Currently preparing his squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup United Arab Emirates 2013, which begins on 19 October, Iran coach Ali Doustimehr is hoping he can improve on the country’s promising world-finals showing of four years ago.

The Iranians kicked off their campaign at Nigeria 2009 in fine style with a 2-0 win over Gambia, following up with a goalless draw against Colombia and a 1-0 defeat of the Netherlands to seal first place in their group.

Though Uruguay promptly halted their progress by downing them 2-1 in the Round of 16, Iran had nevertheless achieved their best ever performance in an 11-a-side world finals competition, with only the country’s futsal team having gone further on the global stage.

As he told FIFA.com in an exclusive interview, their 49-year-old coach is hoping they can go even further this time around, setting his team the target of a place in the last four.

“The boys and the coaching staff are very motivated,” he said, describing the sense of belief in the Iran camp. “I’ve got the same assistants I had in Nigeria and everyone wants to do their bit to help us reach the semi-finals. The players know that a good display at the U-17 World Cup could improve their chances of breaking into the full national side. That’s what they all dream about.”

“We will be taking the best possible team to the Emirates but it won’t be easy,” he added. “We’re the underdogs and we need to be strong mentally. Our preparations have gone well and we’ve played friendlies against Finland, Turkey, Italy, Slovenia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.”

Reflecting on the progress Asian sides have been making in youth tournaments of late, Doustimehr cited Iraq’s run to the semi-finals of the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 as a source of inspiration:

“Asia will be represented in the UAE by the host nation, Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan and Iraq. Every team on the continent is paying a lot of attention to training and we need to keep pace. Iraq’s efforts at the U-20 World Cup showed how far Asian sides have come in these age groups.”

Learning lessons
Iran’s first opponents in Group E are Argentina, followed by Canada and Austria, a schedule that prompted the seasoned coach to comment: “The teams are all there on merit and there won’t be any pushovers.”

Doustimehr has no shortage of experience at youth level, having taken charge of the U-17 national side in Nigeria four years ago and the Iran team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2001.

Assessing the importance of competing at the highest level, he said: “The World Cup is like no other competition. It gives you the chance to make history and change your destiny.

“You’re always learning in football,” he continued. “We missed out on the chance to reach the last eight in 2009, though we’ve learned the lessons of that setback. The experience you pick up in a World Cup is worth that of many other competitions combined.”

That experience will be needed when Doustimehr and his charges set about bettering Iran’s landmark run in 2009, as he acknowledged: “Like I said before, we are determined to make it to the last four. I’m going to draw on everything I learned in 2001 and 2009 to take the team forward.”

Tehran.

Ali Kaffashian, the president of FFIRI announced that a deal has been agreed with a local firm to sponsor Team Melli for the upcoming World Cup. The procrastination of this federation on properly negotiating marketing deals has resulted in acute financial difficulties for the team the result of which is the complete stoppage of activities. While the rest of the world teams are engaged in friendly matches or training camps, there is no participation of Team Melli in any meaningful activities or training exercises in form of camps or matches.

Kaffashian said that “After a long negotiation  (…) we have finalized a deal to sponsor Team Melli for the World Cup. The sponsor is a local company and the name will be announced next week. “. Such delay in identifying the sponsor probably means that the deal is not finalized perhaps awaiting approvals and the passing of the Bureaucratic Process on both sides.

The timing of the deal is crucial after the mass critical reaction of all concerned in the aftermath of cancellation of Team Melli training camp in Portugal.

In the meantime, the under-secretary of the Ministry of sport, Salehi Amiri met with Ali Kaffashian and Carlos Queiroz in the Ministry’s offices. The minister of Youth & Sports is yet to be appointed after the parliament rejected President Rouhani’s candidate. In the meeting, the under-secretary conveyed a message for the Iran’s President advocating full government support for the National team.

