Category: World Cup 2014

Team Melli official song receives mix reviews

 

The official song of Team Melli for the World Cup has been released to a mix review by critics. The song by Iranian artist Ehsan Khoajah Amiri was officially approved by the authorities and sponsored by the Football federation (FFIRI)

Ali Kaffashian was asked on Thursday about his own personal opinion , the FFIRI President said “There is nothing wrong with it , it is a good song.”

The authorities in Iran has eased much restrictions on artists and Pop music production in the country , much of it was deemed to be taboo after the revolution. Khowajah Amiri is one of many artists who have made their name in Iran with the approval of the authorities. One artist, and for the first time in Iran , has sold more than one million official CDs recently in a country where bootleg or copy CD’s is rife.

 

Download Team Melli Song By Ehsan Khoajah Amiri

 

دانلود موسیقی جام جهانی
اثر احسان خواجه امیری

The never ending saga of Team Melli kit.

Kaffashian, once again came out firmly in support of UHLSport and their kit for Team Melli, refuting any claims by the head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players that the quality of the kit is sub-standard.

Answering reporters questions on Thursday from Khorasan where Kaffashian is in an official assignment, The head of the football federation, also claimed that Queiroz’s problem with UHLSport is due to the fact that He (Queiroz) was expecting a commission from the German company, which was not agreed by UHLSport!

Kaffashian is the second Iranian official  . following the Minster of Sports Goudarzi , who has mentioned in public Queiroz’s commission demand while the Portuguese coach has remained silent so far although has hinted before that his attorney will be doing the talking soon. .

The story does not end there either. It becomes rather comical  or  amateurish or downright denigrating, depending on one’s  mood at the time of reading this.

With world media attention directed at the story of Iran’s substandard kit provided by a German company , quoting the sarcastic remarks of Kaffashian that Team Melli players should not use cold water while washing their jersey as they need to re-use it for the next match (at least we hope it was a sarcastic remark, as it definitely was not funny),  UHLSport management was right to get very concerned. The German Kit provider for Team Melli decided to do an investigation of their own. They sent a team to Vienna, where Team Melli is camping to check first hand on the complaints by the Iranians , which definitely does the company’s reputation little good.

And what a surprise, shock or a joke when the men form UHLSport discover that a batch of non-UHLSport produced kit was mixed with genuine ones sent by the German company!  (see the official press release below) So, it seems that Queiroz and his players were right after all.  How did this happen?  Mr. Kaffashian had an explanation, and whichever way you look at it , it is seriously a depressing one.

Kaffashian claims that when Team Melli was  about to embark on the South Africa camp , only 3 colors were sent from Germany, but due to the request of the team for two different or additional colors, those were provided by the UHLSport agent in Dubai which apparently was of an inferior quality!

We are not sure if we understand Kaffashian correctly but tens of questions comes right to mind on the logic and the reasoning of his account of the story. It is simply flawed. Whichever way one looks at it. By all accounts , it signals the existence of a dismal management, lack of supervision, organization failures, poor communication, lack of accountability amongst many other fiascoes that has been the hallmark of this administration for ages.

The only thing that Kaffashian has said that we agree upon, although in essence that would amount to a cover up and concealing of facts, is his request to the media yesterday to keep a cap on the Team Melli kit issues. Obviously that is a self-serving request as he does not want more fingers pointed at him for his feeble control of the situation and fear of even more tales of exposure.   However , this very embarrassing and humiliating tales need to be put to bed

 

 

2nd Press Release from UHLSport

.20140520 uhlsport Pressemitteilung II_IRAN_DE_INT_210x297_RZ

Ali Karimi Pashaki

Ali Karimi “It is the coach’s decision and we need to respect that”

Ali Karimi , the current Tractorsazi player expressed his desire to assist Team Melli and play in the World Cup once again. Perhaps it was a hint aimed at Queiroz, one that the Portuguese head coach of Team Melli did not take seriously. After the announcement of the 30 players list for the World Cup. Queiroz was asked about the exclusion of Karimi , amongst others, a player that many consider as one of most skilful in Iran’s football history, if not the most decorated. Carlos Queiroz described Karimi as a unique talented player. He admitted that he likes Karimi’s style and has a special place in his heart for the players, but Karimi himself resigned from Team Melli.

