Tag: FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers

Team Melli Secures Hard-Fought Victory Against UAE

Match Day 2 of the Third Round of FIFA World Cup Qualification

Team Melli managed a labored win against the UAE in Match Day 2 of the Third Round of FIFA World Cup qualification, with a solitary goal by Mehdi Ghayedi in Al-Ain. Iran and Uzbekistan now head the table of Group One after two rounds and will next meet each other in Tashkent. The top two teams of the group will directly qualify for the Finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ghalenoei’s Tactical Changes

Unsatisfied with the team’s performance against the Kyrgyz Republic, Ghalenoei made several changes to his lineup. Out went Azmoun, Hezbavi, Gholizadeh, and Yousefi, with Kanani, Hardani, Ezatollahi, and Jahanbakhsh filling their places. This brave move by Ghalenoei had an immediate impact on Iran’s game.

Match Dynamics

Despite the UAE taking control of the game with neat passing and ball distribution, Iran’s solid defense, particularly in the center with the duo Khalilzadeh and Kanani, formed a fortress that the UAE players struggled to penetrate. On the other hand, Team Melli wasted many balls and scoring opportunities.

While Team Melli’s overall ball distribution was much better than in the previous game, the final ball was often poor and wasteful. Ghaedi found the net in the 36th minute, but it was ruled offside. However, the Ittihad Kalba winger made no mistake in injury time, stealing the ball from his marker just inside the UAE box and shooting a wicked ball that left UAE keeper Khalid Eisa frozen, watching the ball hit the net.

Second Half Struggles

In the second half, UAE’s pressure increased. Azmoun and Gholizadeh were subbed in to give the forward line some impetus. The impact of the two players was immediate, especially Gholizadeh, who despite his eye-catching moves and dribbles, hurt the team’s chances by crying foul every time the UAE players challenged him. Mehdi Taremi, a supposed world-class player, was guilty of a horrible miss after a glorious pass from Azmoun. Azmoun himself was wasteful during an Iranian counterattack, making the wrong pass to Taremi surrounded by at least two defenders while Gholizadeh on his right, had miles of space and not a single defender near him.. Jahanbakhsh had earlier repeated the same mistake. The final pass and decision-making marred Team Melli’s performance.

Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses

On the positive side, the defensive plan was more effective, although balls directly from Shojaa and Kanani to the forwards were not fruitful, as Iran lacks pace up front. Saed Ezatollahi had a good day for a change, but Ghoddos and Jahanbakhsh still carry many question marks regarding their performance. Both were cautioned in the match. The silliest yellow card for Team Melli was for Beiranvand for time-wasting, which was so obvious that the excellent Korean referee could not ignore it. No sooner had Beiranvand received his yellow card than Milad Mohammadi got his yellow card too for the same offense on a throw-in. Totally unnecessary in such a level of competition.

Late Drama

There was some drama near the end when the referee called a penalty for UAE. allegedly for a handball on Hardani, while he was on the ground. A subsequent VAR check followed, and the referee canceled the kick with no sign of Hardani handling the ball at any stage.

Looking Ahead

With two wins out of two, Team Melli is beaming with confidence and slowly covering the gaps. It was not a polished performance by any means, but an improvement nevertheless. Ghalenoei must continue to refine his tactics and address the team’s weaknesses to ensure success in the upcoming matches.


None.
Starting Line-up
UAE
Khalid Eisa
Khaled Ebraheim
Abdulla Idrees
Khalifa Al Hammadi
Kouame Kouadio
Tahnoon Al Zaabi
Yahia Nader
Abdulla Hamad
Harib Abdalla Suhail
Caio Canedo
Yahya Al Ghassani		Alireza BEIRANVAND
Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN
Milad MOHAMMADI
Shojaa KHALILZADEH
Saman GHODDOS
Saeid EZATOLAHI
Saleh HARDANI
Omid NOORAFKAN
Mehdi GHAEDI
AliReza JAHANBAKHSH
Mehdi TAREMI

Iran vs Kyrgyzstan: Match Review

On Thursday, Team Melli will face Kyrgyzstan for the fifth time at Fooladshahr Stadium in Esfahan. The two teams last met in the CAFA Nations Cup, where Team Melli secured a dominant 5-1 victory in Bishkek.

There have been few changes in both squads, with the most significant being the appointment of Maksim Lisitsyn as the new head coach for Kyrgyzstan, replacing Š. Tarkovič.

