Category: News

Iran futsal qualifies despite a narrow loss to defending champions.

Iran National Futsal Team lost against Argentina 2-1 in the final match of Group F of the FIFA futsal World Cup 2021.

Defending champion Argentina heads the group with 9 points with 3 straight wins, while Iran is second with six. Both teams qualify for the next round where Iran is expected to meet continental rivals Uzbekistan,

Iran team played a strong defensive game in the first half and held Argentina 0-0 with the help of some superb saves by Sepeher Mohammadi in goal.

In the second half, a defensive mistake led to Argentina's first goal, and shortly after that, they scored the second. That was the cue for Iran to change plans and go into the offensive mode. Iran looked like a different team giving the world champion a tough test despite the Argentine solid defense. However, the defensive walls of Argentine were broken by a sublime world Class chip goal from Captain Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh.

Iran continued the offensive and they got the equalizer from a free-kick with another smart play, however, it was ruled out due to an alleged blocking foul. The VAR did not clearly show any sign of a positive foul but in any case, the goal was ruled out. Iran kept the pressure up to the last seconds giving Argentine a real test with some slick moves and passing. The best team in the world, Argentina was pushed to the edge in this showdown for the first time in the Futsal World Cup 2021.

It was not to be as Iran suffered its first defeat narrowly.

The performance of Futsal Team Melli this evening was a huge improvement from the last two matches. Playing such a game, Team Melli must be considered one of the contenders for the cham[pionship.

Iran Futsal qualifies for the next round with a win over USA

The Iranian national futsal team defeated the USA futsal team 4-2 in their second match in the 2021 World Cup in Lithuania.

Head Coach Mohammad Nazem Al-Sharia started with Alireza Samimi, Asghar Hassanzadeh, Mohammad Shajari, Mehdi Javid, and Moslim Olad Ghobad in the starting lineup for this match, but only two minutes after the start of the game Alireza Samimi committed an absolutely amateurish blunder by handling the ball outside his area.

After a review by Var, he was shown the red card to send a shock wave in the team. After this incident, while Iran was playing with one player less, the American scored the first goal. That was a second shock within a few minutes of each other. However, to their credit, Team Melli player soon returned to normal and managed to score the equalizer by Farhad Tavakoli.

Mehdi Javid, and Ahmad Esmailpour scored 2 more goals to end the first half with a 3-1 margin.

In the second half, Iran struggled to score. Despite their slick and fast passing, the players failed at the last hurdles due to profligacy and wastefulness. On the other hand, the United States determined to put the humiliating result against Argentine behind them, matched Iran, and were handled the attacks very well. The goalkeeper was the star of the team.

With ball after ball failing to find the net the United States scored its second goal in the final minutes and made the Iranians quite nervous. In the final minutes of the Americans' power play, Iran scored the fourth goal by Saeed Abbasi to end the game in their favor with a score of 4: 2 and to secure their qualification to the next stage with 6 points.

Despite the win, the performance, discipline, and attitude of the players were far from polished. The TV Mic picked up Nazim Al Shariaa telling his player at a time out "This is what happens when you do not listen." He then went on to explain what he told them beforehand and how the players failed to apply his plan.

The final match against Argentina will be on who heads the group. Team Melli needs a huge upgrade to match Argentina, the World Champions and if they have any real aspiration to repeat or better the performance of the 2016 Futsal World Cup, they indeed need a whole lot of improvement in every department, specifically the mental attitude strength and discipline.

Iran get FIFA Futsal World Cup campaign off to a flying start with win over Serbia

Vilnius Arena, Vilnius.

Iran opened their FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 campaign brightly with a 3-2 win over Serbia in Group F at the Vilnius Arena on Tuesday.

Iran, seeking to emulate if not better their third-place finish in the 2016 edition, were always on the front foot against Serbia and will now aim to make it two wins in a row when they play the United States on Sunday.

Iran, appearing in their eighth FIFA Futsal World Cup, raced off the blocks with Mahdi Javid spearheading the attack with captain Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh dictating the tempo of play. It was not long before the Iranians found the back of the net with Hamid Ahmadi getting on the scoresheet with his fourth-minute strike off Moslem Oladghobad assist before Farhad Fakhim doubled their advantage seconds later.

