Everyone remembers the peculiar draw in the Portugal-Iran match last year In FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and certainly, no one forgets the Portuguese National Team’s apprehension in the final moments of the game.

Iran’s equalizer came late on in the match and that result secured Portugal qualification t the next round however it also kept Iran’s hopes alive for qualification too.  In the last play of the game, the shadow of Portugal elimination must have stopped the heartbeat of the Portuguese nation when one Mehdi Taremi rose high above all Portuguese defenders to meet a cross which he powerfully headed towards Portugal goal from close range.

Taremi’s header missed the target by inches.

If the Iranian striker would have scored, it would be Iran and not Portugal who would have qualified for the next round of the World Cup.

It was the first time Portugal had ever heard of Mehdi Taremi, but a year and two months after that chilling moment the same striker came to Portugal and scored a hat trick for his club Rio Ave in 42 minutes against Aves and left the country with the great passion for football astounded.  The Iranian scored three goals in his home debut and after only three matches in Portugal, without having had any previous experience in the European Leagues.

One remarkable achievement by all standards, therefore, but far from surprising Carlos Queiroz. “Mehdi Taremi is a great player with the potential to win in Europe. For 4, 5 years, he was a starter in the Iran national team,” the current Colombia coach told BOLA. Queiroz coached Iran from 2011 to 2018 leading the Persian to two consecutive FIFA World Cups 2014 and 2018. Queiroz introduced Taremi to Team Melli of Iran.

Carlos Queiroz has no doubt that Rio Ave made the right choice in securing the services of the Iranian striker. “I hope he succeeds, he deserves everything, he is a great player and fantastic person. I never had doubts that he was an excellent player. I can only be proud of this moment and thankful for all he has done for me. He and other players called me Papa and that made me feel awkward but it is something I cannot ignore and always cherish ” Carlos Queiroz said with emotion.