The teams first crossed paths in the preliminary round of the FIFA World Cup France 1998 in Damascus, where Team Melli comfortably defeated the newly independent Kyrgyz side with a 7-0 win.

With almost all key players available for Amir Ghalenoei, Team Melli is expected to secure a convincing victory. The forward line of Team Melli is arguably the strongest in Asia, featuring the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun up front, with Ali Gholizadeh, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Mehdi Ghayedi operating on the flanks.

However, concerns remain in defense, particularly with an aging center-back duo and a lack of defensive cohesion that has seen Team Melli concede goals against various opponents. Alireza Beiranvand, a stalwart in goal for many years, has experienced a dip in form, making his position less secure.

The midfield also presents challenges, as players like Saman Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh, and Saeid Ezatollahi have struggled with match fitness and practice, with the first two currently without clubs. The team will rely on Gholizadeh to inject creativity and dynamism.

Despite these issues, Team Melli should have little trouble winning this match, and anything less would be considered a significant setback, especially in a competitive group that includes AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar and strong opponents like Uzbekistan and the UAE.

Teams Last 5 matches

Kyrgyzstan

Iran

25/01/24Oman1 – 1D
21/03/24Chinese Taipei0 – 2W
26/03/24Chinese Taipei5 – 1W
06/06/24Malaysia1 – 1D
11/06/24Oman1 – 1D
Kyrgyzstan
07/02/24Qatar2 – 3L
21/03/24Turkmenistan5 – 0W
26/03/24Turkmenistan0 – 1W
06/06/24Hong Kong2 – 4W
11/06/24Uzbekistan0 – 0D
Iran

Head2Head Results

H / A / NMatchesWDLGoals+ / –
H22009 – 1+8
A11005 – 1+4
N11007 – 0+7
Total440021 – 2+19
DateComp.H / A / NFinal scoreVenue CityAttendance
16.06.2023CAFA Nations Cup A5 – 1Bishkek10000
07.06.2016FriendlyH6 – 0 Tehran4500
09.06.1997World Cup QualifierH3 – 1Tehran50000
04.06.1997World Cup Qualifier N7 – 0Damascus25000
The matches

Ghalenoei Criticizes Lack of Suitable Stadiums for International Matches

Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of Iran’s national football team, expressed his frustration over the inadequate stadium facilities available for international matches in the country. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Iran’s game against Kyrgyzstan, Ghalenoei did not hold back in addressing the shortcomings.

“There has been a clear lack of effort and attention to this issue, which has resulted in this unfortunate situation,” Ghalenoei stated. “However, I appreciate the efforts of Zob Ahan Club and its management for preparing Fooladshahr Stadium for this match. Their work has saved us from potential embarrassment.”

Ghalenoei further mentioned that other provinces, despite having larger and more suitable stadiums, refused to cooperate with Team Melli, leaving them with limited options. “Fooladshahr has a decent pitch, but it requires proper maintenance. The turf has an expiration date and should be regularly cared for to remain usable,” he urged.

Analyzing the Opposition

Turning his focus to the upcoming game, Ghalenoei praised Kyrgyzstan’s new head coach for his deep understanding of the nation’s football system, having coached at both grassroots and youth levels. “They are a hardworking team, especially strong defensively,” Ghalenoei remarked, noting that the match would be challenging.

The coach also commended the preparation of his own team, highlighting the success of their training camp. “The conditions have been excellent, and this has been one of the best camps we’ve held. The players are motivated and training with high intensity.”

Balancing Youth and Experience

Ghalenoei acknowledged the ongoing criticism surrounding squad selection, especially regarding the balance between experienced players and younger talents. “Every time we announce a squad, we face criticism. We are working to lower the average age and bring in younger players to support the national team in the future. But these changes must be gradual and measured, ensuring we still get results while protecting the young players’ development.”

He emphasized the importance of careful selection: “Our choices are based on thorough analysis. We’ve been watching the players throughout the league, and while mistakes can happen, our process is transparent. The national team is open to everyone.”

For Ghalenoei, age is just a number. “It’s about quality and readiness. Our goal is to field a team that can combine youthfulness with strong performances. If we don’t get results, the same people who ask for rejuvenation will criticize us for not winning. So, we remain focused on our work and welcome constructive criticism, which helps us improve. Some of our critics are our own advisors.”

