Category: News

North Korea’s last attempy to seek qualifcation.

Vientiane: Iran will face DPR Korea in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 knowing that victory will almost surely secure their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Iran, on 10 points, lead the standings ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference with both sitting six clear of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar after just four matches. 

Seeking a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup and seventh overall, Iran’s qualification campaign has been serene.

The opening two matchdays saw the Central Asian side registering 1-0 wins over Kyrgyz Republic and UAE, with a tough 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan following.

Iran, however, were at their scorching best against Qatar on Matchday Four as they cruised to an emphatic 4-1 win and with their key players all available, they will fancy their chances against DPR Korea in the neutral venue of Vientiane.

“We are well aware that we have a tough game. The Korean team has a strong defense. They also work very well and quickly in attacks. In this game, we have to go to the field with more focus and responsibility than in the previous matches. We got a good result in the last two games, but those two matches are history now,” Ghalenoei said.

The Team Melli coach says that the match against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are “the most important” matches of the national team.

“We must play with high concentration from the first minute to the 90th minute. We have analyzed North Korea and we know how strong they are. Even in the match against Uzbekistan, where they lost, or in the match against the UAE, where they shared the spoils, they could have won the match, so we must face this opponent with full attention,” he added.

Asked his is there any challenge ahead of Iran football team against the Korean team, Ghalenoei said, “Fortunately, we don’t have any special challenge ahead of us and the players are ready to play. I have to thank the Iran Football Federation, because we traveled to Laos by direct flight, otherwise it would endure a 30-hour trip.

 However, the truth of the game is when the referee blows the whistle to start the game, and I hope that the players of the national team will start and finish their work in this match with the same concentration they had in the game against Qatar and use the opportunities effectively.

In response to the question about the history of matches between two teams, North Korea have always been a difficult opponent, Ghalenoei said, “Football in Asia has progressed and you can see this in the World Cup qualifiers. North Korea have also shown that they are a good team with a plan, and their past results prove this. The matches against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan are our most important matches and we want to do our best to secure our berth in the World Cup.”.

While DPR Korea still have a mathematical chance of securing one of the two top spots which will guarantee automatic qualification, they will need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go in their favour.

With just two points on the board, victory is a must against Iran and DPR Korea can be expected to produce their best as they strive to keep their campaign alive. 

DPR Korea v IR Iran

Venue: Lao National Stadium KM16 (Vientiane)

Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+7)

Analyzing Ghalenoei’s Tactics for Team Melli’s Success

Team Melli’s Commanding Position in World Cup Qualifiers

Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, currently sits at the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-round qualifiers, with 10 points from 4 matches. While Uzbekistan also holds 10 points, Iran maintains an edge through superior goal difference. The upcoming match against North Korea is crucial in solidifying Iran’s lead in the group and moving closer to securing a spot in the Canada/Mexico/USA World Cup. This fixture marks the end of the first round of qualifiers, with each team poised to complete their initial schedule before starting the return leg just five days later.

While five matches remain, a victory against North Korea, coupled with a Qatar defeat by Uzbekistan and a UAE loss to Kyrgyzstan, would put Team Melli in a strong qualifying position. An anticipated win over Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek would provide even greater confidence as Iran heads into a break, with qualifiers resuming next year.

Beyond qualifying mathematics, Team Melli’s recent performance against Qatar marked a turning point. Their impressive 4-1 win against the AFC Asian Cup champions showed a surge in form after three prior matches saw only two goals scored in total. Against Qatar, Team Melli displayed tactical sharpness, capitalizing on both skill and strategy. Now, Iran aims to replicate that cohesive performance against North Korea, who have historically posed a physical and tenacious challenge.

Ghalenoei’s Strategy and Selections: A Consistent Approach

Much debate surrounds Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactics and player selections, but it appears he is committed to his game plan. Ghalenoei, who values stability and consistency, continues to rely on a familiar roster and strategy. While he has faced criticism, he maintains that as long as results meet the team’s objectives, Team Melli should be exempt from critique. This strategy, though conservative, has proven effective, as evidenced by Iran’s undefeated standing so far.

In Vientiane, Ghalenoei is expected to retain much of the lineup that excelled against Qatar. The defense held firm, save for a single lapse that led to a conceded goal, and successfully contained two of Asia’s top forwards, Akram Afif and AlMoez Ali. In attack, Sardar Azmoun delivered a standout performance, while Mohammad Mohebbi filled Mehdi Taremi’s typically prolific role, showcasing his ability to step up under pressure.

