FIFA Ranking May 2014

The latest FIFA ranking published by the World Football governing body on 8th May shows Iran is still number 1 team in Asia ahead of Japan , Uzbekistan an South Korea.

Iran with 715 points has also remained in its last world ranking of number 37 in the list.

Nigeria, Iran’s first opponent in the World Cup has climbed 1 place to # 44 with  631 but dropped 1 place to 6th in Africa.

Argentina with a total of 11784 points dropped 1 place to # 7 in the world ranking while dropping one place also to # 4 in the CONMEBOL zone ranking.

Bosnia & Herzegovina  with a total of 795 maintained its position at #25 in the world  Ranking while placed 16th in UEFA.

 

In Asia , Korea Republic overtook Australia at 4th , while most of the teams maintained their ranking with minor changes,

 

FIFA RANKING

AFC Zone

May 2014

Rnk Zon. Rnk Team Pts +/- Pos
37 1 Iran 715 0 Equal
47 2 Japan 613 0 Equal
53 3 Uzbekistan 577 0 Equal
55 4 Korea Republic 551 1 Up
59 5 Australia 545 0 Equal
64 6 Jordan 510 0 Equal
67 7 United Arab Emirates 499 0 Equal
75 8 Saudi Arabia 455 0 Equal
82 9 Oman 418 -1 Down
95 10 Qatar 338 0 Equal
96 11 China PR 333 0 Equal
100 12 Iraq 321 0 Equal
105 13 Bahrain 289 0 Equal
108 14 Kuwait 283 0 Equal
114 15 Lebanon 251 1 Up
116 16 Vietnam 242 0 Equal
121 17 Tajikistan 229 12 Up
128 18 Afghanistan 204 -6 Down
134 19 Syria 190 -3 Down
137 20 Korea DPR 175 0 Equal

 

Last Updated 08 May 2014 , Next Release 06 Jun 2014

Confident Iran look to win 11th Asian title

afc.com

Published: 09 May 2014

Ho Chi Minh City: Iran have yet to reach their full potential at the AFC Futsal Championship according to coach Jesus Candelas ahead of Saturday’s final with Japan.

Iran swept aside Uzbekistan in the semi-final with hat-tricks from Hossein Tayebi and Vahid Shafiei setting the 10-time champions on their way to a comfortable 10-0 victory.

But despite Iran heading into Saturday’s meeting with the defending champions with a 100% record and boasting tournament leading scorer Tayebi, Candelas is remaining cautions ahead of his side’s 11th appearance in the final of the AFC Futsal Championship,

“I think that we have prepared ourselves for tomorrow,” said Candelas.

“Our preparation for this match has been in the way we have played during this tournament. We have not been at our best, but we are trying to be the best.

“At this point we cannot put any limitations on ourselves and tomorrow is the opportunity to ask for the players to give their all.”

Iran eased their way into the tournament with a comfortable 5-1 victory over Indonesia, which saw Farhad Tavakoli score a brace to set the 10-time champions on their way.

They followed that up with an impressive 12-0 victory over China before Iran claimed top spot in Group B with an 8-1 victory over Australia.

Iran met tournament hosts Vietnam in the quarter-finals and came out 15-4 winners with Tayebi, Asghar Hassanzadeh and Mohammad Shajari all netting a hat-trick before Thursday’s equally impressive win over Uzbekistan secured their place in the final.

“I was expecting to play Japan in the semi-finals, but because they lost in the group they changed the plan and we had to play in the semi-finals with Uzbekistan,” said Candelas, who has no injury worries ahead of the final.

“In matches like this there are usually many goals and you are always under pressure, so it depends on the players and the match.

“There are two factors that will determine the result; one is the goalkeepers and two is accurate shooting to define the result.”

“Team Melli players have to buy their own shirts for exchanges.” claims Kaffashian !

Ali Kaffashian , once again defended the brand of the Team Melli kit and the sponsorship deal with the German sport clothing manufacturer UHLSport.

The never ending ominous topic of Team Melli’s jersey is becoming repeatedly asked on every interview sdid not escape Kaffashin on Thursday while attending a practice session of Team Melli.

Kaffashian spoke highly of the German company and insisted that the quality they are dealing with is at the highest “This is a European company with the highest quality German standards. I understand that some players have been complaining about the jersey and we have investigated the matter with the company. It turned out that those who complained did not follow the washing instruction and how to maintain the jersey. Apparels have such instruction that needs to be applied. We have expensive products here, not the disposable shirts and short that you dispense with after one wash! “

“The quality of our kit is high and can be compared to the industry’s best. We are proud of it and can do well in the World Cup using them. We also need to be reasonable on expenses. It not wise or clever to use a kit for a week then throw it out demanding a new set. Common sense must prevail”

Asked about the traditional end of the match shirts exchanges with other players, Kaffashian declared that players have to buy their own kits if they want to exchange with other players! That sounds shocking, but Kaffashian’s excuse was that his federation must also consider other expenses with many other Team Melli teams that need budgets and overheads.