An Offensive Football Philosophy

Ghalenoei reaffirmed his commitment to an aggressive, offensive style of play. “Systems don’t win matches; players do. My approach is to play attacking football. My teams have a strong scoring record, and we will maintain this style, even if it costs us a result tomorrow. I can’t change my philosophy because it’s what the fans want to see. I’m here to serve the national team, and the players understand that we have to play a dynamic, spectator-friendly game.”

He also spoke highly of Mehdi Taremi, stating, “We’ve given Taremi the freedom to move across the field, supported by another striker. The players know exactly what’s expected of them.”

He also spoke about the leadership role that experienced players like Taremi play on the field, describing them as the “arm of the coaching staff” who help manage the team during matches. “We don’t expect anything extraordinary from Taremi. We just want him to be himself.”

Reflecting on Challenges

Ghalenoei touched on the challenges faced by the national team, including the strength of teams from the CAFFA region and the high expectations of Iranian fans. “If the players don’t give their best, I will hold them accountable. We’re here to bring joy to the people.”

He recalled a past experience to illustrate the dedication he expects from his players: “I remember when Ali Daei got injured during a match against Bahrain. I was the first person by his side, and he played 70 minutes with that injury. That’s the level of commitment I expect.”

Venue and Federation Challenges

Regarding the choice of venues, Ghalenoei admitted that some of the options for hosting matches were less than ideal, while there were better options “We could have played in better stadiums, but we had to make do with what was available from the people who welcomed Team Melli.”

Despite the difficulties faced, including the fact that the coaching staff have not been paid for months, Ghalenoei remained optimistic. “Our priority is the people. When they’re facing hardships, it’s not right for us to worry about our own financial issues. The Federation and management are doing their best, and so are we. The people’s happiness is what truly matters.”

Ghalenoei and Ghoddos on touchline

The Declining Quality of Players in Iran’s Domestic League: Are Selections Truly Based on Merit?

The latest roster for Iran’s national football team, announced for the upcoming FIFA matches against Kyrgyzstan and the UAE, has sparked significant debate. The declining quality of players in the Iranian Premier League has left Team Melli’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, with difficult choices. While Ghalenoei has made efforts to address fans’ concerns and silence his critics, especially regarding his tendency to select the same veteran players, his latest squad decisions have raised questions about whether the selections are truly merit-based.

The Biggest Challenge

The declining standard of Iran’s league and the failure of the system to produce quality players at age levels and senior level remains the greatest challenge to any selector. Watching a domestic league football in Iran leaves a bad taste for football enthusiasts. Poor tactical and techniques, lack of players’ skills, sub-standard coach, lack of professionalism amongst players and staff, poor status of the pitches and general lack of managerial and organizational management that is rife in Iran, have resulted in poor product that is getting worse over the years. As such, the hands of Team Melli’s coach are tied, but even considering all those negative factors, many believe that Ghalenoei can do much better.

The Controversial Selection Process

Ghalenoei’s player selections have often been met with controversy and inconsistency. What he preaches to the press does not always align with his practices on the field.

Players Who Don’t Deserve Their Spot, while others are ignored.

Critics argue that Ghalenoei has included players who are either not physically ready, out of form, or simply lacking the quality to be part of the national team. While other deserving players are excluded. For instance, the exclusion of Ramin Rezaian, despite his excellent performances for Esteghlal in the new season, is puzzling. Rezaian has scored two goals and provided one assist in the last three weeks, earning praise from critics and fans alike. When questioned, Ghalenoei would likely justify this by citing his new policy of injecting youth and energy into the team, exemplified by the inclusion of 18-year-old goalkeeper Arsha Shakuri.

On the other hand, players like Saeed Saharkhizan and Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad, who have been performing admirably in the Russian league, were overlooked. Hosseinnejad even scored a brilliant goal last week for his club, yet this wasn’t enough to earn him a place in the national squad.

The Shortage of Quality Players

The lack of high-quality, young players in Iranian football has left Ghalenoei with no choice but to rely on experienced familiar faces. In the midfield, the same regular players have been selected, which is understandable given the circumstances. However, some of these choices are questionable and even indefensible.

Saeid Ezatollahi
Ezatollahi, who plays for Shabab Al-Ahli, hasn’t played a single minute for his club due to recovering from a three-month injury. While Sardar Azmoun, his clubmate, is scoring regularly, Ezatollahi has just resumed serious training and is not yet in form for league competition. Yet, in Ghalenoei’s eyes, a fit but out-of-form player is good enough for selection. Ezatollahi, who has struggled throughout his career, remains a contentious choice, especially when players like Rouzbeh Cheshmi, with a proven track record, are ignored.