However, Iran’s midfield continues to present challenges. Lacking creative playmaking and efficient distribution to the forward line, this area remains a potential vulnerability. Despite a more assured defensive role, the midfield has struggled to effectively support the attack. Hopes are high that Alireza Jahanbakhsh will remain on the bench in favor of a trio of Mohammad Karimi, Saman Ghoddos, and Saeid Ezatollahi in the center, with Ali Gholizadeh adding an offensive edge from the wing. This combination may provide the balance and dynamism Iran needs to unlock North Korea’s compact defense.

PLAYERS PERFORMANCE


Facing North Korea: Physicality and Discipline

North Korea, known for its tenacity and physical style, has had a mixed record in this qualifier stage. While their defense remains tightly organized, a lack of clinical finishing has hampered their results. Despite these limitations, they are a resilient side that has given Iran tough matches in the past, rarely backing down from challenges and often engaging in a physical style of play.

To succeed, Team Melli must avoid unnecessary physical confrontations, maintain composure, and remain disciplined—especially with a view to avoiding yellow and red cards that could weaken the squad in critical moments. Staying focused and maintaining an 11-man team on the field will be essential to handling North Korea’s aggressive tactics.

This encounter will be pivotal not only for Team Melli’s qualifying aspirations but also for maintaining their momentum and confidence as they progress in the World Cup qualifiers. With an opportunity to lock in a commanding lead, Iran heads into this clash with determination and focus, aiming to take a definitive step toward the 2026 World Cup.

H2H : Iran vs North Korea

North Korea is one of several teams that has yet to claim a victory over Iran’s national football team, Team Melli. From their first encounter in the 1972 Olympic Games qualifiers to their most recent clash in the 2011 Asian Cup, where Iran secured a narrow 1-0 win in Doha, North Korea has persistently fallen short of a win against Iran. Yet, while the record on paper suggests Iranian dominance, the reality on the field has often been much closer.

North Korea has consistently proven to be a challenging opponent, with a physically resilient and fast-paced style of play that has tested Iran in every encounter. Unlike some teams, North Korea is not easily intimidated by Team Melli’s reputation or tactical style. Many of their matches have been closely contested, reflecting the competitive edge and defensive rigor North Korea brings to the pitch.

After a period of decline, North Korea’s recent resurgence has seen improvements in both their tactics and results. Reaching this stage of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers underscores their determination, resilience, and growing strength as a team. Although in the 4 matches played , they currently have only two points from two draws in the group stage, their games have been tight battles, marked by near-misses and moments of unluckiness. In particular, their matches against Uzbekistan and the UAE were impacted by missed penalty opportunities, which might have shifted their standing.

On Thursday in Vientiane, Laos, which North Korea elected as their home base, the match will be another tight battle.

STANDING TABLE

Below is a detailed look at the historical match records between Iran and North Korea, providing a deeper insight into this intriguing rivalry.

Matches List

#Match DateMatch TypeOpponentScoreResult
11972-05-04Olympics QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
21972-05-30Olympics QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
31972-06-01Olympics QualifierKorea DPR2-0W
41973-05-04World Cup QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
51973-05-11World Cup QualifierKorea DPR2-1W
61980-02-25Olympics QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
71980-09-24Asian CupKorea DPR3-2W
81980-09-29Asian CupKorea DPR3-0W
91985-02-05FriendlyKorea DPR1-0W
101988-06-02Asian Cup QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
111990-09-28Asian GamesKorea DPR2-1W
121990-10-06Asian GamesKorea DPR0-0D
131992-10-30Asian CupKorea DPR2-0W
141993-10-25World Cup QualifierKorea DPR2-1W
152003-10-27Asian Cup QualifierKorea DPR3-1W
162003-11-12Asian Cup QualifierKorea DPR1-0W
172005-03-30World Cup QualifierKorea DPR2-0W
182005-06-03World Cup QualifierKorea DPR1-0W
192008-10-15World Cup QualifierKorea DPR2-1W
202009-06-06World Cup QualifierKorea DPR0-0D
212010-01-02FriendlyKorea DPR1-0W
222011-01-15Asian CupKorea DPR1-0W

