Davari signs for Grasshoppers

Kicker Online

Goalkeeper Daniel Davari (26) of the Bundesliga relegated club  Eintracht Braunschweig has a found a new club: Starting next season the goalkeeper for in the Iranian World Cup squad,  will join the Swiss first division club Grasshoppers of Zurich.

– –
Daniel Davari

Changes in the Swiss Super League: Daniel Davari.
© Getty ImagesZoom view

Davari on a free transfer to the Zurich club occurs as the Swiss succession of Roman Bürki , who will stand in the coming season at the Bundesliga SC Freiburg in goal. The Grasshoppers Davari has signed a two-year contract. “With Daniel Davari we are a stable but the team has a viable goalkeeper” said coach Skibbe.

The Iranian goalkeeper had already decided in April to leave Brunswick. At that time, Davari, who was changed from 1 FSV Mainz 05 concord 2009, rejected an offer of Lower Saxony on an extension of his existing contract.

A winning start for Team Melli U-17

Team Melli U-17 defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-0 in the opening match of the Caspian Sea Youth Tournament in Azerbaijan.

Japan , Iran , Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkey,  Kazakhstan , Bulgaria in addition to the host Azerbaijan are competing in the tournament.

Team Melli U-17 coached by Mostafa Ghanbarpour is playing the host nation on Friday. A win by Iran will qualify the team to the semi finals , while any other result will mean Iran’s qualification is dependent on the other teams’ results

 

Team Melli ready for Angola match.

Team Melli continued the training sessions for the final game in Austria against Angola.

Despite the light injury to 4 players, none of which are serious , Queiroz is expected to field a strong team while giving some last thoughts on the short list of players that he has to drop.

Team Melli and Angola last met in the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany. The result was a 1-1 draw in which Iran went behind and the equalizer was scored by the defender Sohrab Bakhtiyarizadeh fron a header following a corner kick.

That was the one and only time that Angola qualified for the World Cup. Angola has not been very active since their last match in the World Cup qualifiers against Liberia which they won 3-0. In 2014 they played 2 matches only drawing 1-1 with Mozambique in March  while defeating Morocco 2-0 a few days back in Portugal.  It was a confidence boosting win against the African Cup of Nations host in 2015 and a win that will enhance the chances of Romeu Filemon’s side  to qualify for the finals of African premiere competition.

Goals from Bastos and Yano secured victory, while debutant goalkeeper Signori Antonio was in imperious form at the other end to preserve a clean sheet.

Angola was quite impressive on the counter attack as their second goal was a classic  of this strategy. The Iranian defense shall have a good match with the fast and lively Angolan attack especially the new player Portuguese-born striker Fredy.

Another star player of the match against Morocco was their debutant goalkeeper Signori Antonio who was in imperious form at the other end to preserve a clean sheet for Angola. It remains to be seen if the Iranian forward can break their fast and score again the impressive  Signori Antonio.
Goals is what every fan of Team Melli is looking forward to in this match. regardless of the status of the match , failing to score in 3 matches in a row threatens to develop into a physiological hurdle for the players. In Iran history , only once the team did not manage to score for three consecutive matches at the time when Ebrahimzadeh was a caretaker coach of Team Melli.

 

Kaffashian “We will present the Brazil Ambassador with good quality Team Melli Jersey”

Ali Kaffashian said that they are honored by the Brazil Ambassador in Iran recent statement in his support for Team Melli. “We will present the Brazil Ambassador with good quality Team Melli Jersey”

Senor Santiago Irazabal Mourao, Brazilian ambassador to Tehran , who is a staunch supporter of Pele, Brazilian legend, said that he would support Iran against Argentine, Brazil’s traditional rival, by wearing Iran’s national soccer kit. It is not clear if Mourao will be at the match or watching the match on TV.

Kaffashian was speaking at a ceremony honoring two of the Iranian referees who are selected for the World Cup duties, Alireza Faghani and assistant referee Kamaranifar.

