Iran U-14 to meet South Korea in the final.

Iran’s U-14 football team defeated Iraq 1-0 in the semi final of the 2013 Asian Youth games to set a date with South Korea in the final Gold Medal match on Friday 23rd August.

The semi final match was played in Wutaishan Stadium, Nanjing saw Iran’s top scorer Shahab Rashno score the only goal of game in the 24th minute and his 5th of the competition. Rashno scored from a penalty kick after the Iraqi goalkeeper tripped him in the box.  Despite the e Iraqi’s good showing in the group matches and expectations to be a stiff competition , the Iraqi team was too conservative and did not show enough grit to challenge the young Iranians until much later stages of the match which was mostly dominated by Iran. The young Iranians did not manage to produce more than the one goal to show  for their dominance. The rough playing Iraqi’s , desperate for scoring the equalizer lost their tops as the game was nearing the end. In a scuffle, the Chinese referee sent two Iraqi’s players off for un-sportsmanship behavior!

Shahab Rashni - Iran U14 top scorer
Shahab Rashni – Iran U14 top scorer

In the other semi-final , bitter rivals of the Korean peninsula , South and North met in a grueling match. The South Koreans scored the only goal of the match in the second half to set an interesting meeting and renew yet another rivalry with Iran in the finals.

 

FINAL MATCH

Team Melli U14 lost the final; match 1-0 againt the South Koreans to win football’s silver medal in teh 2013 Asian Youth Games.

Ali Daei awarded World Peace Prize.

The Iranian football legend and the current coach of Perspolis, Former striker and Captain of Team Melli, Ali Daei has been awarded the World Peace Prize by the  Ambassadors of International Institute for Peace.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday at 18:00 (local time) in the Vahdat concert Hall in Tehran. Numerous dignitaries, actors, artists, sports figures, scholars, and ambassadors from several countries attended the ceremony which is held in recognition of the charity and Peace works of sport and Cinema personalities in their society. It is normally awarded to persons who have an impact within and beyond the borders of their countries. Ali Daei is globally recognized as the most prolific international goal scorer. He holds the world record for scoring in international games (109 goals in 149 matches)

Daei played his football in Qatar , Germany , UAE and Iran.

After retirement , Daei went into coaching and won the league title with Saipa. He also had a stint with Team Melli m but was sacked after the defeat to Saudi Arabia in Azadi in 2009.

It is believed that Ali Daei is the most recognized Iranian in the world, because of his fame in football.

Queiroz: I want to take Iran to the next level

(FIFA.com) Tuesday 20 August 2013
Queiroz: I want to take Iran to the next level
© Getty Images

Carlos Queiroz has already earned his place in the history books as the first Portuguese coach to have secured consecutive FIFA World Cup™ qualifications. At South Africa 2010 he led Portugal to the Round of 16, and it is now time for Iran to return to the biggest stage in world football.

Brazil 2014 is just around the corner and the fact that Team Melli are taking part may be just what Iranian football needs to progress to another level. In Asian qualifying Iran won Group A, surpassing favourites Korea Republic in the final match and consigning Uzbekistan to the play-offs.

Despite coming in for criticism over the course of the campaign, Iran are now set to play a fourth FIFA World Cup in their history. “It was the result of two years’ work. The team kept itself united, with fantastic spirit and enormous conviction that we had to give our best at each game,” Queiroz told FIFA.com.

“With a little bit of luck, which is always needed, we got the points we required,” Queiroz said. “It’s a fantastic achievement, and we even edged first place ahead of Korea. There was no doubt about qualification, it was definite. I’m very satisfied.”

What we want from Brazil 2014 is for us to be significantly better than we are today.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz

The coach managed to shield the group from external pressures and pass on praise to the players: “The most important thing was the group that I’ve had over these two years,” Queiroz said. “We all stayed united, from the President of the Federation to the players, both on and off the bench.

“That was key to success and we never worried about the small things. We ignored the critics because we were committed to our path. The players were fantastic, both technically and mentally.”

Despite this, Queiroz does not hide the fact that he had to impose certain important rules, always with the belief that the team is above the individual: “It wasn’t easy because we needed to take some less popular decisions, but the message was clear: no one is above the interests of the team,” he said.