Match Summary

MP:22
Wins (W): 15
Draws (D):7
Losses (L):0
Goals For (GF):28
(GA):7
Goal Difference (GD):21

Goal Scorers

  • Ali DAEI – 3 goals
  • Mehdi MAHDAVIKIA – 2 goals
  • Javad NEKOUNAM – 2 goals
  • Mohammad Ali KARIMI – 2 goals
  • Farshad PEYOUS – 2 goals
  • Hossein FARAKI – 2 goals
  • Behtash FARIBA – 2 goals
  • Rahman REZAEI – 1 goals
  • Moharam NAVIDKIA – 1 goals
  • Sirous GHAYEGHRAN – 1 goals
  • Shahroukh BAYANI – 1 goals
  • Shahin BAYANI – 1 goals
  • Hamid ALIDOUSTI – 1 goals
  • Iraj DANAEIFARD – 1 goals
  • Mehdi MONAJATI – 1 goals
  • Mohammad SADEGHI – 1 goals
  • Hossein KALANI – 1 goals
  • Safar IRANPAK – 1 goals
  • Mehrzad MADANCHI – 1 goals
  • Karim ANSARIFARD – 1 goals

28 players called to Team Melli camp.

The list of 28 players of the national team of Iran was announced on Saturday by the coaching staff.

The invited players will joining the training camp of Team Melli preparing for the upcoming matches against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

* The Iranian national football team will leave for Laos on Monday night on board a chartered jet of Meraj Airlines directly from Mehrabad Airport to play their fifth match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against North Korea on Thursday, November 14th.

After four games and 10 points, Team Melli is at the top of the table of the first group in this competition. * The Iranian team will hold its sixth match in Bishkek on Tuesday next week at the beginning of the qualifiers ended with a 1-0 victory for Iran.

THE SQUAD

No.PostPlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1GKAlireza Beiranvand21 September 1992 (age 32)750 Tractor
12GKPayam Niazmand6 April 1995 (age 29)90 Sepahan
22GKHossein Hosseini30 June 1992 (age 32)110 Esteghlal
GKMohammad Reza Akhbari15 Feb 1993 (age 31)Gol Gohar
2DFSaleh Hardani26 December 1998 (age 25)90 Sepahan
4DFShojae Khalilzadeh14 May 1989 (age 35)462 Tractor
5DFMilad Mohammadi29 September 1993 (age 31)651 Persepolis
15DFAmin Hazbavi6 May 2003 (age 21)30 Sepahan
23DFAria Yousefi22 April 2002 (age 22)40 Sepahan
24DFAli Nemati7 February 1996 (age 28)20 Foolad Khuzestan
DFHossein Kananizadegan23 March 1994 (age 30)556 Persepolis
DFMehdi Zare25 January 2003 (age 21)00 Gol Gohar Sirjan
3MFMohammad Ghorbani21 May 2001 (age 23)50 Orenburg
6MFSaeid Ezatolahi1 October 1996 (age 28)721 Shabab Al Ahli
7MFAlireza Jahanbakhsh11 August 1993 (age 31)8817Free agent
10MFMehdi Ghayedi5 December 1998 (age 25)228 Ittihad Kalba
11MFAli Gholizadeh10 March 1996 (age 28)396 Lech Poznań
14MFSaman Ghoddos6 September 1993 (age 31)553 Ittihad Kalba
17MFMohammad Karimi20 June 1996 (age 28)50 Sepahan
21MFOmid Noorafkan9 April 1997 (age 27)271 Malavan
MFMohammad Mohebi20 December 1998 (age 25)258 Rostov
MFJavad Hosseinnejad26 June 2003 (age 21)20 FC Dynamo Makhachkala
MFRouzbeh Cheshmi24 July 1993 (age 31)343Esteghlal
9FWMehdi Taremi18 July 1992 (age 32)8952 Inter Milan
19FWShahriyar Moghanlou21 December 1994 (age 29)132 Ittihad Kalba
20FWSardar Azmoun1 January 1995 (age 29)8755 Shabab Al Ahli
FWSaeid Saharkheizan26 June 2003 (age 21)Orenburg
FWAmi Hossein Hosseinzadeh30 October 2000 (age 24)3Tractor

Heerenveen has clubless Jahanbakhsh in their sights

 

Nov. 4 2024

SC Heerenveen is in the market for Alireza Jahanbakhsh. The former Feyenoord player is currently without a club and is seen as a possible reinforcement for Robin van Persie’s team.