Alireza Faghani 3 IRN

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry has requested some jersey with players and coaching staff signature , which they wanted to giveaway at ceremonies in Brazil. We obliged and used the best quality jersey for that purpose and the same that we will provide his excellency the Brazil Ambassador” added Kaffashian in his usual sarcasm referring to the controversies around the quality of the official kit.

Kaffashian denied that his administration do not want Queiroz , in response to a journalist statement by Queiroz. “If we get the support and I mean the financial support to continue with Queiroz , he is the number one and only candidate we have for the coaching job of Team Melli. We simply cannot afford his new demands without some backing , else it will be too embarrassing and difficult for both sides trying to get the resources from here and there.” Kaffashian responded.

The head of FFIRI also referred to the meeting with the government including vice-President Nahavandi and Minister of sport Jahangiri regarding the financial difficulties of the federation and the budget deficit. Kaffashian uttered the customary statement “It was a fruitful meeting and they promised to help.:. Of course , that has been said more than a few times with the government yet to inject any funds into the federation’s budget. In fact , Jahangiri was ultra critical of football federations lavish expenditure and demanded that they tighten the belt.

on the rumors that Mohammad Dadkan will take over the Presidency of the Football Federation after the Wold Cup , Kaffashian responded “After the World Cup and for the next 20 months , I will be the President of the federation according to the rules. After that , there will be an election. Anybody wins the most vote , I will gladly hand over my post to him. Till then , I am the President.”

Kaffashian has already expressed his interest to run for another term…..Heaven help us all.

reg

 

 

Latest injury list of Team Melli players.

Team Melli is preparing for the friendly game against Angola in TSV Hartberg Fußballstadion, Hartsburg tomorrow with a list of players with injury concerns.

Andranik Teymourian , Jalal Hosseini , Khosrow Heydari and Mehrdad Pooladi were all given a day off from the training after they sustained minor injuries in the Montenegro match. The tough tackling players from Montenegro also had another more serious victim in Hashim Beikzadeh whose destiny is still not clear.

It is not clear if any of the players on the injury list will be available for the Angola match. The match will be the last opportunity for Carlos Queiroz to finalize his 23 players list. Assuming that all the injured players are on the final list , Queiroz might opt to rest them or use them as substitutes.

The FFIRI website announced that the doctors examined Hashim Beikzadeh closely and determined that there is a very good chance that his injury can be cured by the start of the World Cup 18 days from now, however the left back will have to fly to Brazil ahead of the squad to receive some treatments at the hand of Brazilian specialist probably at Corinthians FC Medical Facility.

The rest of the players are all injury free and continued their regular training.Beikzadeh walking with Heydary

Iran Montenegro play a goaless draw.

Iran’s Team Melli drew 0-0 with Montenegro in TSV Stadion (Hartberg), Austria. The friendly match was the third for Team Melli and the second scoreless result in aa row which was repeat of the same result against Belarus.

The match saw Queiroz field his strongest side after the camp was completed with the arrival of European based players.
the gameplan of Queiroz was the familiar a 5-4-1 formation a plan which emphasizes strong and solid defense. In Earnest the plan worked well in both matches in Austria despite the modest form of the opposition.

Hashim Beikzadeh against Montenegro
Hashim Beikzadeh against Montenegro

Montenegro was never the serious opposition that Iran was  looking fir in this match where Iran was at full strength. Despite a number of their players playing in major European leagues , the team was no more than a run of the mill team which resorted to some rough tackling on occasion to compensate for their lack of running or skill.  There was only one realy scoring chances by this team during the match. In general Montenegro was quite disappointing and nothing ike the team that battled well against the likes of England , Ukraine and Poland in the World Cup qualifiers.

However , with the end of season , it is not very surprising that the players have lost their appetite and looking for a well earned rest while some enjoy watching the World Cup on TV.

The match saw the early withdrawal of Hashim Beikzadeh Team Melli’s left back, who limped of the field after quarter of an hour in pain. His facial expression and the concerned shown around him at the bench , was indicative of perhaps a serious re-occurrence of an old injury.The left back might not make the World Cup list, however his injury status will be  known and announced by the medical team after close inspection.