After the meeting on Thursday, Queroz informed the media that they had a fruitful meeting “Kaffashian was quite transparent and informed the ministry of all the problems that the team is facing. I am hoping that we can continue our program. I am referring to the under-secretary’s word as I left the ministry quite hopeful”

 There was no word of full support, financial commitment assistance or anything tangible in the negotiation from either side after the meeting. Promises to assist & support, are customary occurrences when it comes to Team Melli, as previously experienced by the ex-President AhmadiNejad and several of his minister on many occasions. However, in reality, not much has materialized. It is remained to be seen if these talks turn into proper support morally and financially for Team Melli.

Tehran

In a controversial interview with Khabar varzeshi, Team Melli’c coach Carlos Queiroz has threatened to resign if the pandemonium in Iranian football continues and if he is unfairly blamed for disrupting league football in the country.

Carlos Queiroz sounded quite emotional and disturbed in the interviews conducted in one of the busy restaurants of Tehran. Due to the chaos engulfing Iranian football, Queiroz is having serious thought about his future in Iran. TeamMelli.com and due to the importance of the issues underlined by Queiroz is preparing a two parts articles covering the interview and the analysis of his statements.

The Portuguese coach, who was at the helm of his country’s national team in the last World Cup in South Africa, began the interview with ‘Khabar Varzeshi’ reporter by saying “As the most popular sport publication in Iran, you have a mission to tell the truth with facts. This could be my last chance to send my message to the football fans and the people of Iran. This is why I am here with you.”

“By all means , there are many people around who genuinely try to help Team Melli, but there are also those who have been creating difficulties and hurdles for us.”

Kaffashian has to decide right today whether he wants me to continue or not.

 

“Today would have been our 2^nd day of the Team Melli training camp in Portugal. Instead, and while the rest f the World Football Teams are hot in preparation for matches, I am sitting with you in a restaurant to air my grievances. This is truly shameful. After 30 months in this country, I am confident enough to talk about many things that I am certain of regarding football. “

“Unfortunately for Team Melli , but luckily for Kaffashian and Taj  nowadays the focus of attention is towards the Tehran Derby rather than the plight of Team Melli. FIFA has the authority to cancel all league matches when it comes to the National teams commitments. This Friday, there will be approximately 70 international friendlies right across the globe, we are not part of this scheme because we are busy with Esteghlal and Perspolis.   Which 4 teams have qualified for the World Cup?  us , Japan, Australia and South Korea. What are those team doing, and what are doing? Look at the fixture of those teams on FIFA site, they are playing the likes of Brazil and France, we are lucky because we are playing Thailand and Kuwait ! They are thinking about the World Cup, while our priority is the Tehran derby on Friday!”

“I have no worries about those who are after my job.  I will do my own work the way I want to do it. Any of the current league coaches can take my place right now. I have no issue if Ghalenoei or Daei or anyone else for that matter takes my place. But while I am at the helm , I will do it my way. My concern and interest is towards Team Melli, I want to talk about Team Melli to you , I want to be transparent , I want to tell it all.”

“Today people like Fathollazadeh , Taj and Rahimi are all accusing me of being the bad man of Iran’s football. They keep saying that it is Queiroz who wants to suspend the league and does not want the Hazfi cup to be played. The way they say it as if every problem in Iran is the fault of Carlos Queiroz!”

Asked by the reporter “Under all these negative circumstances, what is your reaction and plan of action?”

“Let me say things that I perhaps never said before. I don’t like to work under these stressful conditions. I have written to Kaffashian about arranging a meeting where the topic will be nullifying my contract. I am not the type of person to accept these negative conditions and be portrayed as the evil while I have nothing but respect, admiration and love for this country especially the fans who will forever remain in my heart for their fantastic support.”

Taj is selected a league program that will lead to the demise of the players and the league.

Q” Cancelling your contract, Are you serious?”

“I definitely am serious; there is no joke in that. I will accept all hardship including lack of financial support, no training camps, or not being paid, amongst other difficulties. I am a professional coach who can withstand these negative issues. I also have a professional contract. There is no clause in that contract that mentions I have to engage in personal contests with Sepahan or Esteghlal bosses or the league club coaches, who have accused me of being the reason for Iran’s football problems. I  will never accept such accusation from them.  If I have to face individuals and start fighting with them , then add that into the contract and compensate me for it.”