“That’s why we had to pick players with courage and the right attitude. I wanted players who would serve the team, not be served by the team. That’s how we created a squad with great self-esteem. And, of course, we’ve made millions of Iranians happy.”

Growing with the best
So what are Team Melli’s objectives for the FIFA World Cup? “Realistically, can Iran win the tournament? Clearly no one believes that,” said Queiroz. “We are far from a goal of that magnitude, as Iranian football still isn’t close to the great powerhouses of Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, England or Italy. We have to accept that,” the former Real Madrid coach said. “We have to make a worthy, creditable contribution, one that will honour and make all the supporters in Iran proud. How are we going to do that? With a wide-ranging, intensive preparation, as without that we won’t be able to compete against the big teams,” he said.

“Providing, after the World Cup, Iran has taken a step forward in the quality of its football, that will constitute a successful tournament. The tournament has to lead to Iran having better pitches, better turf, a better league, better coaches and more attractive football. What we want from Brazil 2014 is for us to be significantly better than we are today,” said Queiroz.

“In a nutshell, our aim is to take an enormous leap forward, put ourselves on the same rung as Japan and Korea and take our place, definitively, among the top three Asian sides,” he said.

Maracana Atmosphere
Queiroz has already been to the new Maracana stadium, where he watched the FIFA Confederations Cup Final live. “I went to Brazil to take the pulse of the World Cup,” he said. “The environment is going to be very serious, really demanding and there’s no room for playing around or being amateurs.

“I also went to see what the training facilities are like and start to make decisions so that when we arrive, we have a good hotel and a good training centre. That was the objective of my visit.”

The Portuguese coach was happy to describe how he felt watching the FIFA Confederations Cup Final between Brazil and Spain – a small taster of what the 32 sides are going to face: “The atmosphere at the Confederations Cup final was fantastic.

“You could already feel and smell what the next World Cup is going to be like. The Maracana showed what it’s going to be like. Brazil were fair winners and Spain were not on top form,” he concluded.

Team Melli U-14 qualifies for the semi finals.

Nanjing , China

Iran U 14 football reached the semi-finals of the 2nd Asian Youth Games with a victory over Vietnam in the match played in Wutaishan Stadium, Nanjing, Republic of China. The youngsters, who have dominated their group matches with a full mark, defeated the stubborn Vietnamese team 3-1 to reach the semi-final.

In the semifinal , Iran will meet Iraq on August 21st for a place in the Final gold medal match.

Iran’s campaign started last Tuesday Aug 13th, with a match against Indonesia.

The Iranian team defeated Indonesia 4-0 in Group C of the games at the Wutaishan Stadium in Nanjing, China.  Ali Najafi (26’), Mohammad Soltanimehr (28’ and 62’) and Shahab Rashno (61’) scored for Iran.

Saudi Arabia drew with Hong Kong 1-1 in the group.

Iran then faced Hong Kong on Aug 15th and won with a comprehensive 5-0. Margin. Rashno scored a hat trick for Iran in the minutes  11′, 31′, 54′, while Soltanimehr (26′) and Ali Najafi (69′) scored the other two.

The last group match was against Iran’s main rival Saud Arabia. However, the Saudi were no match for the gallant Iranians as they were also defeated 5-0.  Iran goals were scored by Nasseri(30′), Rahimikhoygani (40′), Shajie (45′) , Garousi (59′) and Ali Najafi (61′)

With nine points out of nine and 14 goals scored without a reply , Iran headed to the Quarter finals.

The 2nd Asian Youth Games is underway in Nanjing, China from August 16–24, 2013.

Just like the inaugural edition, the games will serve as a dress-rehearsal for the upcoming 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, which will also be held in the same city.

