A single loss against Japan by Team Melli does not mean the death bell tolls for Iran’s football and certainly a Doomsday scenario for Iran’s football is greatly exaggerated.
In one match, anything can happen. Astonishing, unbelievable and implausible results can occur any place in football world. Germany’s defeat of mighty Hungary in World Cup 1954, North Korea defeating Italy in 1966, Germany’s humiliating 7-1 defeat of Brazil in 2014 plus many more has occurred through the years.
Team Melli’s performance in AFC Asian Cup was good and way above average. The player’s played to the best of their abilities, they went out to win matches and play as good as they can by executing their coaches instructions. They won 5 out of 6 without conceding before meeting Japan in the semi.
Japan was far from convincing and very different form the team of the FIFA World Cup 2018. Far from an invincible team that terrorized its opponents in the competition. On the day however, poor refereeing decision, lapse of concentration, tactical errors, inability to adapt, coaching errors and loss of temper by key players resulted in a disappointing and unexpected loss. In the opinion of most critics, Japan was never three goals better that Iran in that match.
So, Team Melli and the coaching team have to be commended on the performance and their hard work that took Iran to the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2019. The hope was to lift the cup but it was not to be and it was heart breaking for millions of fans. However, that should never undermine the hard work of the team. Fans have to continue their support.
Queiroz is history; a new coach will take over. Undoubtedly it will be a breath of fresh air after what was a tense and apprehensive period under a constantly combative and belligerent Queiroz. A new coach must offer calm surroundings.
Stability, mental strength and focus on football are very important for the success of any team at this level of football. The new coach has a great role in deflecting political or other influences from his players by ensuring they (players) are not involved in his fights be it contractual or other matters.
Improvement of facilities standards & availabilities, logistical and financial support, training grounds and long-term fixture arrangements for Team Melli’s new coach, will be hardly anything better than what it has been provided for Queiroz. Let us be realistic. There is no light at the end of the tunnel out there.
The same conditions will prevail. The new coach has to adjust to it rather than demand facilities afforded by rich Persian Gulf countries such as Qatar as a conditions for success. There has to be adjustments and improvements but not everything successful is about more money either.
Team Melli players need to work much harder to be counted. Sardar Azmoun, Jahanbaksh, Saman Ghoddos and all the other legionnaires have to improve on many fronts else they will be out of favor with their clubs. Europeans have no time or mercy for poor performers. Professional football is a vicious environment and very demanding.
Iran will go on introduce local talents. There are a plenty around. The perennial poor football management of the country has failed to nourish many of them but even those who filter through can proudly represent Team Melli.