Queiroz response to the question fell quite short of giving a straight answer. Is it the form and standard of Ali Karimi that was the cause of his omission, or is it his demeanor and attitude that gave Queiroz a fright, especially since Karimi has a track record of being divisive in camps and as an outspoken person , has tendencies to create problems for the team bosses.

Rumors of Karimi’s imminent selection for Team Melli were quite strong in Tehran. Exchanges of congratulation spread amongst his supports on SMS, a day before the list was out! Someone within was confident that Ali Karimi will be on the list and spread that news. The end result was quite disappointing for those who wished to see the wizard of Tehran once again and perhaps for the last time, at the grandest theater of football.KarimiA-profile

The reaction of Karimi supports was quite novel in Iran. A group of them carried a large banner during Team Melli training sessions begging Queiroz to pick Karimi for the World Cup. The protest and the banner got a fair bit of exposure in the press but all to no avail. Mohammad Ali Karimi Pashaki , a player who has undoubtedly entertained the crowds with his wizardry , dribbling skills, a player whose vision in the game is exemplary , his assists a class on its own, will not be in Brazil with Team Melli as a player.

Fars News Agency interviewed Ali Karimi seeking his feeling on the subject matter.

Q: Mr. Karimi , we have not heard from you for some time.

A: I am carrying out some light personal training at the moment. The league is off and I like to regain my form hence I am focused on exercising to be in shape.

Q: We heard you have several offers from clubs on the table.

A: That is not the case. I thank all those who have shown interest in my services, but honestly speaking, I have not thought much about any offers at this stage. I like to take some time off to think and relax before making a decision.

Q: It seems that your supporters are still campaigning to include you in Team Melli for the World Cup.

A: I don’t know what are you insinuating, but this is not the right time to speak about the issue. At this stage we all need to fully support our Team Melli and this is not the time to discuss why this player was invited and why that player was not.

Q: I am referring to all those fans of yours who carried a large banner outside Team Melli training ground, urging Queiroz to include you in the squad.

A: I appreciate the fans sentiments but at the end of the day , it is the coach’s decision and we need to respect that, I wish Team Melli all the success.

Q: Queiroz referred to you as one of the best Iranian players and you, Karimi, have a special place in his heart!

A: I also want to thank Queiroz for his feelings and wish him success in his difficult task. As I said, this is not the time to indulge in such matters. Team Melli needs calm and our backing.

karimidori2

Q: What is your expectation of our team in the World Cup?

A: I have previously mentioned that playing in the World Cup is a very difficult task especially against top class teams. However, these players have not descended from space. It is true that Messi is the best player in the world and Argentine have many players in his class, but Messi has two feet, two hands and one head to do the thinking. We should not scare our players to such an extent. Nobody denies that marking Messi is not a simple task, however a defender who is playing in the World Cup must be well-prepared , ready and have the ability to carry out the task of marking him.

I believe all the three teams are strong in our group.

Q: You are right , but with such poor preparations and programming failures, that might not be a straight forward task.

A: I have no comment on this issue. I hope Team Melli plays some serious practice matches before the World Cup, so that at least the players rid themselves of their anxiety and do not feel overwhelmed when they meet the big boys. The World Cup is a difficult place to be , the players need self-confidence, support and assurance.

Q: Are you hopeful of Team Melli qualifying for the next round.

A: I don’t really know. We simply have to do our best. I wish them all the best. I hope that with a good ground work and preparation, they would make us all proud. For the sake of the fans, we all have to work hard and do our best each in his own capacity. Of course, it is easier said than done.

Q: With statements such as you have given here, no wonder that many fans think you should be there with the team.