 

The match itself mostly played in the middle of the filed with little action at the goals. at a alter stage. Mladen Božović was the busier of the two goalkeepers but mostly picking easy balls or crosses. With Iran defense sitting comfortably , this allowed the right flank through Khosrow Heydari to go on his famous runs and send some good crosses. Backed by Askan Dejagah , the right side was the most effective and created a;most all the chances.

27th minute a free kick was one by Iran which Dejagah took. His powerful shot was superbly parried by Montenegro keeper Božović. 4 minutes later Shojae controlled a high ball and cleverly dribbled past his marker allowing himself a clear sight of the goal. His shot however , was so feeble and disappointing that Božović handled as if it was a back pass!

 

While Iran was solid defensively and hardly allowed the opposition any breathing space in both matches,the offensive line has left a lot to be desired.

The first half ended goalless.

Early in the second half , Central defender Montazeri had a good run and crossed accurately into the box. Nekounam intercepted and placed his header well to the left side of Božović who was left helpless, unfortunately the ball missed the target by inches.

on the hour , Queiroz introduced 3 young guns Hajsafy, Jahanbakhsh and Azmoun into the match to improve the running and the offensive front. This was Sardar Azmoun’s debut match. Despite their running and energy , the young players failed to penetrate the solid Montenegro defense.

on 65th minute Stevan Jovetić runs well passed several Iranian players and eventually is stopped by a foul  outside the box by Nekounam, who receives a yellow card for his effort. The Manchester City player decides to take the free kick himself but his effort is well wide and high of Ahmadi’s goal.

on 77th minute a lose ball is collected by Hajsafy who shoots on the volley but narrowly misses the low post.

Both Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh tried their luck , but none of their efforts seriously threatened the Montenegro goal

one minute left to the end , Ahmadi nearly was so close to producing a blunder after he miss-controlled a bad back pass. However, his quick reflex after losing the ball saved his blushes.

in the dying seconds Nekounam tried a long range shot which was comfortably handled by the substitute goalkeeper.  saved .

Shojaei against Montenegro
Shojaei against Montenegro

Team Melli displayed a well defined and organized defensive game, despite the poor opposition, However the offensive line and the goal drought remains a serious concern.  Queiroz has played all his cards in these matches with a couple more to come. He needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat , if he is thinking of winning and that cannot be achieved unless his team scores.

[divider]

Monday 26th May 2014

Iran – Montenegro

0-0

TSV Stadion – Hartberg , Austria

Referee: R. Eisner

Montenegro :Mladen Božović  (59′ S. Balić) ; Marko Baša (61′ M. Simić ), Eisad Zverotić, Sasa Balić , Marko Vešović,  , Marko Tomašević , Branko Bošković (65′ D. Nikač) , Miroje Jovanović , Nikola S. Vukčević , Stevan Jovetić (72′ M. Bakić) , Luka Đorđević (70′ B. Janković)

Iran: Rahman AHMADI; Hashim BEIGZADEH (15′ Mehrdad POOLADI), AmirHossein SADEGHI (68′ Ahmad ALE NEMEH) , Pejman MONTAZERI , Jalal HOSSEINI (46′ Steven BEITASHOUR) ,  Khosrow HEYDARI (61′ AliReza JAHANBAKHSH), Andranik TEYMOURIAN , Ashkan DEJAGAH (61′ Ehsan HAJSAFY) , Javad NEKOUNAM , Masoud SHOJAEI , Reza GHOOCHANNELAD (61′ Saedar AZMOUN)

 

Yellow card :Yellow cards Sasa Balić (30′) ,  AmirHossein SADEGHI (42′), Javad NEKOUNAM (65′)

World Cup Group F – squads

 

 

Argentina – La Albiceleste (The White & Sky Blue)

Argentina

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (FC Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain)

[divider]

Bosnia & Herzegovina – Zmajevi (The Dragons)

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Jasmin Fejzic (Aalen), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka)

Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Avdija Vrsajevic (Hajduk Split), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent)

Midfielders: Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB), Tino Susic (Hajduk Split), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Anel Hadzic (Sturm Graz)

Forwards: Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart)

[divider]

Iran – Team Melli (The National Team)

Goalkeepers – Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan), Sousha Makani (Foolad Khuzestan)

Defenders – Khosro Heidari (Esteghlal), Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Steven “Mehrdad” Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (Zob Ahan), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), Mehrdad Pooladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders – Javad Nekounam (Al Kuwait), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiyar Rahmani (Foolad), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham).