Arsha Shakouri
The young goalkeeper Shakouri, despite his potential, has shown inconsistency this season. While he did keep a clean sheet against Zob Ahan, he conceded five goals in the matches against Khyber Khorram Abad and Tractor. Meanwhile, Mohammad Reza Akhbari, who has two clean sheets and former national team experience, was left out of the squad. This raises questions about the criteria used for player selection and whether these decisions are truly data-driven.

Questionable Veteran Selections

The inclusion of Saeed Ezatollahi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Saman Ghoddos in the national team also raises eyebrows. Ezatollahi has not played since June 6 due to injury, while Jahanbakhsh and Ghoddos have struggled in Europe, losing their starting positions and failing to secure contract renewals. Both are now free agents, yet they remain key figures in Ghalenoei’s squad, highlighting the lack of depth in the Iranian domestic league and the challenges facing Team Melli.

Abolfazl Jalali
Jalali, a talented defender, has been selected despite being injured before the start of the season and having minimal playing time. While his quality is undeniable, the timing of his inclusion is questionable.

Ehsan Haj Safi
If Ghalenoei is serious about rejuvenating the team, excluding the captain might make sense. However, Haj Safi remains a regular starter for AEK Athens and continues to perform well. Ignoring him while selecting players like Khalilzadeh, who is 34 years old, seems contradictory.

Shoja’a Khalilzadeh
Khalilzadeh, a long-time national team regular known for his fighting spirit, has been selected again despite his declining pace and temperamental issues. Ghalenoei’s insistence on using the same defensive tactics and personnel, despite the defense being the weakest link, is a point of concern.

Conclusion: A Lack of Insight in Selections?

While a coach can only choose from the best players available, Ghalenoei’s judgment and decision-making continue to be questioned. His criteria for player selection remain an enigma, lacking clear insight and logic.

Ghalenoei invites 26 players for Kyrgyzstan and UAE matches.

With 6 days to go, Amir Ghalenoei finally announced the squad that will face Kyrgyzstan at home and UAE away in the third-round qualifier matches of FIFA World Cup 2026.

The first two matches are significant for Team Melli as a good result will mean they will lead the group from the onset while putting pressure on the two contenders in the group, Qatar and Uzbekistan.

Iran and Uzbekistan have already met in the earlier qualifying stage with neither being able to defeat the other.

Iran is in Group E of the third round 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Uzbekistan, Qatar, Korea Rep, Kyrgyzstan and UAE. The names of the players invited to the squad for the first two matches of the group were announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazmand, Hossein Hosseini, Arsha Shakouri

Defenders:

Shoja Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Amin Hizbavi, Ali Nemati, Saleh Hardani, Milad Mohammadi, Abolfazl Jalali, Arya Yousefi

Midfielders:

Saeid Ezatollahi, Omid Nourafkan, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Karimi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Allhayar Sayyadmanesh, Ali Gholizadeh, Mehdi Torabi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Forwards:

Mehdi Taremi, Javad Aghaeipour, Sardar Azmoun, Shariyar Moghanlou, Mehdi Ghaeydi

Esfahan is a strong candidate to host Team Melli

Iran will start its campaign to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 5th September 2024 with a home game against Kyrgyzstan. The aging Azadi Stadium is automatically selected for Team Melli home matches with the odd exception during the last few decades.

This time, however, Naghshe Jahan Stadium in Esfahan is being mentioned as a possible host for the opening match in the third round of the qualifiers.
Azadi had its fair share of technical and political problems recently and in addition to demands by other cities in Iran like Esfahan, Tabriz, and Mashhad to have the right to host Iran’s National football team matches, this may have convinced the FFIRI to allow some home matches in other cities rather than just Teahran.

According to Nabi, the VP of FFIRI, Esfahan is a strong candidate for the first match., This will be confirmed soon, according to Nabi who is also Manager Of Team Melli.

Team Melli Legionnaires: Navigating Uncertain Paths

As the end of 2023/2024 season, the future prospects of Team Melli’s legionnaire players hang in the balance. Unfortunately, their performances in European leagues have been less than stellar. Let’s delve into the individual stories of these key players:

Mehdi Taremi

In the 2022/23 season, Taremi dazzled as a key player for FC Porto, scoring 22 goals in 33 Primeira Division games. However, last season, contract negotiations and reduced playing time dimmed his star. Porto’s head coach favored other players, and Taremi featured in only 23 league matches, netting 6 goals. His heart now beats for a move to Inter Milan, although no official contract has been announced yet.