Serbia, however, refused to buckle as Dejan Majes’ tried to find a way back despite the immense pressure from the Iranian side.

The Asian champions suffered a blow in the 11th minute when goalscorer Ahmadi was given his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card, with Serbia then seeing more of the ball with Slobodan Rajcevic, Dragan Tomic, and Mladen Kocic all making attempts but goalkeeper Alireza Samimi stayed firm.

Serbia, however, were not to be denied by the Mes Sungun FSC shot-stopper as Milos Stojkovic pulled one back courtesy of Marko Prsic’s assist with two minutes left in the first half.

The opening minutes of the second half was equally balanced as both teams traded blows but neither could find a breakthrough in a tense contest with Serbia growing in confidence as the match progressed.

Despite Serbia’s best efforts, Iran refused to be breached again and put the tie beyond reach through Ahmad Esmaeilpour’s strike three minutes from time with Dragan Tomic reducing the deficit seconds later.

Final result

IRAN   3 -  2  SERBIA 

NEXT MATCH 17 September: Iran vs United States (Vilnius)

Iran ready for the first challenge of Futsal World Cup 2021

Iran's national futsal team is ready for the first match of FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 against Serbia this evening. The squad played its last training session last evening with another early session this morning before entering the match against Serbia. Asia will be represented by five teams at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 with the continent’s representatives determined to make an impact. To be played across three venues, the FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021 will see Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Vietnam carrying Asia’s challenge. The six group winners and runners-up, together with the four best third-placed teams will advance to the Round of 16. The tournament is played from  September 12-October 3 FIFA Futsal World Cup Lithuania 2021. There are still two players on the injury list as Ahmadzadeh and Hossein Tayebi will be undergoing late fitness checks. Perhaps the first match is the most important of the three group games as Serbia has shown remarkable improvement of late. Recently the Serbians played the might Brazil and drew the match. The defending champions, Argentine will be the obvious toughest game for Iran.  

Matchday 1 of Group F

Serbia-IR Iran, Vilnius, 18:00

Argentina-USA, Vilnius, 20:00

Overview Iran will enter their eighth FIFA Futsal World Cup campaign as genuine challengers, having lifted the AFC Futsal Championship trophy 12 times. The Iranians made history in 2016 by finishing third, the best-ever achievement by an Asian team, and head coach Mohammed Nazemosharia is aiming for the title in Lithuania 2021. Nazemosharia has retained most of the 2016 squad with the likes of Mahdi Javid, Hossein Tayebi and captain Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh - a four-time AFC Futsal Player of the Year - leading the charge with defending champions Argentina the toughest hurdle. Ahmad Esmaeilpour and Ali Hassanzadeh inspired Iran to bronze in 2016, and the 33-year-olds believe they can do even better in Lithuania. Serbia will provide a stern test in their curtain-raiser.   History: 7 previous appearances - 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016; 12-time Asian champions Recent Form - 3W: Thailand (5-1), Belarus (8-2, 5-1) Players to Watch: Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh, Mahdi Javid, Farhad Fakhim Challengers: Serbia (Sept 14), USA (Sept 17), Argentina (Sept 20)

Azizi-Khadem's theory on Team Melli victories!

While the Team Melli fans and many observers praised the performance and the result of Team Melli against Iraq leading to a precious victory, as a result of collective efforts from the head coach to players and support staff, there comes an individual to offer a completely different perspective to this victory.

There always seems to be one individual who manages to undermines the efforts of those who achieved the victory by sending the wrong message.

These messages or series of obscure messages starting from the Syria game came from non-other than the Head of FFIRI. Azizi-Khadem was and still is under heavy criticism for his administration's failure to fully prepare and support Team Melli for the third round of FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Lack of adequate financial support, late scheduling and setup of the training camp, and failure to arrange friendly internationals matches are a few of many of his administration failures. However, the man is now claiming that the victory against Iraq is nothing but a “divine intervention”.

A man whose election to the head of FFIRI has raised a lot of eyebrows and shouts of corruption, in a series of statements to the media, has in fact downplayed everything by asserting “Hands of God” theory as the reason for Iran’s victory.

