The qualification to the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 is not more than a mere formality for Team Melli. On Tuesday, Iran will be playing Lebanon in Beirut looking for one point to ensure the qualification. Lebanon, shocked Iran the last time they met in Beirut, although a repeat performance by the Lebanese this time is highly unlikely.

While Lebanon played two good matches against Kuwait, they fell short of achieving a win as both matches ended in goal-less draw. This will increase the pressure on them to grab all the 3 points against Team Melli. Lebanon will need a victory to stand a chance of qualification to the Asian cup ahead of Kuwait. They are full of motivation and drive while on the other hand, the scar of that heavy defeat against Iran in Azadi has not healed yet. For Team Melli , it will not be an easy match as Lebanon can be a solid team defensively, with some neat and organized and swift counter attack ability that might catch some of the slower Iranian players off guard. However, with Iran supremacy in the midfield, such threat can be mitigated if Teymourian , Jabbari and Nekounam play their normal game and control the midfield like they have done in the last few matches.

The role of the Legionnaires in the upcoming match is crucial for Team Melli.

 

In goal, young Daniel Davari , given his debut against Thailand, played a decent game and despite some initial hiccup , as the match progressed , he showed a lot of confidence and ability. His towering presence in the box is quite intimidating for the opposition forwards. His timing for crosses and handling of shoots, was flawless. Davari is a promising young keeper for Iran, although the communication channels between himself and the defenders needs improvement. That can be only achieved by more competitive matches where they can work on such shortcomings. Unfortunately, playing friendly matches is the Achilles heel for Team Melli and becoming a serious concern for everyone not to mention the sarcastic opportunities for comedians.

 

At right back , Mehrdad Beitashour had a reasonable game. He was not troubled much by the Thai players on the flank. Although , many observers were looking forward for his ventures on the flanks and his crosses, et le Khosrow Heydari,  Beitashour fell short of expectations either due to tactical restraints imposed by Queiroz , or simply because he was cautious in his first starting match. In his few crosses, however, the San Jose Earthquake defender showed that he has class and can be a serious threat to Esteghlal’s right back Heydari. In this department, it is all good news for Queiroz.

In midfield , Ashkan Dejagah was a star. His two starting matches with Fulham in the English Premiere League previous ot this match were evident in his confidence. He teased the Thai players, dribbled past them, shot nicely and overall, he was an arm and a leg better than the same Dejagah who played against the same team in Azadi exactly a month ago.  In Azadi , Dejagah was a shadow of the tenacious skillful player whose movement and vision in a game is a delight to watch. It was only the lack of competition and playing competitive matches that reduced the readiness of Dejagah. He is back with a vengeance. And his opener goal was a classic evidence of his revival.

It has transpired that Dejagah is seriously thinking of leaving Fulham because of lack of playing time. Somehow Fulham coach,  Martin Jol has lost some of the belief he had in Dejagah. The reason for contemplating a move away from fulham , is Dejagah’s concern that Queiroz will not consider him for selection in the starting  lineup, if he remains benched in the club.

Such reasoning is logical elsewhere and is of concern to many professional players in Europe who aspire to play in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but it is very unlikely that Queiroz will be thinking along this line. It suffices that Dejagah is registered as a Fulham player, a team in the EPL. For the Portuguese, it is enough credential and vote of confidence for the player which puts him ahead in the picking order. In any case, Dejagah’s standard and experience is a notch above many current Team Melli players, which gives him an advantage and leverage in the selection process. His fear of not being picked up by Queiroz in unfounded and at this stage of the game. Transferring out of Fulham , is not really a very wise move. It has its own risks as well. With a new club; he needs time to gel and it is not foregone conclusion that a starting role is assured. On the other hand, Martin Jol days are probably numbered in Fulham.

Masoud Shojaei was the least impressive of the Legionnaires. The Las Palmas player had a quiet game although he was a slight improvement compared to his previous outings which has resulted in some harsh booing from the fans in Azadi. With his regular playing for his club in the Spanish Second divisions, Shojaei hopes that he regains some of his sharpness that he lost during the long layoff due to imnjury.

And what about Reza Ghoochannejd ? This player has hardly failed to deliver since his debut less than a year ago. His records of scoring is second to none. 7 goals in 9 games is a record that is envy of any professional player across the world. It is simply fantastic record for a player who is not even a fix starter for his team in the modest Belgian league.    His no nonsense approach to the game , hard work and ethics is exemplary. Given the proper service, Ghoochannejad will not disappoint, his finishing is immaculate and Team Melli is blessed with a player in his caliber.

And last but not least, the young Alireza Jahanbakhsh. This player is the talk of the town in Iran be it as sarcastic references to Queiroz’s contempt with Iran’s domestic league and his obsession with European based players , or as a true reflection of this young man potential which he displayed while playing for Team Melli youth teams. Apparently Jahanbaksh made a grand appearance of one league game , and one cup game of 22 minutes each for a bottom of the Dutch Eredivisie league club NEC to earn a call to Team Melli Squad. Yet players likes Payam Sadeghian & Alishah both young players who have truly displayed some exciting and high class football for their club, were not considered as potential team Melli players.

The talent of Jahanbaksh is not in question; it is the selection process and the bias towards any player with the slightest affiliation with Europe , that has infuriated many fans and observers in Iran. However, Team Melli’s 3^rd goal against Thailand in Bangkok scored by young Jahanbakhsh coming in as a late substitute was a blessing in disguise for Querioz’s and his confidence in this player. Questions are being asked now whether the Portuguese coach has a special vision that no other person has when it comes to picking players with the least logical reasoning, ahead of more obvious selection options.

The Thailand match and the ease at which Team Melli won the game, vindicates a seal of approval for Queiroz selections. The legionnaire player were justified the confidence of the coach and won full marks with their merited display. None of them disappointed and with 3 goals out of 3 scored by the legionnaires, it was evident that their contribution was immense. They need to seal it on Tuesday against Lebanon, which is by far a much tougher opponent than the lackluster Thailand, however, the boys display against Thailand has to be admired and cherished.