 

MatchDateMatchTypeTeamOpponentScoreMatchVenueScores / Notes
22-11-26FriendlyIran XIBaku XI3-4Baku
23-11-26FriendlyIran XIAzerbaijan Polytechnical Institute0-0Baku
24-11-26FriendlyIran XITaraqi Baku1-3Baku
16-08-41FriendlyIranQandahar FC5-0Qandahar
01-11-42FriendlyIranBritish Army XI1-0Tehran
01-10-45FriendlyIranDinamo Tbilisi1-5Tehran
02-10-45FriendlyIranDinamo Tbilisi0-4Tehran
01-01-54FriendlyIranViktoria Berlin1-1Tehran
21-11-56FriendlyIranSpartak Yerevan2-2Yerevan
07-03-65FriendlyIranRapid Bucharest0-0Tehran
23-06-65FriendlyIran XINurnburg3-2Tehran
?-?-66Agha Khan Gold CupIran XIIndonesia0-3Dhaka
18-08-66FriendlyIranArarat Yerevan1-1Yerevan
28-11-66FriendlyIranArarat Yerevan0-1Tehran
15-11-68FriendlyIranArarat Yerevan0-2Yerevan
09-03-69Friendship CupIranMersin Idmanyurdu2-1Tehran
14-03-69Friendship CupIranSpartak Moscow0-2Tehran
12-10-70FriendlyIranArarat Yerevan0-2Yerevan
16-10-70FriendlyIranCSKA Moscow0-1Moscow
19-10-70FriendlyIranOstal Volgograd1-0Volgograd
07-04-71FriendlyIranNacional Montevedio0-1Amjadiyea
04-07-71Cyrus International TournamentIranFC Arges Pitesti1-0Tehran
14-03-72FriendlyIran XICruzeiro1 - 1TehranGholamhossein Mazloomi
05-05-72FriendlyIran BSantos1 - 5TehranParviz Haj Hassan
30-06-72FriendlyIran XIBayern Munich6-3Tehran
09-08-73FriendlyIranCanterbury1-1Christchurch
12-07-74Iran CupIran BZaglebie Sosnowiec1-0Tehran
15-07-74Iran CupIranTJ Sklo Union Teplice0-0Tehran
19-07-74Iran CupIranZaglebie Sosnowiec3-1Tehran
21-07-74Iran CupIranTJ Sklo Union Teplice6-5Tehran
11-07-75Iran CupIranTJ Sklo Union Teplice1-1Tehran
16-07-75Iran CupIran 'B'Egypt2-1Rah Ahan
18-07-75Iran CupIran 'B'USSR U-211-0Aryamehr
20-07-75Iran CupIran BTJ Sklo Union Teplice0-1Tehran
01-01-77FriendlyIran XIManchester United0-0 Match detailasShiraz
24-03-77Madrid TournamentIranMouloudia Chaâbia1-1Madrid
01-01-78Paris TournamentIranClub Brugge KV1-1Paris
02-01-78Paris TournamentIranParis S-G FC0-3Paris
15-02-82Qaed-Ul-Azam CupIranShandong0-0 [Match details]Karachi
18-02-82Qaed-Ul-Azam CupIranPakistan Youth4-1 0-0 [Match details]Karachi
??-08-82President Gold CupIran XIKorea Rep.1-3Dhaka
??-08-82President Gold CupIran XIThailand Youth0-0Dhaka
??-08-82President Gold CupIran XIBangladesh0-0Dhaka
??-07-83Great Wall CupIran U23Tian Jian3-1Beijing
??-07-83
??-07-83
28-06-84FriendlyIranShenyang Army Unit4-1Shenyang
30-06-84FriendlyIranLiaoning XI1-2Liaoning
03-07-84FriendlyIranLiaoning U232-2Liaoning
14-07-84FriendlyIranLokomotiv Leipzeg0-0Tehran
24-01-85Nehru Gold CupIranChina University XI4-0Ernakulam
17-02-86Fajr CupIran BKhuzestan XI0-0Tehran
21-05-86FriendlyIranLiaoning1-0Dalian
23-05-86FriendlyIranLiaoning1-0Liaoyang
26-05-86FriendlyIranBeijing2-1Beijing
06-04-88FriendlyIranGuangzhou0-0Guangzhou
