae are very backward. In that sense”

He added, however I strongly disagree with people who have demanded that Team Melli must win the title or at least reach the finals. The fact is that we have not had the proper preparation for such a strong tournament to justify such demand. The situation dictated upon us after our return from the World Cup , was as such that the team was sitting idle for 6 months without any games and meaningful program. Our squad had not had the chance for any match to see how the team performs with new players and what the benchmark is. Now we have many young players in our team. When players can show their real ability to have more opportunity to play together. We should not expect miracles from the team; however, we are of all our efforts we can make the people happy.”

Hosseini paid tribute to the new Team Melli players. The central defender, currently playing for Al AHli , admitted thy are quite a revelation with their hard work and stamina. “We have to accept that this group and others in the same level, are the future of Iran’s football. I am quite happy to see them paying so much attention and working their extreme best to impress in order to become established players.”

05/01/2015

Iran attempt to end years of Asian pain

AP3:08 a.m. EST January 5, 2015

SYDNEY (AP) — Iran’s squad arrived in Australia for the Asian Cup aiming to end nearly 40 years of football heartache with a long overdue continental triumph.

Team Melli must first overcome rivals from closer to home in an all-West Asian Group C, which includes Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Asia’s top-ranked team at No. 51, Iran has not progressed past the Asian Cup quarterfinals since 1996, falling well short of its most successful era when it won three successive tournaments from 1968 to 1976.

1976 Team Melli — Team Melli Asian Cup Champions 1976 L2R Standing: Rashidi, Abdollahei , Khorshidi , ZolfagharNasab,Eskandarian & Nooraei. L2R Sitting : Rowshan , Nazari , Parvin, Ghassimpouir & Ghleechkhani

The ace for Iran could be its coach, former Portugal and Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz, who guided the squad to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Queiroz was expected to leave his post after Iran’s group-stage exit from Brazil, but stayed on in what appears to be a vote of confidence in his methods.

Iran’s captain and talisman, Javad Nekounam of Osasuna in Spain, brings some star power to a tournament light on high-profile players and will be aiming to continue his goal-scoring form from qualifying, during which he netted four times.

Iran opens against Bahrain at Melbourne on Jan. 11.

Despite the continuing off-field distractions surrounding Qatar’s successful 2022 World Cup bid and subsequent preparations for the tournament, the Qatari squad enters the Asian Cup in strong form on the field.

Qatar was impressive at the recent Gulf Cup, where it beat Oman in the semifinals and Saudi Arabia in the final.

Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi has opted for youth above experience in attack, leaving veteran striker Sebastian Soria at home for Congolese-born Mohammed Tresor Abdullah and naturalized striker Mohammad Montari to support playmaker and former Asian Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim.

Qatar was ousted in the Asian Cup quarterfinals on home soil in 2011, losing to eventual champion Japan — a team it could well meet again in the same stage here.

The Qataris open in Canberra against the United Arab Emirates in a match that could be decisive for both nations’ prospects of reaching the knockout stages.

UAE breezed through qualifying, winning five games and drawing one on its way to topping its group.

Striker Ali Mabkhout notched five goals to jointly lead all scorers across the continent, as UAE found the net 18 times in qualifying, a mark only matched by group rivals Iran.

The UAE’s good form continued into the Gulf Cup, where the defending champs navigated their group undefeated, with Mabkhout scoring four times in three games. Saudi Arabia ended the UAE run in the semifinals, but the team bounced back to beat Oman in the third-place playoff.

Bahrain, the lowest-ranked team in the group at 125th, heads into the tournament in turmoil after a poor Gulf Cup campaign, which yielded no goals and the firing of coach Adnan Hamad.

New coach Marjan Eid has had little time to address Bahrain’s main weakness — its lack of potency in front of goal. Eid will lean on 28-year-old striker Ismail Abdul-Latif, who scored twice against Saudi Arabia in a friendly last week, to spearhead Bahrain’s attack.

05/01/2015

Ali Daei’s message of support to Nekounam

The legendary Ali Daei , holder of Team Melli all time appearance records with 149 international games and also the World top international scorer of all time , sent Javad Nekounam a support and inspiration message.

In his message , Daei congratulated Nekounam on his approach to breaking Daei’s record of national games and encouraged him to pursue this feat and show the world how Iran can perform well even under duress.

“I am aware that the coach is not entirely happy about the pre-tournament preparation and the acute lack of friendly games. I am aware that the conditions for the players and the coaching staff were not ideal, however, I believe in the Iranian team spirit. I am more than hopeful that this team will seek glory and make the Iranian fans jubilant and proud by performing to their maximum potential.”

“My best wishes to you as the leader and I wish you and the rest of players , the coaching staff and all involved in the Asian Cup mission , the very best. Be assured that we will all be behind you. I shall maintain my stance and will always be a Team Melli fan under all circumstances.”

Ali Daei has 149 games and 109 goals (Teammelli.com credits Daei with 112 goals). Javad Nekounam has 148 games and 37 goals. It is expected that Nekounam will equal Daei’s games next Sunday against Bahrain.

Ali Daei is invited by AFC and the Asian Cup Organizing Committee as an honorary guest for the Finals of the Asian Cup. It is not clear if Daei will be attending Team Melli matches in Australia in person.