Sardar Azmoun

Azmoun’s loan spell at AS Roma in Serie A didn’t pan out as expected. Despite Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph, Azmoun played second fiddle to Lukaku and Dybala. His 23 appearances included just 3 starts, with 20 substitute roles. He found the net 3 times. AS Roma’s contract with Azmoun ends soon, and Leverkusen seeks offers—preferably an outright sale—to recoup their investment.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Jahanbakhsh’s stint at Feyenoord was forgettable. In 16 Eredivisie matches, he failed to score. Starting in only 3 games, he spent most of his time as a substitute. Feyenoord has let go of the 30-year-old captain and winger. Jahanbakhsh’s agents are actively scouting West European clubs, though Turkish sides have shown interest at lower wages.

Saman Ghoddos

Brentford’s Premier League journey didn’t feature Ghoddos prominently. His one-year contract expires soon, and the club shows no interest in an extension. Ghoddos made 19 appearances, mostly as a substitute, but did manage a memorable goal. His versatility caught the eye, but his next destination remains uncertain. Sweden beckons, but Ghoddos hopes for a more ambitious opportunity.

The Crucible Awaits: Team Melli’s Legionnaires

As the 2023/2024 season draws its final curtain, Team Melli’s legionnaire players find themselves at a crossroads. Their lackluster performances in European leagues cast shadows over their prospects. The stakes are high—the FIFA World Cup 2026 looms on the horizon, and Iran eyes a coveted spot among the final 48 teams.

The Unyielding Challenge

While Iran’s group isn’t insurmountable, the team’s fate hinges on its key players. Their game time and exposure to strong leagues will reverberate through every match. Can they rise to the occasion and propel Team Melli to glory?

The Race Against Time

With the 2024/25 season kicking off in August, these players face a tight schedule. Settling into new teams swiftly becomes paramount. As winter approaches, the four World Cup qualifying matches await—a litmus test for their mettle.

The arena awaits, and Team Melli’s fate hangs in the balance. Will these legionnaires seize their moment or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.

2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifying Draw Mechanism

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Asian region is an exciting journey, with teams vying for a chance to compete on the global stage. Here’s how the draw mechanism works for the third qualifying round:

Key Details:

  • Date and Location: The draw for the third qualifying round will take place on Thursday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Teams Involved: The teams participating in this round will discover their opponents during the draw.

Group Allocation Process:

  1. Seeding: Teams are divided into six seeds based on their FIFA rankings and historical performance.
    • 1st Seed: Japan, Iran, and South Korea
    • 2nd Seed: Australia, Qatar, and Iraq
    • 3rd Seed: Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Jordan
    • 4th Seed: UAE, Oman, and Bahrain
    • 5th Seed: China, Palestine, and Kyrgyzstan
    • 6th Seed: North Korea, Indonesia, and Kuwait
  2. Group Formation:
    • The process begins by drawing the ball of the sixth-seeded teams from the pot first.
    • The first team drawn from this pot is placed in Group A, the second in Group B, and the third in Group C.
    • The process continues for the 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd seeds.
    • Finally, the draw concludes with the first-seeded teams being allocated to their respective groups.
  3. Group of Death:
    • The group of death refers to a challenging group with strong teams.
    • In this case, Team Melli finds itself as the first seed alongside Japan and South Korea.
    • While football progress in Asia has been remarkable, the team names and prestige still matter.
    • The presence of Australia and Qatar in the second seed, Saudi Arabia in the third seed, and the UAE in the 4th seed adds intrigue.
    • Placing the UAE in the 4th seed, Saudi Arabia in the 3rd seed, and one of Australia’s teams and Qatar in the 2nd seed next to a first-seeded team could create a formidable group.
  4. Qualification Path:
    • The top two teams from each group (3 groups of 6 teams) will qualify directly for the World Cup.
    • The third and fourth teams in each group will compete in two groups of 3 teams.
    • The winners of these smaller groups will secure the seventh and eighth quotas for Asia.
    • The remaining half of the quotas will be determined through playoff matches against teams from other continents.
  5. Ideal Group for Iran
    • IRAN – IRAQ – JORDAN -BAHRAIN -KYRGYSZTAN- KUWAIT.
  6. Worst case scenario
    • IRAN – AUSTRALIA – SAUDI ARABIA-UAE-CHINA- NORTH KOREA.