Heerenveen has clubless Jahanbakhsh in their sights

General manager Ferry de Haan confirms to Omrop Fryslân that there is contact with the 31-year-old Jahanbakhsh. ‘He has certain qualities that we are missing in our squad at the moment’, says the director. ‘Alireza has depth in his game and of course, has the necessary international experience. Normally, these kinds of guys are not affordable for us, but he doesn’t have a club at the moment.”

Jahanbakhsh previously played in the Eredivisie for NEC, AZ and Feyenoord. At the latter club, he has been on the payroll for the past three years; Jahanbakhsh scored seventeen goals in 106 games for Feyenoord. Last season, he suffered a lot from injuries.

Heerenveen currently has four wingers in the squad, namely Jacob Trenskow, Ilias Sebaoui, Danilo Al-Saed and Che Nunnely. The latter has an expiring contract and Sebaoui is on loan from Feyenoord.

Currently, SC Heerenveen is in a precarious position and ranked 15th out of 18 in the Eredivisie with 9 points from 11 games.

Saeid Ahmad-Abbasi AFC Futsal Player of the Year

Seoul: Iran stalwart Saeid Ahmad Abbasi was named the latest AFC Futsal Player of the Year at the AFC Annual Awards Seoul 2023 on Tuesday.

Abbasi continued a proud Iranian tradition in the award’s history by becoming the sixth different player from his nation to win, following in the footsteps of record four-time recipient Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh, Vahid Shamsaei, Mohammad Taheri, Mohammad Keshavarz and Moslem Oladghobad.

Having been edged to the prize by Oladghobad in 2022, there was no denying Abbasi on his second nomination after his eye-catching tournament display at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Thailand 2024.

#AFCAwards2023 AFC Futsal Player of the Year

The 32-year-old scored in five of Team Melli’s six matches, including in the Final, to finish with eight goals and one assist as they clinched a record-extending 13th triumph. The success was sweet redemption for the Central Asians, who had relinquished their crown in 2022, and Abbasi also took home the Most Valuable Player and Yili Top Scorer trophies.

Born in Tonekabon, Abbasi first donned international colours in 2017 and the pivot recently returned to IR Iran by joining Giti Pasand in June after spending time abroad with Spain’s Viña Albali Valdepeñas since November 2022.

Photo: Robertus Pudyanto/FIFA

Iran U17 hammers Hong Kong 7-1

Zarqa: Iran kicked off their bid for a place in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 with an impressive 7-1 win against Hong Kong, China in Group A of the Qualifiers on Monday.
DPR Korea secured their second win of the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Syria to lead the group on six points.

Hong Kong, China 1-7 IR Iran
Iran, the 2018 champions, quickly got into their groove and went ahead in the second minute through Omid Garachchomaghloo before Erfan Khodadadian doubled their lead 14 minutes later.

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Hong Kong, China fought to pull a goal back through Yiu Tsz Leong in the 23rd minute but were unable to stop Iliya Ahmadimanesh from restoring Iran’s two-goal lead nine minutes later.

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The East Asian side battled admirably in the second half but Iran’s persistent attacks proved too hot to handle as Garachchomaghloo shined with goals in the 50th, 88th and second minute of added time while Khodadadian netted in the 84th minute to seal the emphatic win.

Iran’s U17 Head Coach Abbas Chamanian, a veteran in this age group, has built a formidable team. Players found their teammates quite impressively on the pitch. Apart from the seven goals, there were at least three balls that hit the post, some remarkable saves by Hong Kong Keeper, and many wasted opportunities for the young Iranians. The final score could have easily been in double figures.

It is noted that Hong Kong players were not an easy team to beat as they seemed to match Iranian players in many areas, The downfall was the poor defensive coverage and lack of coordination between the back four.

Scorers:
Omid Qara Chamaqal (2′ and 84′)
Erfan Khodadadian (16′, 50′, 88′ and  90+2′)
Ilia Ahmadi Manesh (32′)

LINEUP:
Madreza Bani Tamim;
Ali Destmrezeh (40′ Mohammad Amin Hosseini),
Amir Ali Ashouranjad (46′  Abolfazl Kazemi),
Morteza Ali Baldi (86′  Amir Hossein Shojaei),
Mohammad Amin Mehralian (46′ Ali Jalukhani),
Irfan Yusufzadeh,
Omid Qara Chomaghlo,
Ilia Ahmadi Manesh (62′  Amir Mohammad Bostani),
Mehrab Badleh,
Irfan Khodadadian.