A: I thank you for your kind sentiment, but it is the coach who decides that. I said my bit and he did his bit. Despite all the praises, admiration and respectful words that were uttered about me, the end result is clear for everyone to see. I can’t complain.karimi-Afc2

Keshi dismisses Argentina, focused on Iran

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi focusing on Iran first

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi says his focus at the moment is his opening World Cup match against Iran.

Keshi’s team also play Bosnia-Herzegovina and Argentina, but most of the focus has been on the South American giants.

The Nigeria coach insists that the first game is the most important one of all. “The Argentina game is not important right now,” Keshi said.

“The most important game is against Iran and when I finish playing against Iran and Bosnia then I can have an answer to that.”

Keshi also dismissed injury concerns to his players, claiming he has spoken to them and received assurances.

“There are no injuries. I have called Austin Ejide and he made it clear that he was never injured.

“Ahmed Musa had a minor injury and l spoke to the club doctor who said in two or three weeks he would be fine.

“Musa played in the last minutes for his Russian club in a league game. I called Oduamadi and he dismissed the report of his injury. In fact he told that he had a match that same day, so I don’t know where all these rumours emanated from.

“But we will assess everyone very well when they come for the training camp.”

Teymourian “The problems at Team Melli can be resolved”

In a brief statement to FFIRI website, Andranik “Ando” Teymourian commenting on the Sunday match against Belarus, said “We had a few problems in the defense and forward lines in that match, but none of it is of any serious nature. They can be resolved. ”

The Esteghlal midfielder who is in camp in Austria with his teammates said “”From nearly 90 days, we have been doing intense physical training focused on improving the body, stamina and endurance. This is a demanding process that puts the body under pressure.”

“This is the second serious test since our qualification. I believe that the players have done their best in these two matches.” Added Teymourian , who is a key player for the team.

Iran played a goal-less draw against Belarus on Sunday May 18th .

Teymourian then commented on the attendance at the match “I feel so proud seeing all these Iranian fans at such venues. I like to sincerely thank the Iranian community in Austria that have given us so much support and encouragement. “

“Belarus is a good team and plays at the highest level of football in Europe (…) . Their physical condition was high. We are trying quite hard to reach an optimum physical level. In the match yesterday , we had a couple of good chances to score , but we wasted them.”

Meanwhile Mohammad Reza Khalatbary reflected on the match and basically repeated the same on the conditions of the players.

“We have tried our best , but we were tired after such long and demanding training”

Asked if he is satisfied with his own performance , Persepolis winger responded  “It is the coach that should be asked if I was good enough or not. I tried my best.”

With less than a month to the first match, the two players’ statements are slightly worrying. It seems that all this time spent in training, the focus was on physical conditions of the player and less emphasis on tactics. Despite what Teymourian claimed about Belarus, they are far from top European side with a FIFA ranking of 83 and that was evident in their match against Team Melli. Although , Team Melli was not playing at full strength, it could only create 2 or 3 serious scoring chances against Belarus.

Teymourian did not elaborate on the solutions at hand, and did not comment on the forthcoming match against Montenegro, which is currently the highest ranking Team that Iran will met in the preparation before the World Cup standing at # 54.  Iran next opponents for test matches will be Angola (FIFA Rank #94)  and finally Trinidad and Tobago. (FIFA Rank #74)

Iran - Belarus May 2014 [1]

Team Melli to meet Belarus in Austria.

Team Melli’s will be meeting Belarus in its first friendly match of the Austrian camp conducted in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2014. The match  will be held on Sunday Afternoon at 14:00 local time (16:30 Tehran times) in Franz Fekete Stadium .

This is the second international practice match of Team Melli since the first game against Guinea which Iran lost (1-2). That match was played 73 days ago in Azadi stadium.

Despite the low ranking of Belarus ( # 83 in the World), Iran players can expect a better and more appropriate experience as the result of the type of football that Belarus plays which is close enough to the Bosnian style of play. In general this type of football is played right across Eastern Europe.