"We have seen the hand of divine support, guidance, and mercy of God in this victory, and we hope that these victories will be lasting and continuous and that we deserve this grace and grace of God."

 "In the core of our existence, is faith and trust in God. Effort, diligence, hard work, planning, etc. are also fruitful (…)"

 "Along with strategic planning and effort and practice ... we will and will continue to recognize and emphasize that the essential element of trusting in God and divine secret grace." !!

"We ask God to make our football a means of growth and material and spiritual upliftment for us and our society." Said Azizi-Khadem, after the Team Melli victory against Syria, also considered that victory as the result of "the blessed prayer of the world" for the national team!!

Why would the Whole World Pray for Iran’s victory, he did not explain!

The insiders and skeptics, who are quite a few, consider Aziz-Khadem’s rhetoric as a defense mechanism against his feeble and incompetent management. The man had no decency to credit the players and the coaching staff for a job well done.  Another objective of his is to limit the demands for funds to support Team Melli like setting proper training camps and playing friendly games.

A deserved 3-0 win for Team Melli vs. Iraq

Three beautiful goals, 3 precious points, and one hell of a polished performance were the result of Team Melli's game against Iraq on Tuesday evening. Iran beat Iraq 3-0 on Matchday 2 of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to lead the table with maximum points.

Team Melli opened the scoring as early as the third minute from a brilliant piece of play started by one of the match stars Omid Noorafkan. From the left flank, Noorafkam sent a perfectly weighted ball to Taremi who was acting as a wing. Without much hassle, Taremi crossed to the onrushing  Alireza Jahanbkash. Team Melli Captain headed a powerful ball into the goal with Iraq keeper Fahad Taleb could only parry into his own net.

In the minutes after the goal, Iraq took control of the game with surprising ease, however, none of their efforts was towards the goal as Beiravand had the quietest period. But that ball possession for Iraq did not last long as Team Melli took control of the midfield quite logically with Noorollahi and Amiri playing a vital role. Iraq lost Bashar Resan midway through the half due to injury.

Sardar Azmoun could have made the score 2-0 after a perfect diagonal pass from Noorollahi, another star of the match, from the right. Azmoun met the ball and released a powerful low shot, this time however Fahad Taleb was ready for it and saved brilliantly.

The start of the second saw Iraq put the ball into the net as early as the 2nd minute to return the compliment, but the goal was ruled offside by the linesman and the VAR confirmed the right decision has been taken by the Chinese referee.

From then on, both teams battled for the ball, especially in the midfield. Iran looked like the more organized side, with some neat passing and swift counterattacks. The enthusiastic Iraqi's looked naive in defending and from a ball that was just going dead for an outside throw, Azmoun controlled it and despite two markers, he sent a superb ball all the way to the box where Taremi was lurking. The Porto striker brilliantly controlled the ball, ran a meter or two, and slotted the ball between the onrushing Iraq keeper's legs, it was 2-0.

The third goal came late in the game with Iraqi players tiring, this time Karim Ansarifard, a late substitute did another Azmoun trick but from the opposite side, the ball reached Ali Ghlozadeh, himself a late substitute. The Chareloi midfielder received the ball well and dribbled Dhargam Ismael, his marker in one smooth move and easily slotted home past Fahad Taleb.

It wasn't that difficult after all. Team Melli did not leave much for the critics. All the players did their job well, Although Aref Aghasi was short of experience and confidence being his debut match at an important match, he defended well and managed some shy incursions forward, too.

The two outstanding players were Noorollahi and Omid Noorafkan. The central defenders were solid as a rock and very little passed them. Amiri was a menace to the Iraqi and must be given a special mention.

Iran now leads the table with six points and a goal difference of +4 ahead of second-ranked team South Korea.

Match Preview: Iraq vs. Iran

There is a solid consensus that Team Melli did not play well against Syria and also Iraq will form a much tougher opposition versus Iran on Tuesday in Doha.

