06/06/2014

The young Iranian boys lift “Caspian Cup” trophy

Iran’s U16 team lifted the Caspian Cup trophy after defeating Turkey 1-0 in the final at Baku , Azerbaijan.

The only goal of the match was scored by Nima Mokhtari on the 19th minute. Reza Karimi was awarded a red card on the hour as Iran played with 1 player short for half an hour. Mostapha Ghanbarpour players managed to hold on until the end against sustained Turkish attack and win the title for the first time. Of the powerful Asian teams, Japan U16 team also participated in the tournament but could only manage to win the 5th position.

Iran U16 won its two matches in the group stages beating Kyrgyzstan 3-0 and Azerbaijan U16 4-0 . In the semi finals Team Melli U16 defeated Azerbaijan U17 team 1-0 to reach the final.

In the play-off for the third place A

Azerbaijan U17 beat Tajikistan U17 4-0 to win third place.

05/06/2014

Iran drops 6 places in FIFA Ranking of June 2014

Iran maintained top Asian ranking in the monthly list issued today (Thursday 4th Jun 2014) despite dropping a significant 6 places down to 43 in the overall FIFA Ranking.

In the last ranking to be issued before the World Cup kick off, Iran tally of 641 points ranks it above Japan (626) Korea Rep (547) and Uzbekistan (539) in Asia. Australia is fifth with 526 points.

Interestingly enough , Nigeria , Team Melli’s first opponent at the World Cup maintained its position at 44 one rank below and one point less than Team Melli at 43.

There is a mix result for the other Group F with Argentina , the highest rank team in the group climbing two places to # 5 in the world while Bosnia also climbed 4 places as the best achiever of the group at 21.

Group F ranking – Comparison chart

04/06/2014

Looking deeper at Iran chances.

Now that it is safe to assume that Team Melli players WILL exchange shirts with the rivals after each match in the World Cup, we can look relax and think of more important issues like what are Iran chances in Group F.

There is no denying what is the fans expectations are. We have arranged several polls here at TeamMelli.com and have come to an early conclusion that the majority of the fans across the globe expect Team Melli to succeed. The majority wants and expects Team Melli to qualify to the next round ahead of Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Is that a realistic expectation or just one of those wishful thinking bits that passionate football fans always dream of beyond but it is beyond the capabilities of their beloved teams.?

If you are looking for a quick answer , we do not have one, but if you are patient enough to read our outlook , then please do so and then come up with your own conclusion versus ours.

These days, friendly or practice matches prior to the World Cup is dime a dozen. There are lots of them as each team is examining the strength and the weaknesses of their line up or try to sort out the tactical plans or maybe to put the final touches. The giants like Spain, Germany, France, England and Brazil have been toying with weaker opponents and having a ball. Out of all of those friendly matches, none was more dignifying, encouraging, and inspiring than the Germany vs. Cameroon match. No need to go into the historical background of the two teams for level comparisons, all one can say is the Germany at home should have easily dispensed of their less glamorous African opponents with ease. They did not and one reason for that is the motivation of Cameroon players and coaches , their willpower and their courage. Something that Queiroz and his men must take a note of.

Cameroon , did not park the bus in Mönchengladbach, they dared to attack and attack they did. They were rewarded and scored the first goal. Germany hit back and scored the equalizer then the second goal , both brilliantly taken. The locals were waiting for the third to cap good day work for Germany , but once again Cameroon dared to attack the Germans at their home and managed to score a beautiful well-earned equalizer. It ended all square 2-2 in Germany.

We have not seen Queiroz being bold enough or daring in any of his matches, and expecting him to change his mentality overnight is wishing for a miracle. The man is conservative by style and that is his right as there is a lot at stake at this level of football.

What though , if the boys are given a bit more freedom to go attack, Teymourian , Nekounam and Dejagah daring to attack and taking the battle into the enemy premises. What if Pooladi or Beikzadeh on the left and Heydari on the right feed the box with accurate crosses for our forwards and midfield player to take a chance or two?