The majority of Belarus national team players are home based playing in the domestic league with only a few making their living in Russia.
in Austria Team Melli will play two more games against Montenegro and Angola. The only international game in the South Africa camp was cancelled , however , Team Melli played against 4 club sides , which was far from ideal as the declared objective of Queiroz was to get familiarized with the way that Nigeria plays. Those South African Clubs offered nothing like the style of Nigeria national team.

Iran and Belarus have met twice before. In 2003, in Minsk Belarus won 2-1  while in 2007 the teams drew 2-2 in Tehran

Rahman Ahmadi

The dilemma of Iran goalkeeping selection.

The most taxing selection for Carlos Queiroz must be the goalkeeper. Even if Team Melli coach does not admit it in public, the 4 goalkeepers that have accompanied him to Austria training camp are far from optimum in experience, current form , dependability, and/or reliability.

Starting with Sousha Makani , with a grand total of two caps both in meaningless friendly games, Makani has an acute lack of experience at international level. However, Foolad Khuzestan keeper’s eccentric character and temperament can be a serious liability for the team. Only yesterday , Makani conceded two goals in the quarter finals of the AFC League Champion , both of which were due to elementary mistakes that has no place in a stage like the World Cup.

Sousha Makani

Daniel Davari , is another young goalkeeper who has just been relegated to the second division of the German Bundesliga. The young German/Iranian keeper has 3 caps so far which is paltry for any player to be given a major role in his team in the World Cup. Like Makani , Davari has yet to show a strong performance to ease the worries of the fans. His two soft goal conceded in Azadi against Guinea in Iran’s last friendly international. left the local Iranian fans awe struck as they were under impression that they were witnessing another legend in the class of Nasser Hejazi. Davari’s poor form was again witnessed in the match against Bayer Munich in the Bundesliga, a game which was televised in Iran for the fans to see yet another disappointing performance from the young promising keeper. So , neither the experience , nor his current form gives the fans the confidence in Daniel Davari’s ability to deliver. It will take anything between an insane person or a very brave coach to start with Davari in the goal comes June the 16th.

sqd-Davari2013

Reza Haghighi , is another mysterious selection for Queiroz. A selection that defies the coaches text book.Hardly anyone in Iran can claim that they have seen Haghghi actually play competitive football match for a longtime. He was transferred to Rubin Kazan in the Russiain league in 2012 were he never managed to win a regular place and was a reserve goalkeeper for the whole season. Next season the Russian club loaned him to his original Club Persepolis. Yet again, Haghighi was second fiddle to the superb Brazilin keeper, Nelson.  Alireza Haghighi’s frustration with being reserve created a few headaches in the team which forced Ali Daei , Persepolis coach to send him back to Russia. Rubin Kazan already had their quota of goalkeepers for the season so they searched around but could not find him anything better than a loan to a second division Portuguese club  Sporting da Covilhã. And wallla, Alireza Haghghi is immediately picked for Team Melli by Queiroz to the astonishment of the critics and the media!.

Neither the form of Haghighi , (admittedly he did play 14 games for his club !) ,  the method of his selection or his experience at international level (4 caps) , can qualify him for being the regular starter for Team Melli.

sqd-HaghighiARi2013

That leaves the last one in Rahman Ahmadi. This goalkeeper was always in the fringes of team Melli for years. However, he was sparingly selected but his real break came with Mehdi Rahmati’s un-ceremonial farewell last year. When Queiroz called upon him at a crucial stage  of World Cup qualifiers, the Sepahan goalkeeper did not disappoint. He has 10 caps, 8 of it won as recent as 2013-14 season, however he remains undoubtedly the best choice in experience and form. His age and demeanor of being a calm character can also play a vital role in commanding his defense line.

Nonetheless, the no 1 goalkeeper for Sepahan & Team Melli, suddenly found himself on the bench in the last few matches of the season for his club , giving way to the second fiddle an ex-Team Melli keeper Shehab Gordan !