The Performance

It did not need a professional football analyzer to conclude that indeed Team Melli was not at its best versus Syria and the team lacks cohesion and strategy. Despite the superiority in statistics for Team Melli against Syria with a ball possession figure of 69% against Syria’s 31% and total passes of team Melli of 416 against Syria’s 130, the dangerous chances created on the opposition keeper was meager and hardly inspiring.

So, Yes, the Team lacked direction, was short of ideas, and generally poor in the finishing phase and final passes. When one looks at the reasons and preparation of the Team, achieving a win against Syria is actually admirable.

Team Melli came to the match with the worst possible preparation. Even the Syrians were better prepared despite the catastrophic conditions of their country. Iran’s football federation and in particular the body in charge of national teams is world-renowned for their incompetency and poor organizational skills. This body, if it actually exists, has done little in terms of value for Team Melli’s preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. With only one or two proper training sessions, lack of leadership as both Skocic and Hashemian were quarantined, and the hallmark of Iran’s federation (no friendly matches) the expectation of a brilliant performance against Syria with a good result was just wishful thinking. In fact, grabbing all the 3 points was admirable under the circumstances.

Against Iraq, the conditions will be slightly improved in the sense that the full squad would have 3 days of training together and a coach sitting on the bench, but that is about all.  The team still requires strengthening in many areas which have been covered and reported many items over, particularly in the discipline department.

It will not be a bad idea to replay the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Semi-final match against Japan to teach the players a lesson of how the breakdown of technical discipline led to such an embarrassing historical defeat.

The opposition

Despite Iraq’s admirable draw away to South Korea, it is hardly a team that Iran should fear. The tactics that Iraqis deploy have not changed for years. Dick Advocaat in the short time he has taken over cannot change the Iraqis system overnight as what he will focus on is much the same as old Iraq with enhancement here and there.

Being a Dutch coach and a master in the offensive free flow Dutch football system does not mean that Iraq will go for an all-out attack against Iran on Tuesday. In fact, the Iraqis are lacking in offensive areas and lack the power that Syria has upfront. Their general situation is very much like Iran with organization and preparation. Iraq however is stronger than Iran in a few areas. They are a defensively disciplined team, strong mentality, and have a never-say-die attitude. There is intensity in their game but has a vulnerable defense line. In general, the team has a good mixture of physical and mental attributes which makes Iraq a strong opponent.

 

 The expectation.

The unsatisfactory performance will be truly forgotten when Iran gabs all the 3 points from Iraq, which is entirely possible. The Coaching staff has a few things to sort out, but the expectations from the fans will be nothing short of 3 points. Sardar Azmoun is available and that is a tremendous boost for Team Melli, the Stadium is air-conditioned and ideal for playing football, the team is away from any controversy and drama that is sometimes associated with Iran training camps. It is all set for another victory, but it will not be easy nor granted.

Team Melli starts on the right track: Iran 1 0 Syria

Azadi Stadium.

Team Melli grabbed all the three points of matchday 1 of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 third round qualifiers after beating Syria with a goal to nil scored by the skipper Alireza Jahanbakhsh.

It was from the pretty or solid performance from the Iranian side, but considering lack of preparation, no friendly matches, and a camp of 3 days with both the Head Coach and his assistance missing due to Covid19, not much was expected.

Team Melli started with the lineup consisting of Alireza Biranvand, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan,  Jafar Salmani, Vahid Amiri,  Ahmad Noorollahi, Milad Sarlak, Ali Gholizadeh, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saman Ghoddos, and Mehdi Taremi.

The match went on as per the script, Iranian on the offensive while Syria defending en masse and waiting for the right opportunity for the counter.  However, despite ta massive difference in ball possession for Iran, the players in white failed to create any meaningful threat on Syria's keeper.

In the first half a serious-looking injury in a form of a concussion to Milad Sarlak, forced the coach Marjio Toth on an unexpected substitution where Saeid Ezatollahi came in for the dazed Sarlak.

The second-half substitution must have raised a few eyebrows as Saman Ghoddos was substituted out.  He was by far the most creative of the Team Melli players. And what was even stranger is the introduction of a debutant in Saleh Hardani. Only the coaches can decipher that strategy. Introducing a rookie player in an important International match has never been the wisest of moves, not when the score is so close.