Forwards – Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Mohammad Reza Khalatbari (Persepolis), Mehdi Sharifi (Sepahan), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), Karim Ansarifard (Persepolis, on loan at Tractor Sazi), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan)

[divider]

Nigeria – Super Eagles

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Joel Obi (Parma), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis), Sunday Mba (Bastia), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen)

Iran ace underlines importance of Nigeria clash

Iran national team’s star, Ashkan Dejagah, is looking forward to Super Eagles’ clash against Scotland on Wednesday in London, which will take place at the ground of Dejagah’s club, Fulham.

Although Dejagah himself is currently preparing with Team Melli in Austria, the Iranian winger shared his opinion about the upcoming Nigeria’s friendly with his club’s website. The former Wolfsburg midfielder has assured that Iran players will be watching the match together, as their World Cup’s opening group stage clash against Super Eagles in considered as the most important encounter by the Asian side.

“I’m sure Iran will send some people and scouts to watch this game. It’s an interesting game and it’s nice because it’s taking place at Craven Cottage and there’s bound to be a great atmosphere”, Dejagah told fulhamfc.com. “If we don’t have training, perhaps our manager [Carlos Queiroz] will ask us to watch this game together as a squad.”

“I think it’s [Nigeria against Iran] a big game for both of us because it’s our first game in the group. It’s the most important game to take some points and I think Nigeria are a good team. “It will be difficult to play against them because the African teams are very physical and very strong but we have time to be ready and to work hard to prepare for the tournament.”

In Dejagah’s opinion, all three teams apart from big favourites Argentina – Nigeria, Iran and Bosnia – have equal chances to get past the group stage. “I think Argentina will go through but the other three teams also have a chance so we will try our best and we will see. Our first game is the most important game because if we start well we have a good chance to go through.” Iranian team will be having a day off on Wednesday, as Carlos Queiroz’ men face Montenegro tomorrow (May, 26th) and Angola on Friday (May, 30th).

Match Review : Iran vs. Montenegro

On Monday , Team Melli will be facing the most serious opponent in its humble low-key series of friendlies when they meet Montenegro. The ex-Yugoslav country is relatively new member of world football community, nevertheless , they have shown some good promise and results,

During the World Cup 2014 qualifiers, Montenegro was grouped along with England, Ukraine , Poland, Moldova and San Marino. While England qualified directly at the top of the group , Ukraine came second and lost to France in the play-off. Montenegro was placed a respectable 3rd ahead of once mighty and more experienced Poland.

Iran and Montenegro have never met at international level before.

The match on Monday at the TSV Hartberg Fußballstadion, in Hartberg Austria , will probably be the first match where Queiroz has the luxury of fielding his strongest side which includes the legionnaires Dejagah , Ghoochannjad , Shojaei , and Davari. Those players joined the camp later than the rest. However, being a friendly match, changes or at least 6 of them is a forgone conclusion in the match.

In the Belarus game, fatigue was evident on the Iranian players. According to the sources close to the camp, the tough physical training has continued in Austria where it has left of in South Africa. This has obviously  taken its toll during that match. With Queiroz betting on the high physical preparation of his players as a tool to counteract the more skillful and tactical oppositions in Brazil, it seems that the grueling training regime will continue in the Austria camp. As the result of the first match in the World Cup is so vital , as admitted by both Nigeria and Iran coaches, Queiroz has repeatedly stated that he wants to see a physically robust team. The result of friendlies does not matter to him, as much as the physical strength and players’ stamina. This match should be a good test for Team Melli. A strong defense and solid midfield will definitely make Queiroz much happier and hopeful of positive results in Brazil.