It is a question of desire rather than ability. In Dejagah , Team Melli has a winner in every sense. Both strikers have some beautiful touches and finishes. They have both proven their qualities. And then we have a gem of young player Jahanbakhsh who is rearing to go , if he is given a chance or two, He is not short of courage , running and willpower. We sure do have the tools and the resources, what is needed is the will , the desire and some bravery. Cameroons of this world do not score by parking the bus. They dare to attack and they reap the reward.

Saying all that, we do not advocate chaotic offensive game plan as the defense is very vital. Unless we do attack , take the time to organize the players forward, we will not be able to win matches.

Apart from Argentina, which incidentally is not known for its World Class defending, the other two teams are not superior to Iran. Sometimes, strong desires and mentality can overcome tactics and skills and wins you matches.

Our conclusion is if Queiroz opens up and employs some of his weapons, Team Melli can surprise a few people and possibly qualify. Deploying defensive strategy is more difficult to see the team making it to the next round. Fortunately, team Melli has been pretty impressive in quick counter attacks, which has won them at least three matches in the Qualifiers. Whether such strategy will work at this much higher level , is something that has to be seen

04/06/2014

Salute to Iranian fans, you are one of a kind

You will be hard pressed to find more passionate sets of fans like the Persians football fans.

In every part of the globe Team Melli has played, there has been loyal fans flocking to the stadium cheering for their beloved team. The last recent camp in Austria was a testament to the passion, patriotism, loyalty and sheer devotion of the Persians to their team and country.

In the little sleepy Austrian town of Hartberg , with a total population of just over 6000 people, in their modest football stadium holding a capacity of 4500 , over 4000 Iranian fans traveled from all across Austria , Germany and other parts of Europe to cheer their team and give them moral support ahead of the World Cup. None of the matches played in Austria had much importance or significance in any sense. They were glorified training sessions for the team, but the vocal support the fans offered the players from the stands in the three matches , not only encouraged them to perform better but also made them feel the extent of the passion these supporters have towards Team Melli.

“I like to really thank these loyal fans that traveled a long distances to come and cheer for us “ Ando Teymourian who is no stranger to seeing massive crowds in Azadi said of the fans in Austria “ We realize how much responsibility we carry on our shoulder and how we the players can make millions of our supporters feel the joy and pride if we do well in the World Cup.”

Gatherings of true Iranian supporters in many parts of the globe is something that no other team in the world can claim to have. We are not talking about those Thai fans cheering for England in a game held in Bangkok Stadium, or the Chinese chanting for Brazil in a game in Beijing, but true supporters of the team, passionate and loyal supporters who cheer and support regardless of the outcome. Iran is certainly blessed with such class of supporters.

There are millions of Iranian expatriate livings outside the country. Be it the thousands of expatriate workers in the Asian Far East, or the huge numbers of them in the Persian Gulf countries, the millions in America and Europe , some of whom are sons and daughters of immigrants who would be second or third generation Iranians, even in Africa despite the smaller numbers but definitely as vocal and as passionate , these fans embrace the passion for the motherland and are the core of the global support that Team Melli is blessed with.

We expect to see these fans in Brazil, large number of them carrying the tri-color of Iran, chanting, cheering and hopefully enjoying themselves after victories and experiencing a sense of pride and achievement.

Salute and Kudos to all Iranian fans across the globe, for you are truly one of a kind.

Iranian Fans in Frankfurt Rail Station World Cup 2006

Team Melli fans in Frankfurt during World Cup 2006

04/06/2014

Croatia and Iran squad arrived Brazil for the World Cup

After Australia, the first of the 31 teams to land in Brazilian territory for the 2014 FIFA World Cup last week, Croatia and Iran arrived in the country on Tuesday, 3 June.

Brazil’s rival in the opening match on 12 June at the Arena de Sao Paulo, the Croatian national team arrived at the Salvador International Airport at 4:15pm (local time). From there, the delegation went straight to the Team Base Camp in Praia do Forte, Mata de Sao Joao, in the metropolitan region of Salvador .

Queiroz presented with Brazil flag by the Mayor

In addition to the hosts in Group A, Croatia will face Mexico and Cameroon in the group stage.
Iran arrived in Brazil shortly before the Croatians, landing at the Sao Paulo International Airport at 4:10pm (local time). The Iranians, who start the campaign in the FIFA World Cup against Nigeria on 16 June in Curitiba, also face Argentina (21 June) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (25 June), and will prepare for the group stage matches at the Corinthians Training Centre in Sao Paulo.

Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, coach Carlos Queiroz said that Iran will do everything possible to have a successful campaign in the FIFA World Cup.

“As we came from the other side of the world we arrived earlier to start our preparation. We have earned the right to play against the best and now it’s time to do it. We have 90 minutes in each game and we will use them the best possible way”, Queiroz said.

03/06/2014

Young Iranians reach the final of “Caspian Cup”

Iran u-16 team met with the host nation Azerbaijan U-17 for a place in the final of the Caspian Cup tournament. A solitary goal by Reza Shakeri was enough for Iran to beat the host and reach the final of the cup.

The other semi final held between Tajikistan U-16 and Turkey under 16 ended 0-1 for the Turkish side who will meet Iran in the finals.

Team Melli U-16 participating on this invitational tournament for the first time , has won all the last three matches in the competition on its way to the final.

03/06/2014

Argentina announces the final list.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced the 23-man squad that he will be taking to Brazil for FIFA World Cup 2014. Lionel Messi unsurprisingly made the cut but Ever Banega was left out of the squad.

Banega joins Nicolas Otamendi who impressed for Argentina in the last World Cup but lost his place due to the inclusion of Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis. Club teammates Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero will join the center-back in Brazil.

Argentina’s squad boasts an adept strike-force as it comprises of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Ricardo Alvarez is the only surprise inclusion as the midfielder hardly ever featured for his club Inter Milan.

Two-time world champions Argentina, who haven’t been past the quarter-finals since the 1990 World Cup, will play debutants Bosnia in their Group F opener on June 15.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina World Cup Squad & Player List

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andújar (Catania/ITA), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA)

Defenders: José Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo/ESP), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Enzo Pérez (Benfica/POR), Maximiliano Rodríguez (Newell’s Old Boys)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA)

03/06/201403/06/2014

Team Melli departs to Brazil.

Team Melli has departed Tehran at the early hours of the morning destination Brazil. After a short reception in the CIP lounge of Imam Khomeni Airport, where the Minister of Youth & Sport was present and wished the players and the squad the best of luck, the squad left to Brazil.

Reporters were initially not allowed into the CIP lounge despite invitations to attend a brief news conference before the squad departure. With the arrival of the Minster of Sports Goudarzi , who was informed about the reporters being denied access, and on his instructions, the security authorities of the airport allowed the media enter the lounge.

The manager of Team Melli, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi , did not fly with the squad. This is the second time that the person who should be leading and supervising the squad, ensuring the comfort and proper facilitation of all the requirements , has not accompanied the team! Mohammad Nabi has cited personal issues as the reason for not accompanying the team.

Last night, the football federation arranged a small farewell party for the squad in Azadi Sport Complex arena. The farewell party was attended by many dignitaries including the Minster of sport who urged the team to be strong and fight to soldiers to defend the honor of the country.

Kaffashian who was also present at the airport to bid the team farewell , will be joining the squad in Brazil on Sunday as the head the delegation .

Also missing from the flight to Brazil was Markar Aghajanian who has flown ahead to analyze the Nigeria game against USA.

Before playing the first match against Nigeria in Group F at Arena da Baixada on the 16th June, Team Melli will have a final preparation game against Trinidad and Tobago behind closed doors in Brazil camp.

02/06/2014

At last HD Broadcast is available in Iran , thanks to Volleyball.

Behzad Kaviani , the Head of Sport Production in IRIB announced that his organization has purchased HD cameras for sport broadcasts.

It is the first time that HD cameras will be available to broadcast sports events and matches. “Because of the requirement of FIVB , we needed to have High Quality (HD) production set including cameras as a pre-condition for broadcasting the matches to the rest of the world. We have obtained those requirements now and we will broadcast the Volleyball matches in HD” Kaviani said.

The National Volleyball team of Iran is currently involved in the 2014 World League and has already played two matches away against the powerful Italians. This is Iran second participation in the elite Volleyball league and after last years relative success, Iran is now in the group of the best teams.