In the second half, perhaps the most beautiful of the Team Melli moves resulted in the ball reaching Taremi who squared it to Jahanbakhsh. The Feyenoord winger hit the ball purposely goalward but it was deflected by a Syrian defender to announce Iran's only goal,

Nizar Mahroos, the Syrian coach failed to act on the weak points of team Melli, which were plenty. Insisting to pile up the defense, which deprived the Syrian attackers manned by two good attackers in the form of Mahmood AlMawas and Omer Khirbin, to form a serious threat. Both players found themselves isolated in attack and lacked support else their speed and tricky could have troubled Beiranvand. Instead, Iran's keeper had a pretty comfortable day.

The biggest concern with Team Melli or this particular group of players in the serious lack of personal and tactical discipline. This match could have easily seen two red cards for Taremi and Khalizadeh. They were both lucky to escape being sent off by a weak Japanese referee who was constantly hustled by players without standing firm and giving a few cards. Iran received three cards and at this rate, there will be more suspension of players as the competition continues.

On the tactical discipline, despite the superiority of Iran in all departments, there was also a large number of lax passes, poor finishing, and some elementary mistakes by players especially towards the end of the match, which was most critical with only one goal margin.  

Earlier today, Iraq forced a goalless draw on the hosts South Korea . At the time of writing this report, UAE vs Lebanon is goalless too, THis means Iran is setting at the top of the table on Matchday one with 3 points.

Team Melli next match will be against Iraq on Tuesday in Doha, Qatar.

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List of Team Melli Players vs. Syria and Iraq

The Football Federation website published the names of the 27 players invited to the Team Melli camp by the coaching staff.  The training camp is already active with the Europen players starting to arrive in Tehran to join the domestic players. The list is as follows: Goalkeepers Alireza Biranvand, Amir Abedzadeh, Payam Niazmand. Defenders Shoja Khalilzadeh, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan, Milad Mohammadi , Omid Nourafkan, Sadegh Moharremi, Jafar Salmani, Saleh Hardani, Siavash Yazdani, Aref Aghasi, Milad Sarlak. Midfield Ahmad Noorollahi, Mohammad Karimi, Yasin Salmani, Zubair Niknafs, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Saeed Ezatollahi, Vahid Amiri, Saman Ghoddos, Mehdi Torabi , Ali Gholizadeh. Forwards Karim Ansarifard, Mehdi Ghaedi, Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi.   Team Melli's next match is on Thursday September 2nd against Syria in Azadi Stadium. It will be the opener of round 3 of FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifiers

Mohammad Mohebbi to Santa Clara

The flight of Iranian players to pastures new continues. This time, Sepahan and Team Melli midfielder Mohammad Mohebbi has joined the Portuguese first division team, Santa Clara in a swap deal. The Azores-based club has swapped their current Iranian asset, Shahriyar Moghanlo for Mohammad Mohebbi.

The Azores logo had already officially announced the deal, with the Iranian player, declaring that the two parties had agreed to a contract valid for the next three seasons, that is, until 2024.

Also, according to the statement issued by Santa Clara, the other Iranian involved in this deal, Shahryar Muganlo – the striker who, in the first half of last season, played in 13 matches for the island’s team, and scored a goal – will be transferred to the old Mohebbi team, Sepahan Esfahan. There does not seem to be any cash involved in this deal as it seems as a straight swap between the two clubs with Sepahan getting Moghanlo who was on loan to Persepolis last season.

Mohebbi is a versatile player who can fill the role of a forward upfront, midfield, or winger and such versatility will surely satisfy the Azurian coach. In the past two seasons, Mohebbiscored with Sepahan nine goals in 41 matches.

Upon his arrival in the Azores, Mohamed Mohebbi expressed his joy on the occasion of signing for the islanders. “I am very happy being here and looking forward to playing in a  European League. I will do my best to leave my mark on Santa Clara,” said the Iranian, in comments carried by communication channels in the Azores.

Recently Kanaanizadegan, Nourollahi, Ghaedi, Hajsafy, and Naderi have all left their Iranian clubs to play abroad.