“I am the coach of Team Melli and I work to prepare my team accordingly. I don’t want to be involved in the league coaches battles nor be involved in their differences. I also do not want to be accused by Taj that I am standing against the league clubs and robbing them of their players.”

Q. ” But if you submit your resignation , aren’t you falling for the very people who want you to out?”

Queiroz ” I am just telling you what I feel and quite frankly as I said before, I cannot stand working under this condition. I have served with Portugal , Sporting , Real Madrid and Manchester United in a professional environment. I simply cannot accept working in this environment where most of my resources are spent firefighting with people who insist that the earth is flat and all the rest of the planets revolves around the earth.  I quite like discussing issues with the club coaches on various technical issues, but not with Club chairmen.  Instead of these chairmen attending to their business like building stadiums, training grounds, buying proper kits for the team , paying the players on times, they engage in technical issues that they have no clue about.  These are the same people that when Team Melli faces difficulties, they laugh and invite their fans to mock us  rather than support their beloved national team during difficult times.”

These days, not much good news comes out of Iran’s football. Right after the surprising qualification of Team Melli to FIFA 2104 World Cup, series of bad news ensued as if the win in Ulsan was a jinx for Iran’s football. .

The latest bad news relates to the fortune and fate of Iranian legionnaires players in Europe.

To start with, the number of Iranian players in European leagues can be counted by the fingers of a person’s hand. Dejagah, Ghoochannejad , Shojaei, Nazari, Shapourzadeh, Jahanbakhsh and Davari are about the only recognized  Iranian players in Europe, The last two have not represented Team Melli at international level yet.

Dejagah, Ghoochannejad , and Shojaei are the most recognized & prominent of the group each playing in a different league. Dejagah , who started his professional career at Hertha Berlin in 2004 , and later transferred to vfl Wolfsburg, had quite a successful time and  was one of the influential players of  the Bundesliga team. He was even selected to represent Germany at youth level. In 2012 he was bought by the English premiere league Fulham.  While not always a starting player, Dejagah took some time before he established himself at the London club but an bad ankle injury on 1 April against QPR spelled the end of the season for the Midfield player. Dejagah also missed the last 3 crucial matches for Team Melli in the World Cup qualifiers as well.

This season, after recuperating and fully recovering from his injury, Dejagah made one appearance only in the League Cup, while not even listed on the bench for the 3 matches that Fulham have played in the English Premiere League (EPL).  Fulham is lingering at the bottom of the league table.

Reza Ghoochanejad, the hero of Team Melli in the World Cup qualifiers and the darling of the fans, has not featured at all for Standard Liège under Israeli coach G. Luzon. The Liège based club is currently leading the Belgian league with maximum points after 6 games. In some games, Ghoocahnejad was not even made the bench list.

Next door to Ghoochanejad, is where the young Alireza  Jahanbakhsh , plays his football in the Eredivisie club NEC . Jahanbakhsh who represented Team Melli at different youth levels and excelled in the recent Asian competitions, joined the Dutch club NEC at the start of the season. However, out of the 5 matches so far, Jahanbaksh played a cameo role turning up as late substitute on 3 occasions. His total playing time not exceeding 20 minutes in those 3 matches.

NEC is lying right at the bottom of the Eredivisie

The most senior player of the list is Masoud Shojae Soleimani. A player with so much promise only a few years ago. The wizard whose skills was compared favorably to Ali Karimi. The midfielder joined the la Liga club Osasuna to partner his Team Melli mate, Javad Nekounam. While Nekounam established himself as a prominent fixed player for the Pamplona club, Shojaei was always the fringe player.   To add to his frustration of not managing a regular starting role, Shojaei suffered a very bad injury which resulted in him missing a whole season after going through multiple operations. At the end of last season, Osasuna released Shojae as the club did not wish to renew his contract. Masoud, has been looking for a club since then and with 3 weeks into the La Liga season , he has yet to sign for any club, although he has been training and practicing with a third division outfit in Spain.