10-04-88FriendlyIranWuhan0-0Wuhan
13-04-88FriendlyIranHubei1-0Wuhan
01-01-89FriendlyIran BFC Etar Veliko Tarnovo0-0Tehran
23-05-89President Gold Cup
Iran BThailand1-0Dhaka
25-05-89President Gold CupIran B0-0Dhaka
29-05-89President Gold CupIran B3-3Dhaka
01-01-89FriendlyIranKazakhstan XI1-0Almaty
01-01-90FriendlyIranSt Patrick0-0Tehran
02-07-90FriendlyIranFC Baník Ostrava0-0Tehran
01-01-91FriendlyIranKhorasan XI0-0Mashhad
01-01-92FriendlyIranGrass Hoppers1-0Tehran
23-02-92FriendlyIran XIMcDonald Austria0-1Tehran
01-09-92FriendlyIranGremio1-1Tehran
02-09-92FriendlyIranCruzeiro0-0Tehran
10-10-92FriendlyIranLokomotiv Moscow1-1Tehran
12-10-92FriendlyIranLokomotiv Moscow2-0Tehran
11-08-97FriendlyIranFath Tehran5-0Tehran
17-03-98FriendlyIranEn Avant Guingamp0-1Guingamp
20-03-98FriendlyIranNantes2-1Nantes
23-03-98FriendlyIranMontpellier0-3Montpellier
19-05-98FriendlyIranAS Roma1-7Roma
23-05-98FriendlyIranInter Milan4-1Milan
18-02-99Ciao! February CupIranSK Rapid Wien1-3Kuwait
21-01-00FriendlyIranAsia XI5-0Tehran
29-06-01FriendlyIranSanat XI0-0Tehran
16-07-01FriendlyIranFC Maribor5-0Maribor
12-08-02FriendlyIran XIKhorasan XI2-2Quchan
31-12-03FriendlyIranDynamo Zagreb2-1Zagreb
08-01-07Dubai Football ChallengeIranHamburg SV1-2Dubai
10-01-07Dubai Football ChallengeIranStuttgart1-0Dubai
04-01-08FriendlyIranHansa Rostock0-2Tehran
23-05-08FriendlyIranSaipa FC6-0Ardebil
23-07-08FriendlyIranBohemians Prague1-1Prague
27-07-08FriendlyIranSlavia Prague0-1Prague
11-10-08FriendlyIranPeykan FC2-2Karadj
27-12-08FriendlyIranGalicia2-3A Coruna
15-05-09FriendlyIranIran U233-0Tehran
11-07-09FriendlyIran U23Kaiser Chiefs0-0Bloemfontein
14-07-10FriendlyIranRed Star Belgrade1-1Ljubljana
17-07-10FriendlyIranVasas Budapest1-0St Bonhart
23-07-10FriendlyIranLazio1-1Rome
29-12-10FriendlyIranQatar Army XI7-0Doha
07-06-11FriendlyIranIran U231-0Tehran
04-07-11FriendlyIranMetalist Kharkiv0-0Oberwart
08-07-11FriendlyIranDAC Dunajska Streda2-0Rudersdorf
09-07-11FriendlyIranBanik Ostrava3-2Sochau
19-05-12FriendlyIranIran U232-3Tehran
22-04-14FriendlyIranMoroka Swallows5-0JohannesburgPayam Sadeghian (30) , Reza Nourozi (37), Mohammadreza Khalatbari (50) Karim Ansarifard (70 & 85).
24-04-14FriendlyIranOrlando Pirates3-3JohannesburgKhalatbary (9), Beigzadeh (52) , Nourozi (78)
30-04-14FriendlyIranMamelodi Sundowns0-1Johannesburg
01-05-14FriendlyIranMpumalanga Black Aces FC2-0Johannesburg Ahmad Ale Nemeh (55) , Karim Ansarifard (74)
17-12-14FriendlyKaizer CheifsIran0-2Johannesburg Mortexa Pouraliganji , Sardar Azmoun.
21-12-14FriendlyOrlando PiratesIran1-3Johannesburg Ehsan Hajsafi (2) , Mehdi Sharifi
23-12-14FriendlyPlatinum StarsIran0-6Johannesburg Mohammad Nouri (3), Habib Gordani, Masoud Hassanzadeh, Sajjad Shahbazadeh

