Team Melli U-19 qualified for the final tournament of AFC U-19 Championship  after achieving the full marks in the qualifications round.

On Saturday afternoo0n , the young boys of Iran football defeated Saudi Arabia in Kerman, in a tightly contested match. Iran needed a draw to qualify while Saudi Arabia had to win the match to stand any chance. The match was decided late in the first half when a beautifully taken free kick by Saeed Aghaye ended up in the Saudi net.

In the second half, the Saudi went for an all out attack leaving their side vulnerable to counter attacks, but neither of the teams succeeded in scoring . The host seemed to be satisfied with the result and did not venture too much in attack.

Sardar Azmoun was taken to hospital after he was substituted feeling ill.

The one goal was good enough for the qualification for Iran , while the Saudi Arabians must wait for other group results. The final tournament will be held in Myanmar next year.

[divider]

IRAN – SAUDI ARABIA

1-0 (1-0)

12.1o.2013

AFC Asian U-19 Championship – Qualifications rounds – Group D

Shahid Bahonar Stadium , Kerman

Referee : H. C. D. PERERA (SRI LANKA)

Scorer:

Iran: Saeed Aghaye (38′)

 IRAN: Payam Niazmand; Meysam Joudaki (c), Mehdi Hossainzadeh, Mohammad Rowshandel, Armin Sohrabian, Hassan Dadashi (47′ Vahid Zoulghadr) , Saeed Aghaye , Siavash Hagh-Nazari (71′ MohammadReza Soleimani) , Milad Sarlak,  Ali Fathian , Sardar Azmoun (78′ Babak Abdollahzadeh)

Thailand national football team newly appointed coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong claims that Iran which has a few problems,  is not much stronger than Bahrain team that they played on Thursday and beat 1-0!.

 The Thai coach was speaking after his first match in control and registering a win against Bahrain in the friendly match in Bangkok. The highly confiden coach said that his team is capable of defeating Iran in Tehran despite the absence of some key players.

Thailand will be without the influential Burriram United midfield player Jakkraphan Kaewprom who is injured and could not make the trip to Tehran. Jakkraphan expressed his bitter disappointment that he could not accompany the team for this important match in Azadi, however he was consoled by the new coach who assured him that there will be other chances for him in the near future. Suree Sukha is another experienced player who could not make the trip.

Coach Surachai said that he is not expecting an easy match against Iran but the improvement he has noticed in his own team makes him quite hopeful of a satisfactory result in Teahran “We need to be better against the Iranians, especially the accuracy of passing and shooting. These two areas require concentration. I have never lost to Iran during my playing days and I have no reason to fear them. I hope my record gives my player confidence.” The coach said.

Continuing his confident theme , he said “We played well against Bahrain and won. I believe Iran is not that much stronger than Bahrain. Iran team has its own problem (…)”

The 43 year old coach whose nickname is  “Nguan” is a former midfield player who played for the Thai national team 86 times scoring 7 goals. he managed Chainat team before invited to join the national squad as an assistant to the German Winfried Schaefer.

That said, Thailand has failed to win a single match in the group beaten by Kuwait and Lebanon and lying at the bottom of the table. Despite what the Thai coach claims, his job will be extremely difficult against a much stronger Iranian team that has qualified to the World Cup, a point that the Thai coach is probably not aware of. Thailand has never beaten Iran in an official or friendly matches.

 Iran and Thailand will be meeting on the 15^th October in Azadi stadium in Day three of AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualification round.

[divider]

IRAN vs. THAILAND Head to Head results

[divider]

Carlos Queiroz, Iran’s national soccer team manager spoke on Friday for the first time since the announcement of the squad list for Thailand game. A list which was heavily criticized by some experts and league clubs. Queiroz , who has been avoiding the media for some time now, hence creating more rumors about some difference with the FFIRI,  or impending departure from Iran . For the first time, he spoke about his justifications on some of the more controversial players selections. He also complained about  “some people start too much talking, their talk takes less value and would not receive professional attention, I would prefer to do less talking and more working such as spending time to coordinate matters related to the national team.”  Marginalizing his critics in the process.

“It is important to carry out our tasks as soon as possible without much fuss and the best possible way is to enforce it is by training. We do not have much time and have the smallest squad, we will use this opportunity to succeed.”

The coach said the game against Thailand is very important, “in fact all the games of the national team is of paramount importance, especially because this one is an official game and part of qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2015. We have lost two valuable training camps; it is not good for the national team. We must make the best use of the current camp to prepare for Thailand and beyond.”

“When I am abroad and visit different countries, I coordinate the accommodation arrangements, like negotiating with the various hotels and other venues for training. Unfortunately there have been some rumors about my travels. Those really do not matter, but some people speak too much. For me what is important is that we reach our goal, and when this coordination visits are carried out, it is to service these goals by relaying on my professional experience which I like to benefit Iran’s football.”

Sometimes people who talk a lot but I prefer not to talk too much.