Montenegro does not have a good defensive record as they have conceded 17 goals in the WC qualifiers. That should wet the appetite of Ghoochannejad and co to try their luck at scoring for a change in a team that is shy on scoring.

On Friday , Montenegro lost to Slovakia 2-0 while in March they beat Ghana , one of the World Cup qualifiers,  1-0.

The match kick off time is 18:30 (21:00 Tehran time). A large number of Iranian expatriates fans are expected in Hartberg for the match. The ever loyal fans were present at the last game against Belarus and they created an ideal atmosphere for the boys with their chanting and singing.

IRIB will be broadcasting the match live for the rest of the world.

Too Early for Azmoun to go to Europe.

[row]
[column size=”1/2″]

Rinat Bilyaletdinov , the coach of Russian Club FC Rubin Kazan , has praised his Iranian player Sardar Azmoun and predicted that if the young forward stays with the club , he will improve his standard and becoming a better player. The Tatar coach who has worked with Azmoun this season said that the young Iranian had a few difficulties this season but with his hard work and resolve , he managed to win the right to play some games .

Bilyaletdinov said that it is too soon for Sardar Azmoun to go to Europe.

The talented Sardar Azmoun has played for different Team Melli age groups but has yet to win his first cap at international level. His transfer to the Russian League club Rubin Kazan was a blessing and perhaps surprising given that Azmoun was not even classed as a starter or a regular full team player while on the books of Sepahan Esfahan from 2011 to 2012.

His career so far with Rubin Kazan can be rated as modest, mainly due to the limited number of games he has played. In his first season with the Russian team 2012/13 , he played 8 matches for the reserve team (B Team) scoring 2 goals. He never made the senior team list.

In the next season 2013/14 , there was signs of progress as he eventually made the senior team and also scored on his debut coming out from the bench. He made a total of 9 appearances and scored 4 goals.

Despite those low numbers, talks of big and rich European clubs chasing after the “Iranian Messi” has circulated around and was opportunely picked and spread by the Iranian media. Azmoun was interviewed by Fedowsipour in his popular Navad TV show where the Rubin Kazan forward revealed the interest of several big European clubs.

The main concern about such claims is that Azmoun might lose his track and can easily end up in oblivion if he is not properly guided to take the right decision.

However one looks at the career of the young player , there is nothing magical about his progress. At 19, he has a long way to go to make the grade in a professional European League. If he is being pushed to believe that he is a world beater, then there is a serious flaw in the mental state of the young man. Chances are high that he is being manipulated and taken advantage of by people who are after making a quick buck.. [/column]

[column size=”1/2″] Even if Azmoun ends up in Arsenal or Barcelona, the chances of him playing even a few minutes in the first team in a season, is as high as India winning the FIFA World Cup! It is wrong to assume that Azmoun transfer to big clubs is beneficial. There is a dark side to young and talented players market in Europe which Azmoun may very well end up in the trap.

Many of the richer clubs operate what is deemed to be a Glorified slavery system. Their armies of scouts travel round the globe looking to snare any talents. The shoddy part of this scouting system is the one that deals with teenagers, the raw talent players in the bracket of 15 to 19 years old. The rich clubs buys these players or bind them by tightly sealed contracts that are drawn by the most expensive of lawyers.

Several scenarios can be expected after securing their signatures.

The very small minority , those would be classed as special unique talents in the class of the greats like Messi , Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo etc…will make it in the first team and most probably make a few headlines in the process.

azmoun-sardar

The absolute majority of the young players , will not that fortunate to be inducted in the first team or even the reserves. What happens to them is also divided into two parts. One group of them who can be loaned to other lessor class or lower division clubs, end playing in the lower divisions to gain experience, while the other group that cannot be loaned out, remain glued to the bench. The chances of them being utilized at top flight football are absolutely minimal. The only chance of playing football is during training only. That would be the real talent assassination for some of the promising young players.

In order for a young player to develop, he must be involved in competitive matches on regular basis. Azmoun will not be given such an opportunity at the bigger European clubs. It is much better for him to get playing time at lower clubs in Europe or elsewhere than warming the bench in Arsenal or Milan.

. [/column]
[/row]