Sardar Azmoun Injured During UAE Cup Match, Faces Possible Team Melli Absence.

Sardar Azmoun, the star center forward of Team Melli and Shabab Al-Ahli, sustained an injury during his club’s UAE Cup match against Diba Al-Hisn.

Azmoun, who recently impressed by scoring twice and assisting Mohebi in Iran’s victory over Qatar, continued his fine form with an early goal in the 9th minute of the match. However, his night was cut short when he was forced to leave the field in the 32nd minute due to injury.

In the dressing room, medical staff conducted an initial evaluation, quickly assessing the severity of his condition. Fortunately, after further examinations, it was confirmed that Azmoun had not sustained damage to his cruciate ligament. His injury, though requiring treatment, is not expected to sideline him for an extended period. The estimated recovery time is less than a month.

Despite the relatively short recovery period, Azmoun is at risk of missing Iran’s next two World Cup qualifying matches in November — away games against North Korea, which are likely to take place in Laos and Kyrgyzstan.

Team Melli currently tops Group A in the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 10 points, closely followed by Uzbekistan. The top two teams from the group will qualify directly for the finals, while the third-placed team will have to navigate a playoff to secure their spot in the tournament.

Ghalenoei’s Outburst: A Coach’s Unusual Rant Against Critics

Following Team Melli’s emphatic victory against Qatar, head coach Amir Ghalenoei surprised many with a heated outburst, targeting his critics and demanding that Iran’s national broadcaster, IRIB, stop airing their opinions. His remarks, unusually severe even by his own standards, sparked widespread reactions across media outlets.

In the post-match press conference, Ghalenoei expressed his frustration, saying, “They [the critics] did not help the team. If you’re going to talk about someone, speak from your experience. Not everyone deserves a platform to criticize. It seems anyone with an issue against Amir Ghalenoei gets a voice on radio and television. Check these people’s resumes and compare them to mine.”

He went on to highlight his accomplishments: “I’m not just Amir Ghalenoei from the league. I’ve earned over a thousand points coaching various teams, not just one. I’ve taken responsibility for teams that were struggling both financially and in terms of scheduling. For example, Sepahan, a club I’m proud of, was 14th in the table when I took over, and we achieved great results on a minimal budget.”

He continued by mentioning his time with Tractor Sazi, where he led the team to its first-ever qualification for the AFC Champions League, which he considers one of his proudest achievements. Ghalenoei also highlighted his success with Esteghlal, his boyhood club. Wrapping up his speech, he addressed IRIB officials directly: “Team Melli and I are not without flaws. Criticize us, but don’t hold grudges. Some people are given a platform to criticize, not based on merit, but out of past grievances. One day I’ll respond to all of them, but for now, I must stay silent due to my position. Mr. Taj has also asked me to remain calm, but the day will come when I answer them all.”

While coaches often feel targeted by criticism, believing that dissent is a personal attack, Ghalenoei’s remarks crossed a line by calling for national media censorship. His demand that IRIB, Iran’s only authorized television and radio network, silence his critics struck many as authoritarian.

The backlash was swift. Javad Khiabani, a veteran broadcaster and respected authority on Team Melli, was one of the most outspoken critics. Khiabani condemned Ghalenoei’s arrogance and accused him of attempting to stifle free speech and the press’s role in providing objective analysis. He reminded Ghalenoei that journalism’s duty is to scrutinize and hold those in power accountable. “Ghalenoei acts as though he is beyond criticism, but his resume, despite his boasting, is lacking in international success,” Khiabani pointed out. “Beating Qatar is not an achievement to be proud of like defeating world champions, France or Brazil. Ghalenoei has twice failed to win the AFC Asian Cup as Iran’s coach and has yet to qualify for the World Cup, something an Iranian coach achieved decades ago with far fewer resources and fewer finalist (16 teams).”

Khiabani further criticized Ghalenoei for trying to dictate the terms of criticism, a job that rightly belongs to journalists. He emphasized that no coach should be immune from analysis, especially when leading the national team.