In his justification in selecting some players , Queiroz said “

“I dare say that I and my colleagues have watched more than 95% of the League matches either closely or have watched the recordings of them. In any case, there are some things that we need to consider when selecting the players list. After the last match against South Korea, we had no opportunity to convene and practice. This camp is a good chance; the goal was to be able to maintain the basic structure of team. It is also an opportunity to have a close look at some younger players like Yaghoub Karimi and Jahanbakhsh. We also intend to monitor the injured players using our own medical team. Khosro Heydari and Mehrdad Pooladi are both in the injury list. We like to have a close inspection on the extent of their injuries ourselves. They must work under the supervision of our medical staff.”

He continued:”Another thing to consider is that we can only invite certain number of players in each post. For example, I cannot invite 10 players in camp who are defenders. We should establish a balance to coordinate the squad and the players list should not radically be changed.”

(note: 95% seems to be extremely an optimistic figure for National Team coaches watching league games. We believe that it is either exaggerated or wrongly quoted. Normally National team coaches, attend a small percentage of league matches in the region of 10% according to some sources)

Queiroz has also been accused of favoritism and biased towards Perspolis and Esteghlal teams detrimental to other teams when it came to player’s selections for Team Melli.  Queiroz obviously denied that and refutes the favoritism accusation. “I know that these two teams always expect a large number of their players to be selected. It is because of their huge fan bases.  Any match that you attend by these two teams, it seems that their fans fill the stadium or they are in the majority, so it is natural that special attention has to be applied to them (!!), however, professionally speaking, it makes no difference to me which club a player is from” This was Queiroz justification on selecting a benched player from Perspolis, Hossein Mahini.

Iran’s national soccer team head coach then commented on the Irish National Team coaching vacancy. He said, “Of course ,  when I noticed the news media shortlisting my name in the candidates list for the Ireland job, I was delighted. It shows that these people have confidence in me and trust my work. But that does not mean that I have negotiated with them, or I’d quit my job as coach of Team Melli any time soon.”

The Only problems I have is the media reports

Asked if there are any impending problems or differences between him and the President of FFIRI, Ali Kaffashian ” The Only problems I have is the media reports that I read about those imaginary problems and that makes me laugh as it surprises me. There simply is no problem”

“I am motivated to succeed and both me and Kaffashian share the same goal and motivation. I have the same dream and goal as the Iranian people.  We should strive to achieve our shared aspirations.”

His biggest great concern for national team are the friendly matches “ all FIFA days for such matches are occupied by out AFC Asian Cup qualification matches. We playin the qualifiers in those spare times.” Carlos said “holding time of friendly matches coincided with the Asian indices Cup qualifier nation. This is our main problem. After Thailand we have to play against Lebanon and Kuwait. However, we have worked hard to arrange friendly international matches near the end of this year. “

“The qualification to the World Cup is still fresh in our memories. We dearly like the fans join us and fill Azadi in the match against Thailand as it is the first time we can all celebrate together and share our joy in qualifying for the World Cup. We hope people can come to the stadium to support the team again, raise the spirit of the players . “

Team Melli U-19 scored a convining win against Lebanon in the second match of Group D AFC qualifiers in Kerman.

Earlier on  in the same group , Saudi Arabia managed to scored a 5 goals past Tajikistan without reply to put Iran team under immense pressure.  With 6 points and plus 6 goals margin , Saudi Arabia was comfortably sitting on the top of the group. With this in mind, Iran’s U-19 team started the match with the objective of scoring a large number of goals top reduce their deficit. It only took 2 minutes for Iran to take the lead when Ali Fathian scored. Lebanon , not an easily team to play against as their previous match against Saudi Arabia showed, scored the equalizer within a few minutes from the penalty spot.

Armin Sohrabian restored Iran’s lead on minute 21 , before the star of the team Sardar Azmoun , scored a third on 37th minute. Azamoun started this match while he was on the bench in the Tajikistan match to enable him some rest after a series of long flights.

In the second half, Iran U-19 continued playing the same style and pressurizing the Lebanese to retreat into a defensive shell.

As soon as the 2nd half started, Milad Sarlak scored. With Iran seeking more, a penalty was awarded and Azamoun scored his second of the match Iran’s fifth in the 74th minute. Finally Sohrabian also scored his second with minutes to the end.

With this convincing victory, Iran regains the lead of Group D , while Saudi Arabia drops t o second on goal difference. Both Lebanon and Tajikistan are already eliminated after today’s results.

Sardar Azmoun was selected the match’s Most Valuable Player.

[divider]

IRAN – LEBANON

6-1 (3-1)

19.oCT.2013AFC Asian U-19 Championship – Qualifications rounds – Group D

Shahid Bahonar Stadium , Kerman

Scoreres

Iran: Ali Fathian (2′) ,  Armin Sohrabian (21′, 86′),  Sardar Azmoun(37′ , 74′ [p]) , Milad Sarlak (46′)

Labanon :

IRAN: Payam Niazmand; Meysam Joudaki (c), Mehdi Hossainzadeh, Mohammad Rowshandel, Armin Sohrabian, Hassan Dadashi (70′ Mobin Ezzati) , Saeed Aghaye , Siavash Hagh-Nazari (60′ MohammadReza Soleimani) , Milad Sarlak,  Ali Fathian (80′ Babak Abdollahzadeh) , Sardar Azmoun

[divider]

The final list of 21 players participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 has been announced by FFIRI.