As it happens, Osasuna are also right at the bottom of the La Liga after 3 defeats out of 3.

Amir Shapourzadeh who featurd briefly for Team Melli is playing in a regional league in Germany.  Omid Nazari plays for Ängelholms FF in Superettan as a center midfielder. The Swedish league is well into its schedule with round 22 played last weekend. Nazari played in 19 matches, scoring 1 goal. Daniel Davari plays in the Bundesliga club Eintracht Braunschweig. The club won promotion last season but are lying right at the bottom of the league with 5 losses out of 5 games of this season.

With such records, the outlook of the Iranian players is far from rosy in European league. The Bundesliga, which once had a handful of Iranian players, has no Iranian players, bar Davari who is German born.  This is possibly indicative of the sub-standard products that are coming out of Iran.

There are other factors as well such as the lack of ambition of Iranian players due to unfavorable financial incentives. Players in Iran are paid handsomely well beyond their true worth, according to many experts. With such handsome wages, there is very little incentive to play in the challenging and very demanding European leagues which has strict discipline codes and requires delivery and good performance.

Whether the absence of Iranian players in European leagues has negative effects on Team Melli in the World Cup is debatable.  However, there is no doubt that European league professional experience is an added bonus for any national team which has aspirations to excel.  Even the Latin American players, who are looking to improve their standard and financial status, look at Europe as a natural progression step in their careers.

There are certain characteristics and qualities that the local Iranian league cannot provide for the players. Professional mentality is just one of many that is severely lacking in Iran. Teamwork, individual and Team discipline, modern passing game, strong competitions, psychological preparation and many others features which can help develop Iranian players, does not feature strongly in Iranian leagues.

With all that in mind, Carlos Queiroz can be excused for turning towards Europe to find Iranian players.

Tehran.

FIFA has sent a reprimand letter to Carlos Queiroz, the Portuguese coach of Iran’s Team Melli warning him about his future behavior.  The FIFA disciplinary committee acted upon the post match events of Iran’s last qualifier match in Ulsan against the South Korean, a highly volatile match which saw several unpleasant exchanges between the coaches of both teams. The contents of the letter was not publicized but it is possibly related to the celebrations and provocative moves, according to the Koreans, that Queiroz made towards the Korean coach at the end of the match. Koreans sources have indicated that ta complaint will be sent to FIFA against Queiroz and other members of the Iranian squad.

On the same subject, Iran’s substitute goalkeeper , Sousha Makani has been suspended for 1 match due to similar reason. The goalkeeper was also fined for his behavior and provocative acts at the end of the same match.

FFIRI secretary general , Mohammad Nabi , who was the source of this news, also mentioned a fine against Team Melli for reporting late to the game.  He also praised the cooperation of the federations international public relation section with the external agents towards this decision by FIFA! There was no elaboration about the nature of such cooperation.

 This is not the first time that Queiroz has been disciplined by FIFA. He was suspended after being sent off against the South Korean in Azadi in the same competition and was not available for the crucial match in Doha against Qatar. While Makani’s suspension is much less significant , he is also known to be an eccentric players with a record of bad disciplinary behavior in the league.

Mohammad Nabi did not mention any disciplinary act by FIFA against the Koreans for pelting Iranian squad with objects and bottles while the squad was celebrating in the stadium.

Tehran

It is public knowledge that behind the scene events, differences, clash of interests and lack of resources are undermining Team Melli. After several recent statements by the federation officials bemoaning the lack of financial support and asking for help , it is the turn of Team Melli coach to air his views about the current situation of Team Melli, reflecting much of what Kaffashain and other have been saying in this respect.

Queiroz was speaking after a meeting with Kaffashian and Mehdi Taj where all matters concerning Team Melli program particularly the critical preparation, or lack of it, that has marred Team Melli program, has been discussed.

“We need support and protection on two fronts. One, the financial support which is absolutely vital for Team Melli and the other one is the technical and programming issues. In both cases, decisions must be made in order for the team to represent Iran well in the World Cup.”