Team Melli U19 training camp.

Tehran.

In an effort to prepare the National youth level teams for upcoming regional and contenintal competetions, the FFIRI anoounced the list of 27 players who are selected to attend the U-19 youth training camp under the supervision of Rahim Meerakhoory.

The selected players list are as follows

Vahid Zolghadr, Maysam  Joudaki, Nader Safarzaei,  Abolfazl Tavakoli, Mehdi  Javadvand, Payam  Niazmand , Mehdi Hosseinzadeh, Siavash Haghnazary, AmirHossein  Alinaghi, Mohsen Ghaybi,  Ali Shojaei, Armin Sohrabian, Milad Sarlak, Mohammad Roshandel, Maysam Labaf,  Parsa Salimi, Ali Fathian, Abdoleza Zarei, Reza Jafari, Saeed Aghaye, MohammadReza Soleimani, Mostafa Zakariyapour, Hassan Dadashi, Mobein Ezzati, Bahman  Jahantigh, Erfan Vejdani  and Mojtaba  Moghtadei

Majeed Jalali “They are killing our football”

Tabriz

The head coach of Tractorsazi football club of Tabriz had very harsh words for teams that are killing football and the spirit of sportsmanship according to him. Majeed Jalali , one of the most highly respected and qualified Iranian coaches was fuming in the aftermath of his team’s goalless draw against Mess Kerman. In the post-match press conference, Jalali referred to the dozens of time when Mes Kerman players dropped themselves on the pitch faking injury to waste time.

Expressing his anger and disappointment , Jalali said “The Mes Kerman players simply dropped on the ground when we had the ball possession , and expected us  to kick the ball out of bound  so that they are attended to.  After a few times of this repetitive acts, we discovered that we have been fooled and we were suckers for falling to these dirty tricks. These people are killing football. I admit that we have not mastered the proper tactics in playing against such Anti-Football teams.”

On the same subject, Jalali was interviewed today by Mehrnews  football  reporter seeking further clarification on his views which is becoming a hot subject in Iran’s football.  Jalali reiterated his stand and said “The problem is that this anti-football and un-sportsmanship behavior at club level has slowly crept up into Team Melli as well. We criticize Bahrain for grass-rolling and time wasting, but when our beloved teams do it , we tend to accept it. When we played Korea, it was apparent that our players were time wasting. This has happened in previous matches as well at international level. It is natural that players carry the habits of club football up into the national teams.”

Notorious Mes Kerman time wasting.
Notorious Mes Kerman time wasting.

“In Iran , they expect  my players to kick the ball out of bound , any time an opposing players drops himself to the ground. They call this sportsmanship behavior (Javanmardi) while in fact ,  most of the time, it is cheating and time wasting. This is becoming very common in Iran, it is encouraged by some coaches, in fact they have developed many tactics to fool the referees and master falling on the ground, especially their forwards to win penalties. It is regrettable and deplorable”

“This Mes Kerman team has mastered anti-football and time wasting tactics. I would never blame Ali Daei and Perspolis players for continuing playing and scoring when one of the Mes Kerman players dropped on the pitch, faking injury nonetheless, when Perspolis had the ball and had a good opportunity to score. I don’t believe that the Football league commission has done enough, if any, to confront the cheaters in our football, and they have also neglected to appreciate the true sportsmanship behavior, which is rare anyway. The League commission should review the matches and encourage true sportsmanship behavior while strongly deal with cheats. “

The controversial subject of so-called sportsmanship behavior has become a hot item of debate , especially after the Perpolis-Mes Kerman match that Majeed Jalali has referred to.  There is undeniable fact , that in the Persian Football league matches, time wasting and faking has become common. There are continuous breaks in action anytime a player falls in the ground. Referees always allow players to be attended on the pitch regardless to the nature of the incident.  FIFA football rules requires the player to be treated outside, except for serious injuries. Only a few have dared to talk about it in Iran football. Ali Daei and Majeed Jalai are the exceptions. The former has already warned the opposing team that his players are under instruction not to stop the game for anyone who drops on the pitch.

Iran U17 loses against Sao Paolo of Brazil.

Iran’s U17 youth team lost its second match against Sao Paolo Club youth team 0-2 in the 4th Weifang Hope Cup .