On the question of Queiroz declaration of concern with all the rumors that has been surrounding him for the last 10 months, Kaffashian dismissed the issue and said that he is not aware or all this while his concern is focused towards important issues like the sourcing of the funds to pay the coach wages.

“We have to balance our expenditure. We like to continue with Queiroz , we are satisfied with his work. Queiroz qualified us to the World Cup and in Asia , we are the top ranking team while we were the fifth. However, we also need to pay him appropriately. If we cannot afford to do that, and don’t have the money then we have to lower the ceiling of our expectations. It is the same with arranging friendly matches. A top team demands something like US$ 2 million for a match. Mostly, we would not be afford to do that, so , we have to accept less than perfect friendly matches arrangement ”

Queiroz “I will pick Rahmati once the World Cup is over”

Carlos Queiroz responding to some reporters query about the status of players not picked for the World Cup campaign, said “I have no personal issues with Mehdi Rahmati (Esteghlal Goalkeeper) , in fact I have lots of respect for him. He was one of the players in the squad and helped us reach the World Cup. I will not tolerate people talking badly about him in front of me. My decision to pick the players is purely technical and based on merits. At the moment , I have the best 3 goalkeepers in the squad, Ahmadi , Davari and Haghighi and my priorities is with them. If I continue with Iran after the World Cup . I have no problem selecting Mehdi Rahmati for the Team Again.”

“About Ali Karimi, he is one of the best Iranian football players who decided to bid farewell to Team Melli. He then changed his mind and wanted to be back . Personally , I like his style as he is one of the skilful players. I have a lot of respect for him and let us not forget that he also helped us in the reaching the world cup. I liked to have more players on the roster if I could, but…”

If the list of best goalkeeper in Iran includes Daniel Davari and Alireza Haghighi, discounting Mehdi Rahmati, is truly difficult to digest, in fact it is injustice. If the issue with Rahmati is disciplinary, then Queiroz has the full right to keep him off the list, but for the Portuguese coach to exclude Rahmati based on merits and ability, despite his occasional blunders, is purely deceptive and blatant twisting of facts. Rahmati , by far, is more experienced and in a higher class than the two reserve keepers. Similarly with exclusion of Karimi. Queiroz is raving about the Tractorsazi player’s skill and talent and calling him one of the best, which would have been an accurate statement a few years back, but as of today, Karimi is not as hot as Queiroz claims. Then again, if he ( Karimi ) is one of the best players in Iran according to Queiroz , and we give the coach the benefit of the doubt on that, then why he is not in the list?

Questions about Queiroz players’ selection has been making the rounds in football circles in Iran since the long anticipated list was announced. The rumors were strong that the lobbying behind the scenes, will work towards including the outcasts, likes Ali Karimi and Mehdi Rahmati. Queiroz stood his grounds about the two. But his reasoning is suspect and discrepancies exists which will further fuel the discussions about Queiroz motives. Notwithstanding these niggling criticisms, the majority must agree that this list produced by the Portuguese coach , is the best that Iran can produce. Individual exclusions like Karimi and Rahmati , plus that of Payam Sadeghian who has started to make waves and being hostile , should not dent the ability and the prospects of Team Melli in the World Cup.

 

 

Candelas happy to face Japan in final

AFC.COM

Published: 08 May 2014

Ho Chi Minh City: Iran coach Jesus Candelas knows Japan will be mentally prepared to defend their AFC Futsal Championship crown when the two sides meet in the weekends final after the 10-time champions beat Uzbekistan 10-0 in Thursday’s semi-final at Phu Tho Stadium.

Tournaments leading scorer Hossein Tayebi took his tally to 14 goals as he and Vahid Shafiei both scored hat-tricks against Uzbekistan, while Alireza Vafaei, Asghar Hassanzadeh, Ahmad Esmaeilpour and Mohammad Shajari were also on target.

And after Japan earlier beat Kuwait 6-1 at Phu Tho Stadium, Iran will face the defending champions in Saturday’s final.

“We could score early goals in this game and it made us very relaxed during the game,” said Candelas.

“We tried to do our best and play how we had prepared for the game, but I have to say that Iran is not winning easily, Iran is in a very good mood and enjoying futsal.

“At the beginning of the tournament I did not expect to make the final because when I looked at the match schedule I thought in the semi-final we would play against Japan.

“We are not playing to just score goals, before anything we are trying to be a team. You have to be a team and then the goals will happen.

“What is important is at the last championship Japan were champions and are mentally prepared to defend the title, so this type of match is psychological first and then tactical and another aspect will be our physical preparation for the game.”