“We must have the ability to carry on with our scheduled preparation as per plan. Unfortunately, the AFC scheduling of matches is detrimental to our own program and clashes with our preparation. The AFC program conflicts with the League, so we need to come up with some tough decision in this respect.”

  In a statement that sounded enigmatic, Team Melli coach said “At present we have two choices, either to fully support the team or, we have no belief that the Team Melli program should be fully supported”

Carlos Querioz has maintained that he wants the league and cup program to revolve around the team Melli training program, an idea which is strongly rejected by almost everyone concerned in Iran’s football and particularly the club coaches. Most of the Iranian club coaches bemoaned the long stoppages of the league because of the Team Melli commitments. Such stoppages is  undermining their teams and the continuity of the domestic league, according to the clubs.

On the same line, Queiroz said that the decision should be simple. “They have to say whether they want to support Team Melli or Not. I believe that it is the right of the country and the people to demand the full support. Those who decide against the team should be overlooked (..) With the current AFC Champions’ league, we cannot satisfy all parties.  It is no good giving us financial support but fail to realize the technical and programming support. I have given my plans to the football league, if anyone has a better program, then let them come forward so we can discuss it.”

Queiroz then appealed to the country’s rulers “I am asking the leaders of the country to fully support Team Melli.”  Ironically , this appeal for support comes on the eve when Perspolis has forked out half a million US dollars to get Mohammad Reza Khalatbary from the UAE Club , Ajman!

Finally , Querioz declared that with the present situation , we cannot continue our progress.

 Carlos Queiroz statement is yet another alarming sign that the progress of Team Melli is far from ideal. The lack of finances, which is purely the responsibility of the football federation, despite what Kaffashian would leave the public to believe, is quiet a serious setback for the team. However, the   disagreement between Queiroz and the rest about the league program which he is insisting on following it , despite the clubs commitment in other competitions , is brewing to another flash point. It seems that  the right balance has not been found yet.

Meanwhile , the fans of Team Melli have to endure difficult moments and hope that all these critical issues are ironed out for the honorable representation of Iran in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The focus of the 24 participating nations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 will be fixed on Abu Dhabi on Monday 26 August for the official draw. The event will take place at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT) at the Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in the UAE capital, with the participants divided into six groups of four.

Iran’s U-17 will be one of the 5 Asian representatives in the upcoming U-17 World Cup in addition to the host UAE, Iraq, Japan and Uzbekistan.

The tournament will start on 17th October 2013 with the fimal; match to be played on the 8th November. The cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi , Sharjah , Ras Al Khaima , Fujeira and Al Ain will be hosting the matches.

For Iran’s U-17 team , this will be the third appearance in the FIFA tournament. In 2001 , Iran qualified for the competition held in Trinidad & Tobago , then 8 long years later the U-17 qualified for the 2009 edition when the competition was held in Nigeria.

The Draw:

Iran U-17 was drawn in a realtively good group with Argentine being the most  likely qualifier to the next round while the 3 other teams will fight it out for a spot in th enext round.

 

Group E (Dubai, Al Ain): Canada, Austria, Iran, Argentina

 

 

Iran U-17 FIFA World Cup 2009

 

Group C

Match	Date	Venue			Results
5	25 Oct	Calabar		Iran	2:0 (1:0)	Gambia
6	25 Oct	Calabar		Colombia	2:1 (0:0)	Netherlands
17	28 Oct	Calabar		Netherlands	2:1 (1:1)	Gambia
18	28 Oct	Calabar		Iran	0:0	Colombia
29	31 Oct	Calabar		Gambia	2:2 (2:0)	Colombia
30	31 Oct	Enugu		Netherlands	0:1 (0:1)	Iran

Team		Played	Won	Draw	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Points
	Iran	3	2	1	0	3	0	7
	Colombia	3	1	2	0	4	3	5
	Netherlands	3	1	0	2	3	4	3
	Gambia	3	0	1	2	3	6	1

 

Round of 16

42

05 Nov

Calabar

Iran

1:2 a.e.t.