The match played this morning Tehran time saw the Brazilian side score an early goal in the 3rd minute as a result of a defensive lapse by the young Iranians. Just before the half time whistle , The Brazilians scored again to make it 2-0.

Although the second half was much better for Iran U17, however , there were always chasing the game with 2 goals down and some nice saves by Sao Paolo goalkeeper prevented Iran from scoring.

Iran U17 coached bt Rahim Meerakhory played yesterday against North Koreans and drew 1-1. It will end the campaign by playing against the American Club Chivas on Wednesday.
Ali Doustimehr , the general manager of Iran youth teams said that this team is in China to gain experience as it lacks playing against strong oppositions. “Results are irrelevant at this stage as we prepare for the FIFA U17 World Cup.”  Doustimehr added “Sao Paolo is a club side and naturally the players have been together for several years creating a good understanding. It is a bit different with selections like ours”

Team Melli U17 will play tits last group match against Chivas club of United State on Wednesday. in the annual International Youth Football Tournament  held in Weifang city, Shandong Province, China

Iran U-17 held by North Korea U17.

 

Iran’s U17 youth team was held by North Korea U17 1-1 in the 4th Weifang Hope Cup . The annual International Youth Football Tournament which saw Iran’s first participation is held in Weifang city, Shandong Province, China.

The young Iranian players , played a good first half and managed to threaten the Korean keeper , but the finishing was far from ideal. The first half ended with a stalemate without a goal.

In the second half , Iran was the stronger and the more forceful side with several attacks , but it was North Korea who scored in a classic counter attack move to take the lead. After that goal in the 55th minute, the Koreans were intent with sitting back in a defensive shell. The solid defending worked well for the Koreans right near the end of the game , but Iran’s Babak Abdullahzadeh spoiled the Korean plans when he scored the equalizer in the 82nd minute. There were further scoring opportunities for the young Iranians but none was scored as the match ended in a tie 1-1

Team Melli U17 will face U17  team of Sao Paolo club (Brazil) on Monday 29th at 12:30 Tehran time.

 

Mehdi Taj dismisses Queiroz’s “impractical” proposals.

 

Mehdi Taj , the Iranian football League commissioner , said that Team Melli’c coach proposals to modify the league program were not practical and illogical.  Taj was reacting to the recent sharp criticism of the league program by Carlos Queiroz, in which he said that the league competetion as planned will create difficulties for Team Melli’s preparations towards the World Cup.

In reference to one of the proposals by Queiroz , Mehdi Taj said “How can we run a league program without Team Melli players? On what basis we can face the clubs and tell them that they have to compete in the league without their best players? No club will agree to that , and as the administrators of the league program, we have to cater for the interest of every side including clubs, fans and players , we would not entertain such proposal.”

On the other proposal of Queiroz regarding the Hazfi Cup, the knock out cup competition, Taj again refused to accept the idea to run a longish program for cup competition after the completion of the regular season and the league program. “This will amount to adding an extra season right after finishing one. This proposal is simply not feasible.” Taj responded.

Team Melli’s World Cup preperation program announced.

Carlos Queiroz, announced a comprehensive program to prepare Team Melli for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

 

  1. 7th – 14th Aug.               Training Camp Portugal including one friendly match
  2. 31st Aug to 10th Sep.         Two friendly matches
  3. 6th to 15th Oct               One friendly match and one Asian Cup Qualifier match
  4. 9th to 19th Nov               Two Asian Cup Qualifier matches
  5. 27th Feb to 5th Mar           Asian Cup Qualifier match
  6. 12th Apr to 6th May           3 or 4 friendly matches
  7. 12th to 31 May               3 or 4 friendly matches
  8. 1st to 12th Jun               One friendly Match

The world cup will start on the 12th June.  Normally , the qualified teams fly to the destination well ahead of the start , so most probably the last item of the published training program will be conducted somewhere in Brazil. The first item of this plan has already been cancelled due to lack of funds. Apparently , Team Melli was planned to play against Ghana National team on the 14th of August, which is a FIFA day. The Ghanian team were supposed to fly to Lisbon for the match but the cancellation of the training camp resulted in cancellation of the friendly match with Ghana.