Uzbekistan will now have to pick themselves up for Saturday’s third place play-off against Kuwait at Phu Tho Stadium.

“Uzbekistan did not play badly, but our opponent were far too strong and the Iran team are the strongest team in this tournament,” said Uzbekistan coach Bahodir Ahmedov after seeing his side suffer their first defeat of the campaign.

“I am satisfied with my players because our aim was to go to the semi-final, but we were faced with the best team and that is why we didn’t stand a chance today.

“Today we made many mistakes in our defensive line and tomorrow we will concentrate on our defence in training and we hope to win and finish third in the tournament.”

Iran Futsal Team barely breaks a sweat against Uzbekistan.

Ho Che Minh

Iran’s futsal team registered another emphatic win in AFC Asian Fustal championship 2014 when the defeated Uzbekistan in the semi-finals of the championship 10-0 to easily qualify for the penultimate match against their Nemesis Japan.

The defending champion defeated Kuwait earlier in the day 6-1 to take it berth in the final and for the first time in its history , it will be in the position of defending its title.

It did not take Team Melli long before the star of the championship Hossein Tayyebi opened the scoring in the first minute.

Within 8 minutes, Team Melli scored 4 more goals to make it 5-0.

Hossein Tayyebi completed his Hat trick , Hassanzadeh , the 4th was scored by Esmaeilpour with a beautiful long free kick and shafei scored the fifth.

After the 5th goal Jesus Candelas smartly rotated his players giving many bench players some needed playing time. With decreasing the tempo and introduction of the bench players , the goals dried up until the end of the half

2nd half

Iran started with a mix of regulars and bench players and were rewarded with early quick goals.

Vahid Shafei opened the scoring the 3th m then Hossein tayyebi scored twice before Shajari scoring number 9 and 10

Uzbekistan was really playing to avoid a heavy defeat and most of their strategy was on damage limitation.

Otherwise , much of the of the 2nd half was one way traffic for Iran with Team Melli players taking the freedom to perform all sort of tricks and do whatever they liked in the match. It was also a splendid practice for the 2 Uzbek keepers whom despite receiving a bagful of goals, both saved many goals as well.

It is very obvious that the more the championship is progressing the better is the Team plays, the better is their cohesion and understanding, finding each other without visual contact.

Shajari splendid goal 9th from a cracking long range shoot into the roof of the net was the goal of the match , while Tayyebi with his goals was the undisputed MVP.

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afc REPORT

Ho Chi Minh City: Hossein Tayebi and Vahid Shafiei both scored hat-tricks as 10-time champions Iran secured a place in the AFC Futsal Championship final against defending champions Japan after recording an eye-catching 10-0 win over Uzbekistan at Phu Tho Stadium on Thursday.

Alireza Vafaei, Asghar Hassanzadeh, Ahmad Esmaeilpour and Mohammad Shajara also scored as Iran maintained their 100% tournament record, with the one-sided win securing an 11th AFC Futsal Championship final appearance.

Tayebi scores another hat trick

Uzbekistan, who lost to Iran in the quarter-finals two years ago in the United Arab Emirates, had also reached the semi-finals with an unbeaten record but conceded five goals in each half and will now face Kuwait in Saturday’s third place play-off.

Having beaten hosts Vietnam in Wednesday’s quarter-final, Iran got off to a blistering start and took the lead after just 42 seconds when Vafaei stepped inside, and without being closed down, fired a shot into the corner of the goal.

Ghodrat Bahadori thought he had doubled the lead in the fourth minute but saw his long-range effort cannon off the crossbar.

But with Japan coach Miguel Rodrigo in the stands having seen his side beat Kuwait 6-1 earlier, the second did come 30 seconds later when Tayebi was found on the edge of the penalty area and he spun to score.

Tayebi then turned provider less than a minute later by cutting out goalkeeper Rustam Umarov for Hassanzadeh to pass the ball into the net.

And Iran further extended their lead in the seventh minute when Artur Yunusov pulled back on the shirt of Esmaeilpour to concede a free-kick, and he made no mistake with a low strike past Umarov.

Uzbekistan managed to stem the flow of goals and nearly found a response four minutes before half-time when Shuhrat Tojiboev found Davron Choriev from a corner, but his shot from point-blank range was blocked by goalkeeper Alireza Samimi.

Iran, though, continued to control the pace of the game after the restart and Shafiei got his second of the contest after 24 minutes when he was found in the area with his back to goal and he was able to spin his defender and drill the ball into the net.

Tayebi netted his second and Iran’s seventh when he turned Farhad Tavakoli’s cross past Umarov in the 27th minute to complete this third hat-trick of the tournament.

And after Shajari added a ninth in the 30th minute, Iran brought up double figures as Shafiei wrapped up his hat-trick when he was found open in the area by Esmaeilpou

This team can improve further: Candelas

Published: 08 May 2014

Ho Chi Minh City: Coach Jesus Candelas knows Iran must still improve further as the 10-time champions prepare for a semi-final with Uzbekistan at the AFC Futsal Championship despite Wednesday’s resounding 15-4 victory over tournament hosts Vietnam.

