The number of new players in this squad is quite refreshing. In we add them to the already younger or less experienced players Carlos Queiroz seems to have done a fine job in his selection. 5 uncapped players are selected (Frouzan , Biranvand, Amiri , Rezaeian, & Pouraliganji) in addition to the low experienced Azmoun and Ghafoori as the new faces in the team heading for Australia.
However, despite the excitement about the selection of new players, the old guard will undoubtedly play the key pivotal role in Queiroz game plans once the competition kicks off. Chances of any of the new faces making an impact by given playing time is quite remote and quite uncharacteristic of the conservative Portuguese coach, who prefers subtle and gradual changes.
The biggest problem with this team, like the ones before is the absence of creative midfield player. The selection of Iman Mobali in the squad for the South African camp was a blessing as it signaled a slight shift in Queiroz mentality. Mobali is one of the few masters of creativity in Iran’s football. He is a much mature and composed player now that he reached his thirties. His vision, long balls and reading of the game is second to none. Only Mojtaba Jabbari can claim anything near the quality of Iman Mobali.
Unfortunately, Mobali was not selected in the final squad, although there are still two more places to be filled. Undoubtedly, one will be reserved for Montazeri who is on the injury list at this time hoping that he might recover in time. So, the short lived excitement of Queiroz possible tactical switch in Australia and inclinations for offensive game plan seemed to be premature presumption. Queiroz, seems to stick to his tried and trusted defensive game, the one that bore the world to death against Nigeria and Argentina in Brazil.
The finest way to look at the selection of the new players is to look forward to building a better team to compete in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers. Any other ideas or notions about them being part of the Asian Cup adventure seems to be more like a fairytale.
The major issue in this squad is the form of those players that Queiroz has put his full trust in. The small set of players Queiroz calls on through thick and thin , those he entrusts deliver, the likes of Dejagah , Ghoochannejad , Nekounam , Teymourian, Sadeghi , Hosseini, Shojaei , Heydari and Beigzadeh. With the best intent and benefit of the doubt given to this group, none has performed anything more than average with their clubs. The standard of Dejagah , Teymourian , Ghoochjanejad and Nekounam has been on the decline in this season. Chances of them turning their dismal lackluster performances at their clubs abroad into a championship winning performance in Australia , is yet another of those wishful thinking that the fans put so much hope upon in Team Melli.
Not all Team Melli players have disappointed though. Arguably the best two who performed above average, and at times excellently are HajSafy and teammate Khalatbary. The first is already in the squad, the latter is in the black list of Queiroz hence he is out of the team. The Portuguese coach will no doubt contest the existing of a blacklist in his pocket but the reality is that Queiroz spends too much energy on off the field side issues, firefighting , counting the numbers of his enemies and who said what rather than focusing on the game itself, the league and the standard of players. If his off field energy was properly channeled , he would have done a better job that selecting a feeble Karim Ansarifard , who has failed to score or impress with a second division Spanish club, while ignore a youthful inspiring and hungry striker such as Sajjad Shabajzadeh or Mehdi Sharifi.
A few days back, Queiroz admitted that Iran is not even the favorite to qualify from the group, let alone win the title, Qatar and UAE are the two favorites from Group C. That might upset a few million fans, but Queiroz for what it’s worth, is a realistic man in this statement. You cannot claim that you are the best team and vying for the title with such a shambolic pre-tournament preparation. Chaotic, disorganized and under-funded, as team Melli was in the last few months cannot claim anything but to perform the best they can , nothing more and nothing less.
There is a wide gap between the expectations and aspirations of Team Melli fans and those at the helm of the team. While the absolute majority of fans polled in here at TeamMelli.com and in the Navad TV show think of winning the title or reaching the final, the realists would be happy with making it out of the starting black and into the knock out stages.