From the original squad , 5 players where eliminated as the result of FIFA limitation of number of players which is limited to 21 only.  The squad will start the final phase of training on Saturday when they will gather in the Olympic hotel to start a 18 day camp until their flight to UAE where the tournament is being held this years. Iran’s first match is against Argentina in Group E is on the 19th October in Dubai.

[label type=”info”]GOALKEEPERS[/label]

1    Mahdi AMINI (16/05/1996)
12    Ahmad GOHARI (12/01/1996)
21    Armin HASHEMI  (04/02/1996)

[label type=”info”]DEFENDERS[/label]
2    Mostafa HASHEMI (19/10/1996)
3    Sasan JAFARI (17/09/1996)
4    Komeil HAGHZADEH (25/02/1997)
5    Majid HOSSEINI (20/06/1996)
13    Iman SALIMI (01/06/1996)

[label type=”info”]MIDFIELD[/label]
6    Saeid EZATOLAHI (01/10/1996)
8    Mohammad BAZAJ (30/03/1996)
10    Amirhossein KARIMI (09/02/1996)
14    Ali GHOLIZADEH (10/03/1996)
15    Hossein MEHRABAN (12/05/1996)
16    Abdolreza ZAREI (21/01/1996)
17    Ali HAZAMI (25/02/1996)
18    Sadegh MOHARRAMI (01/03/1996)
19    Yousef SEYYEDI (08/03/1996)
20    Mohammadreza KAVEH (22/07/1997)

[label type=”info”]FORWARDS[/label]
7    Mostafa ZAKARIAPOUR (13/02/1996)
9    Amir Mohammad MAZLOUM (27/01/1996)
11    Reza JAFARI  (11/01/1997)

[label type=”info”]COACH[/label]

Ali DOUSTIMEHR

After so much commotion when his name was announced by Queiroz, and then the news that Daniel Davari will not turn up for Team Melli, finally, the German born Iranian is here in Tehran in the training camp of Team Melli.

The Eintracht Braunschweig goalkeeper has made it this time to the delight of Queiroz, teammates and Davari’s excited father. The landing of the 25 years old in Azadi training camp was smooth and  he train with lots of enthusiasm and energy. Davari mixed well with all the new faces he has seen for the first time and seems to be in the right frame of mind for a debut. Whether he can dislodge Rahman Ahmadi is another question, however. Queiroz might try him out if results were favorable to Team Melli in the upcoming matches. In the long run, Daniel Davari seems to be the ideal candidate. At only 25 he has plenty of time to mature and get his position amongst the posts for Team Melli Iran.

Expressing his delight in joining Team Melli , Davari said that he has been thinking about this for a long time. Now that he is here, he wants to impress and make a difference. After a series of bad results , Eintracht Braunschweig won its first match in the Bundesliga which delighted Davari. “It is a good omen that we beat Wolfsburg before I came here to Iran. It was our first win the top flight and I am very satisfied by that.” Davari commented.

About his club , Davari said that the coach is using a rotating system for goalkeepers.  “It is a policy that I have to settle with. I find it quite demanding and it certainly increases competition for places”. Apart from his own club, Davari has no affection for any other German clubs but he admits that he is an  avid Arsenal fan.

Although Davari was selected during the Qualifying rounds of the FIFA world Cup for to join the squad, he did not turn up because of club commitments. In this point he said “It was a very critical period for us at  Braunschweig. Promotion to the Bundesliga was at stake. I would have loved to be part of the squad that won the qualification to the Worlds Cup, but unfortunately I couldn’t oblige and had to stay with my club until we won the promotion. I realize that I have a tough competition with Rahman Ahmadi here. He is a senior goalkeeper and was instrumental in Iran gaining the qualification. That is one tough task to replace him. I have lots of respect for Ahmadi, however I am used to competition for places and will try to gain respect of the teammates and gain the confidence of the coach in order to achieve some playing time.”

With Davari’s father accompanying him to Tehran, Davari Senior was quite disappointed that he could not see the practice session when his son was training with Team Melli in Azadi sports complex. The training ground was cordoned off by security with no journalist or other fans allowed. The security informed the press core that they were under strict instructions from Team Melli coaching staff not to allow anyone in. Apparently somewhere along the line, Queiroz has heard that a Thais spy is mingling amongst the Iranians and sending information to Bangkok to expose Team Melli tactics.

Training in secret , is becoming a habitual coaches practice. Under the disguise of secrecy and keeping plans under wrap, coaches prevent journalist and fans from watching from the stands. The as if new plans and tactics are introduced everyday.

The superfluous act, has hardly proven anything of real worth except to enrage the journalist and photographers who try to do their jobs covering Team Melli.