Hossein Tayebi, Asghar Hassanzadeh and Mohammad Shajari each scored hat-tricks against Vietnam at Phu Tho Stadium.

But despite Iran head into Thursday’s meeting with Uzbekistan, who beat Lebanon 6-2 to secure their place in the semi-finals, with a 100% record as they bid to win their 11th AFC Futsal Championship title, Candelas is demanding more from his side.

“I think in the game with Vietnam there was a lot of direct play and direct play has its consequences and each game has its own style,” said Candelas.

“What has happened is that Iran were attacking too much, but we are trying to improve futsal. I love futsal and the aim of futsal is to score goals.

“We are now preparing for the semi-final, but now we have to think little by little.

“Iran were not waiting to see what was going on in other game out of respect to the other teams; we will concentrate on our game and what we must do to win.

“Iran is not feeling that it is the best, but it is trying to do its best. They are very different things.”

It was a humbling experience for tournament hosts Vietnam as they were out-classed in their first-ever AFC Futsal Championship quarter-final despite Pham Thanh Dat and Ly Khanh Hung adding to a brace from Phung Trong Luan.

“The score reflects the game. I don’t want to say excuses; Iran played a very good game and are a very good team,” said Vietnam coach Bruno Garcia.

“At the moment we know where the top is and the way to improve and arrive more near the top.

“This is a young team and they can go a long way and improve in the future and this game is very good for them to see where the top is.”

ِIranian artist campaign in support of Team Melli

A campaign has started amongst entertainers including Cinema and Theater artist, singers and directors in Iran in support of Team Melli.

The objective of the campaign is to increase awareness among the public to support Team Melli especially during the FIFA World Cup 2014. The number of artist supporting the campaign is on the rise with quite a few of them intending to travel to Brazil to cheer on Team Melli from the stands.

Niusha Zeighami , the leading lady star of Iranian cinema , is one of the campaigners. She recently spoke about the campaign and her personal interest in football. Zeighami stressed upon the point that support for Team Melli is a national and civic duty of every Iranian man and woman . When asked if she will be flying to Brazil in support of the team , she said “It does not matter if I am in Tehran or Brazil. The point is wherever I am , I am going to shout for the boys and cheer them on. There is a group of artist that are planning to go , but I am still occupied with some projects, however , If can get time off that project , I will certainly fly to Brazil with my husband”

Ahmadreza Abedzadeh with Mohammadreza Golzar

Iran cruises past Vietnam.

Futsal Team Melli defeated the host nation Vietnam 15-4 to book its place in the semifinals of the AFC Futsal Championship 2014. The first half of the Quarter Final in Phu Tho Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City ended 5-1 for Iran. In the Semifinal on Thursday , Iran will meet Uzbekistan for a place in the final while on the other semifinals  , Japan will meet Kuwait.

As expected , the arena was full to its capacity with local Vietnamese fan enthusiastically supporting their team in their quest for a unique win against the Asian Powerhouse, Iran

Hossein Tayyebi , however broke the Vietnamese concentration when he scored the first goal early with one of his trademark half turns and shooting into the goal. After that goal Vietnam played very tight defensive game that prevented Team Melli from increase the goal margin.

With their good defensive game plan , lots of enthusiasm and vociferous backing of the fans , the host was looking to threaten Iran with their fast paced counter attack game. However , Vietnam came short in tactics and individual skills. They were no match for the much more experienced and skilful Iranian players, despite the fact that Iran has gone through major upheaval in the roster by introducing many young talents. The fast pace game that Vietnam played was also the Achilles heel of the team as they sacrificed accuracy with their players missing simple passes.

Vietnam then switched over playing a physically demanding plan by pressing the Iranian ball carrier but coming short while exhausting themselves in the process.

There were some outstanding performance by young Iranian Mohammad Shajari who scored a hat trick to prove that Iran has talent in Futsal and claim his ace for a starting role.

However, the star of the show was Hossen Tayyebi, once again.

Tayyebi’s performance so far in this championship rates him as the best Asian futsal player and a leading candidate for Asian Futsal MVP. His vision, quick turns, scoring from any angle, dribbling and energy is second to none. He is a worthy replacement for the exceptional Iranian futsal player and the legend Vahid Shamsaei. Tayyebi has quite a few years ahead of him but he is already a player who is very much a world class standard and soon, with such exceptional performance and dedication to the game, he will become a household name.

Hossein Tayyebi and Asghar Hassanzadeh helped themselves to hat trick as well.

Farhad Fakhim and Alireza Vafaei scored a brace each while Behrouz Jafary and Vahid Shafei scored one each.