Kaviani said that IRIB was determined to make a good job of the volleyball broadcast. According to the head of Sport Production in IRIB, about 40 million viewers have watched Iran’s volleyball matches last season. “This is an incredible figure which took us by surprise. Volleyball is definitely popular here, I even recall that Amir Ghalenoei called me to update him on the result of an ongoing Team Melli volleyball match as he had no TV available where he was to watch the volleyball match”

Asked about the conflict of FIFA World Cup matches and Iran’s World Volleyball League , Kaviani said “Thankfully , there is no conflict at all between our football teams matches in FIFA World Cup and our Volleyball team matches. However , 4 matches of ours (Iran Volleyball team) will be played during the broadcast of the World Cup matches. We intend to use two different channels to allow the viewers the choice.”

Mr. Kaviani did not specifically mention football matches in Azadi and whether HD broadcast of matches will be available in Iran, however the broadcast right holder of nearly all the major football competitions in the Middle East, BeIn sport (Formerly Al Jazeera Sport) , transmits the matches in HD quality.

02/06/2014

Spare a thought for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary.

The World Cup is the ultimate dream of any player in the world, more so the players from third world countries. Missing on the World Cup can be morally devastating for some especially if such a player has done enough to justify his selection in the national team that had made it to the World Cup. When the player has contributed towards the qualification, it seems cruel to give such player the pink chit and tell him thank you but your services are not required in the World Cup.

The media in particular relishes such stories, some of them dramatic especially if it is associated with some firework in form of statements and verbal war.

Our story does not have that sort of drama, in fact it is honorably accepted by the player who has opted to keep silent and take out his sorrow in the privacy of his surroundings rather than public outcry.

In this article we want to spare a thought to Mohammad Reza Khalatbary, the Persepolis winger who was surprisingly omitted from the final list of 23 players.

A quick look at Khalatbary contribution towards the FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign paints more than a decent picture of a valuable player. Khalatbary played a total of 13 matches (9 as a started 4 as a substitute). He scored 2 goals; the first one was a goal for the record books as it was scored in the injury time against Uzbekistan in Tashkent in the first match of the finals rounds of qualification. A true gem of a goal , a more boosting strike and a savior for Team Melli.

Khalatbary value as a pacey skilful winger has been in evidence in Team Melli and his clubs numerous of times. His explosive runs on the flanks , his ability to dribble , his bravery, his assists , his crosses and finally his sheer commitment and devotion made this player a number is not easily ignored by coaches.

But Carlos Queiroz had other ideas not strictly according to the script and formbook.

So, who is the player who has taken Khalatbary’s place in the plane to Brazil? All fingers direct towards Masoud Shojaei who also operates on the right midfield and plays also as pseudo winger.

Shojaei’s contribution toward Iran’s qualification to the world cup was 5 matches and no goals. It also included one red card against South Korea in Azadi.

Khaltabry is 30 while Shojaei is a year younger, however, there is marked difference between the pace and stamina of the two players. While Khalatbary’s speed is his hallmark especially in short distances, shojaei looks lethargic in comparison and hardly been known for his pace.

Despite the better qualities and contribution of Khalatbary over Shojaei in this campaign, the Las Palmas midfielder was picked and we largely believe that it is his playing in 2^nd division team in Europe plus the previous experience with Osasuna in the La Liga that has put shojaei ahead of Khalatbary in the picking order.

Whether this is justified or not or whether players other than Shojaei have been preferred over Khalatbary is immaterial as Queiroz has his own justification and selection criteria that is, if not respected or appreciated by the fans, it should at least be accepted. What is wretched in particular about Khalatbary’s exclusion is that he might never have a chance to play in the biggest football event in the world.

Spare a though for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary , who has been fighting and giving his best anytime he has been called for duty. Perhaps he is not everyone’s cup of team, but no one can not accuse him of not trying or lack of passion for his team. The Ramsar winger that entertained the crowds for years and reached the piicle of his career when he was picked by the great Diego Maradona a to play for Al Wasl, may never have a chance to show some of his magic to the rest of the world.

We salute Khalatbary.