Ghalenoei’s tirade reveals a deep-seated insecurity and fear of criticism, suggesting a lack of confidence in his own abilities. His unreasonable demand for IRIB to suppress negative opinions is unlikely to be entertained by the authorities, and it may only amplify the voices of his critics. By lashing out at the media, Ghalenoei has likely emboldened his detractors, who will now scrutinize every aspect of his leadership, from player selections to tactics.

In the end, Ghalenoei’s rant may have done more harm than good, intensifying the spotlight on his tenure and raising questions about his ability to handle the pressures of leading Team Melli.

Team Melli Dominates Qatar in 4-1 Victory, Strengthening World Cup Hopes

In a commanding performance, Team Melli triumphed 4-1 over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in a crucial home game in Dubai. This victory gives Iran a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

Key Milestones and Table Standings

The win propelled Iran to the top of Group A with 10 points and a two-goal advantage over Uzbekistan. More importantly, it opened up a crucial six-point gap between the top two teams and the third-ranked side, which could prove decisive as only the top two teams directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This match also served as sweet revenge for Team Melli, who narrowly lost 3-2 to Qatar in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha.

A Match Full of Drama

The match delivered plenty of excitement for Iranian fans, despite an early scare. Almoez Ali stunned the crowd with a thunderous shot that found the back of Beiranvand’s net, giving Qatar a 1-0 lead. However, Iran quickly regained composure, demonstrating their strength, skill, and resilience to score four goals and secure the emphatic victory.

Positives from the Match

While there were challenges, Team Melli showcased its potential and ability to dominate:

1. Sardar Azmoun’s Resurgence:
After a string of lackluster performances, Azmoun was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice and assisted the third goal, demonstrating his value to the team. Playing on his club’s home ground, Azmoun’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality and class as a forward.

2. Defensive Agility:
Despite conceding early, Iran’s makeshift defense—missing two key players—showed impressive resilience. They managed to neutralize Qatar’s dangerous forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, providing little room for further threats.

3. Winning Mentality:
The team displayed a relentless drive to win. Even when leading 3-1, Team Melli pressed forward, securing a fourth goal in injury time. This offensive mindset reflects a growing belief in the squad’s abilities, something that will be crucial as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the impressive victory, there are still aspects that need addressing:

1. Route One Football:
Coach Ghalenoei has relied heavily on the ‘Route One’ tactic, which involves long, direct passes to the forwards. However, this approach has seldom yielded results for Iran, and ironically, Qatar’s opening goal came from a similar tactic. Once Iran shifted to a more creative passing game—utilizing the wings and feeding the ball to power forwards Taremi and Azmoun—they found success. This match proved that Team Melli is far more effective when they focus on building play rather than relying on long balls. Hopefully, Ghalenoei will reconsider his use of Route One football going forward.

2. Discipline Issues:
Iran’s players continue to struggle with discipline. In this match, Mehdi Ghayedi narrowly avoided being sent off for a reckless tackle, and three yellow cards were needlessly conceded by Azmoun, Mohebbi, and Ghayedi. This indiscipline is a worrying trend—Team Melli has accumulated 10 cards (9 yellow, 1 red) in just four matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Such poor discipline could prove costly in future matches, and it’s an issue that requires more oversight from the coaching staff.

3. Lack of Trust in Young Players:
Coach Ghalenoei has spoken of integrating young talent, but his reluctance to give them significant playing time was evident. Promising players like Amin Hezbavi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Yousefi, and Amir Hosseinzadeh were either sidelined or given minimal minutes, while older players like Jahanbaksh and Moghanlou—who have struggled to make an impact—were given preference. If these young players are to develop, they need meaningful opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.

4. The Ali Gholizadeh Mystery:
The decision to keep Ali Gholizadeh on the bench remains puzzling. His pace and skill could have been crucial in breaking down Qatar’s defense, especially on the flanks. Hopefully, his absence was not due to an injury, as his talent would have made a significant difference.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, Team Melli’s performance against Qatar was largely positive. However, consistency will be key as they prepare to face North Korea, the lowest-ranked team in their group, and Kyrgyzstan in November. North Korea, while not as formidable as Qatar, will present a different challenge. Anything less than six points in these upcoming matches would be a disappointment for a team with such high aspirations.