With one experienced goalkeeper, even though he has 10 caps which is meagre at international level, this position is one major headache for Carlos Queiroz.  The Portuguese coach has always been a guarded person and a staunch believer in solid defense. Between the woodwork, his options are limited at this stage. Queiroz might rue the fact that he overlooked the most experienced goalkeeper in Iran, Mehdi Rahmati at such crucial stage. Perhaps diplomacy and leniency added to a bit of tolerance and forgiveness would have gone a long way to ease some of the goalkeeping worries for the World Cup.

Only time will tell.

goalkeeprs training in Austria

Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz fumes as infighting leaves his squad woefully underprepared

Former Real Madrid manager, whose side face Argentina, Bosnia and Nigeria in Group F, admits: “We will not make it to the next round.”

World Cup 2014: Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz fumes as infighting leaves his squad woefully underprepared

Caught in the middle: Carlos Queiroz looks on as Iranian players are put through their paces, belatedly Photo: AFP
James Montague

By James Montague, World Cup Nation, Iran

The Telegraph

12:00PM BST 14 May 2014

There were no fans, no penalty areas painted on to the grass and no referee but on Apr 22 the Iran national team’s 5-0 success over South African club Moroka Swallows in Johannesburg was still a victory. And they have come at a premium this year.

Carlos Queiroz’s Iran team are currently on a warm-weather training camp in South Africa to prepare Team Melli for arguably the toughest pool of the tournament: Group F which includes Lionel Messi’s Argentina, African champions Nigeria and dark horses Bosnia. But little has gone right so far.

Only 11 home-based players arrived in South Africa after a club-versus-country row erupted between Iran’s top clubs and the federation. The camp coincided with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, the region’s premier club competition. Esteghlal and Sepahan Isfahan both refused to release their players called up to squad, forcing Queiroz to release the players from Foolad and Tractor Sazi who were also in the Champions League but had let their players go.

The first test for the patched-up team was Moroka Swallows who are currently 12th in the South African Premier League. “Our main goal was not to get a good result in this friendly match,” Queiroz said after the game. “We wanted to identify the weak and strong links of our team. We will continue fitness training to get players in good shape.”

The lack of support from Iran’s top clubs has added to a sense that Iran won’t be going in to the finals with anywhere near the quality of preparation to equip Team Melli to play against three of the stronger teams at the tournament. Friendlies have been hard to come by. Iran lost to Guinea back in early March and their next match was planned against Mozambique – the modern-day country of Queiroz’s birth – which had been brought forward five days to May 2 after the Iranian Federation decided to leave South Africa early.

Iranian fans – certainly those who have replied to my previous posts – point to the federation’s lack of money (and ineptitude) for the paucity of top-level opponents, rather than the country’s pariah status. Yet there is a danger that Iran will be heading to Brazil the least prepared of all the finalists.

“With such arrangement and program failures, don’t expect much from Team Melli in Brazil. We will not make it to the next round because of the failure of the South Africa Camp,” Queiroz said in a TV interview, according to Teammelli.com (an outstanding resource for Iranian football news in English) after a 3-3 draw with the Orlando Pirates.

Queiroz was not happy with the chaos surrounding the team and the lack of support from Iran’s top domestic teams. He continued: “It was a decision made by the Minister of Youth and Sport and the head of the football federation to go ahead with the camp. I am only a coach here. So all those who disregarded the instructions and refused to release the players have actually disrespected the minister.

“Even up to our departure time, we did not know if those players will be joining us or not. This training camp was vital for the team’s prospect. We came here to prepare the players to play against African teams. I did not come here for leisure.”

Such are the travails of international football far away from mega sponsorship deals and star-filled Nike adverts that even getting the right kit and paying the excess baggage has been an issue for Iran.Teammelli.com also reported that Queiroz went on to complain about Iran’s official kit provider UHLSport for issuing only one set of tracksuits for players for three weeks. “We paid $30,000 for our excess baggage, we could have bought more kits for our players’ training instead,” Queiroz said.

The full team won’t be assembled until after Europe’s seasons have ended. Queiroz’s reign has been characterised by the number of foreign-born or foreign-raised players being drafted in, the likes of Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejhad in particular being notable success stories. But Iran’s disastrous training camp has highlighted not just the problems Iran has getting a game but also the worsening relationship between Queiroz and the Iranian federation.