Uruguay

 

 

IRAN vs. GAMBIA  2-0

25-Oct-2009
UJ Esuene Stadium ,Calabar
Referee: Pablo POZO (CHI)

Goals: Payam SADEGHIAN (44′) , Kaveh REZAEI (84′

Iman SADEGHI (GK): Omid ALISHAH (59′ Ali HEYDARI ), Bahman MALEKI (79′ Hossein GOUHARI ), Iman SHIRAZI, Ali GOUDARZI,

      Mehrgan GOLBARG, Kaveh REZAEI, Afshin ESMAEIL (67′ Akbar IMANI), Payam SADEGHIAN (C), Mehrdad YEGANEH, Saeid LOTFI

Coach: Ali DOUSTIMEHR (IRN)

[divider]

 

IRAN vs. COLOMBIA 0-0

28-Oct-2009
UJ Esuene Stadium ,Calabar
Referee: Michael HESTER (NZL)

     Iman SADEGHI (GK): Omid ALISHAH, Bahman MALEKI, Iman SHIRAZI, Ali GOUDARZI, Mehrgan GOLBARG, Kaveh REZAEI, Afshin ESMAEIL,

     Payam SADEGHIAN (C) (89′ Hossein GOUHARI ), Mehrdad YEGANEH, Saeid LOTFI

Coach: Ali DOUSTIMEHR (IRN)

[divider]

IRAN vs. NETHERLANDS 1-0

31-Oct-2009
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Referee: Carlos BATRES (GUA)

Goal: Milad GHARIBI (25′)

  Iman SADEGHI (GK): Bahman MALEKI, Iman SHIRAZI, Ali GOUDARZI (C),Morteza POURALIGANJI, Mehrgan GOLBARG, Akbar IMANI (71′ Hossein GOUHARI ),

     Kaveh REZAEI (82′ Payam SADEGHIAN) , Milad GHARIBI, Mehrdad YEGANEH (90′ Saeid GHADAMI), Saeid LOTFI

Coach: Ali DOUSTIMEHR (IRN)

[divider]

IRAN vs. URUGUAY 1-2 a.e.t

05-Nov-2009
UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar
Referee: Stephane LANNOY (FRA)

Goal: Afshin ESMAEIL (119′)

Iman SADEGHI (GK):  Omid ALISHAH, Iman SHIRAZI, Ali GOUDARZI, Morteza POURALIGANJI (99′ Afshin ESMAEIL), Mehrgan GOLBARG,

    Hamid AMALI (69′ Ali HEYDARI), Kaveh REZAEI, Payam SADEGHIAN (85’Milad GHARIBI), Mehrdad YEGANEH, Saeid LOTFI

Coach: Ali DOUSTIMEHR (IRN)

 

 

Muscat:

Muscat:  Team Melli U-22 was drawn in a difficult group  of the Inaugural AFC U-22 Championship as the draw was conducted in the capital of the Sultanate of Oman on Saturday.  Japan, Australia, and Kuwait will be challenging Iran for a place in the next round.  Team Melli U-22 has already faced Kuwait in the Qualifiers and beat them by the slimmest of margins 1-0.

A total of sixteen teams – Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Kuwait, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Japan Australia, DPR Korea, China, Korea Republic, Myanmar and hosts Oman, who have qualified for the tournament proper, learned their fate in the draw.

The opening match of the hosts taking on Myanmar will be held on January 11, 2014 at the famous Sultan Qaboos Stadium of Muscat. Korea Republic and Jordan are the other sides in Group A.

The tournament is the first edition of the U-22 championship and every alternate championship will serve as the Olympic qualifiers.

DPR Korea, are pitted alongside other West Asian countries – the UAE, Syria and Yemen in Group B.

Asian football powerhouse Japan are in tough Group C which also features Australia, Iran and Kuwait while Iraq will meet Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and China in Group D.

THE GROUPINGS

Group A: Oman, Jordan, Korea Republic, Myanmar

Group B : DPR Korea, UAE, Syria, Yemen

Group C: Japan, Australia, Iran, Kuwait

Group D: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, China