Without explanation, the Mozambique friendly was abruptly cancelled too. The head of the Iranian federation later explained that Queiroz had himself taken the decision. The cancellation means that Iran will have played one friendly this year before the end of the season. “I am sorry if I sound negative and despondent,” Queiroz said. “But if I do not say these things, then we will not get any support.” Nigeria and Bosnia, the two teams likely to battle it out for second place in the group, must be rubbing their hands with glee.

WC 2014 – Argentina squad : No Tevez World Cup recall

Carlos Tevez’s excellent form for Italian champions Juventus this season failed to earn him a recall when head coach Alejandro Sabella named his provisonal 30-man squad for the FIFA World Cup™.

Tevez, capped 64 times, scored 19 goals for Juventus as they retained their Serie A title this term. However, not even that was a strong enough argument for Sabella to call up the 30-year-old for the first time since he took over at the helm of the national side following Argentina’s failure to win the 2011 Copa America.

Tevez, who played a full part in Argentina’s 2010 World Cup finals campaign, had wanted to make up for his last appearance as it ended in him missing a penalty in the shootout loss to eventual champions Uruguay in the Copa quarter-finals.

Sabella, who has until 2 June to decide on his final 23 players, opted to allow star player Lionel Messi to play in the role he plays to high effect at Barcelona — which did not allow for Tevez to be part of his plans.

Argentina, who won the last of their two World Cups in 1986, have been drawn in Group F with Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria, debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran.

Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Jose Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro/BRA), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Ricky Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania/ITA)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris SG/FRA), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen/GER)

uhlsport official statement on Team Melli Kit.

A Pity

Our statement on IRAN.

(Over the past few days it has come to our attention that rumours and misinformation have been circulating on the internet and via social media. this statement is a response to those comments)

We had been looking forward to our joint appearance together with the Iranian Football Federation at the World Cup in Brazil. We have been supporting the Iranian Association since 2012
and have maintained a strong relationship, especially via our distributor in the region. The news in the last few days have left us shocked and shaken and we therefore feel required to make our position clear.
uhlsport has been delivering the products to the Iranian Association as requested. The claim that players have not received sufficient soccer jerseys for the tournament is wrong and absurd. None of the soccer jerseys made for the World Cup can be worn for another match, as the national flags of both teams as well as the date of the match are imprinted on the chest. Iran will certainly receive the necessary number of jerseys and apparel for all games. This has been planned since the beginning and we have seen this as to being taken for granted.

We have used the same standards for Iran as we use for every other association or club that we work with. Based on the designs of our collections, we create individual adaptations using the
partner’s colors and emblems. This process always takes place in cooperation with the association and this has also been the case with the Iranian Football Federation.

The claim that our polyester goods shrink is just as wrong and absurd and is, considering our extensive testing, incomprehensible. We have experienced no shrinking issues with any of our professional football clubs. Involvement in a partnership can lead to outfitters being faced with various interests. We continue to maintain a partnership-like and constructive relationship with the Iranian Football Federation. Other forces hoped to gain direct personal advantages from our partnership with the Federation. We have clearly stated our clear refusal. We will not allow ourselves to be pressured
into accepting the personal demands of individuals. Subsequently there has been an increase in alleged problems with our collection, which have now escalated.

Players unfortunately often allow themselves, imprudently, to be misused for this purpose.

Press release
(translation of the original German version)

PDF Version

uhlsport Pressemitteilung Schade_IRAN_INT_210x297_RZ

 

The above is the official statement issued by the German company uhlsport a copy of which was sent to teammelli.com. We are publishing the statement in its entirety in the spirit of fairness to all parties as we have reflected the viewpoints of the other side as well. We firmly believe that uhlsport has the right to defend itself and its product quality  against allegation that seems to be questionable at best and possibly orchestrated, but then again, judge for yourself.

Editor

www.teammelli.com