In summary, the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifying draw promises thrilling matchups, surprises, and intense battles as teams vie for their spot in the prestigious tournament. Let the journey continue!

Team Melli Aims for Top Spot in Group E Clash Against Uzbekistan

In tonight’s crucial match at Azadi Stadium, Team Melli faces Uzbekistan, both teams having already secured their place in the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The stakes are high as they battle for supremacy in Group E.

Key Points:

  1. Uzbekistan’s Confidence:
    • In the pre-match press conference, Uzbekistan Coach Srečko Katanec emphasized that his team feels no pressure after qualifying. They intend to take the game to Iran and aim for victory.
    • Two Uzbek players, Auston Aronov and Jalaluddin Masharipov, who play in Iran for Esteghlal and Persepolis, could pose a challenge for Team Melli.
  2. Head-to-Head History:
    • Team Melli and Uzbekistan have faced each other 13 times, with Iran holding the upper hand, having secured 10 wins against a lone defeat.
    • The previous encounter between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw.
  3. Unbeaten Streaks:
    • Both teams have lost only to Qatar in their last 10 games, specifically during the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
    • Their overall form remains strong, with no defeats in other matches.
  4. Defensive Concerns for Team Melli:
    • Critics have raised concerns about Team Melli’s defensive system. Despite aging center-back Shoja Khalilzadeh’s inclusion, cohesion remains an issue.
    • Coach Amir Ghaleneoi has introduced young talent into the defense, but better coordination is needed.
    • Defending as a unit has not been very well executed, a job the Team Melli defensive coordinators like Rahman Rezaei, need to focus on.
  5. Midfield and Attack:
    • Defensive midfielder Mohammed Ghorbani has performed well in recent matches, while Saman Ghoddos orchestrates offensive moves.
    • Strikers Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun are poised to strike if provided with quality service.
  6. Referee and Match Details:
    • The match will be officiated by Kim Jong Hyuk from South Korea.
    • Kickoff time: 20:30 local Iran time.

In summary, Team Melli faces a critical test against Uzbekistan, and fans eagerly await an exciting clash between these two talented sides. 🌟🇮🇷⚽️

Taremi’shat trick sinks Hong Kong

Soft spot-kick turns the tide for Iran in the Fifa World Cup qualifier, but Hong Kong shows guts with new boys Timmy Ma and Anthony Pinto on target

Paul McNamara

Paul McNamara+ FOLLOW

6 Jun 2024

Hong Kong football christened two new heroes on Thursday night, but Wolfgang Luisser’s first game in temporary charge ended in a controversial 4-2 World Cup qualifying defeat at home to Iran.

Timmy Ma Hei-wai adeptly swept home a cross from Tan Chun-lok after 15 minutes of his senior international debut. Anthony Pinto was even quicker off the mark, dispatching a low effort past Payam Niazmand only two minutes after replacing Ma in the second half.

Ma’s stunning introduction was sandwiched by a pair of penalties from Mehdi Taremi, the second awarded after Yapp Hung-fai appeared to legally dispossess the striker in the box.

Taremi, on the verge of a transfer from FC Porto to Inter Milan, chipped in a Panenka kick before completing a hat-trick 11 minutes after half-time. But Pinto, released by English League One club Bolton Wanderers, soon fired home to give Hong Kong hope.

Yapp Hung-fai dives to meet Mehdi Taremi in the incident that led to the second penalty. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sardar Azmoun finally killed off the hosts when he escaped the attention of Leon Jones to slip home Iran’s fourth with 25 minutes left.

There were no complaints about the first penalty. Jones, another full Hong Kong debutant, used his arm to block a floated 11th-minute cross from Mehdi Ghayedi. Taremi ignored the howls to place his penalty into the bottom-left corner.

There was a 137-position gulf between the teams in the Fifa world rankings, but after a slow start, the hosts gave as good as they got on a stirring night at Hong Kong Stadium.

They had an early let-off when Helio Goncalves deflected a Taremi strike onto the crossbar. Iran sustained the attack, and Azmoun’s volley had Yapp tumbling to his left to tip behind.

Hong Kong’s anemic opening gave way to a gutsy, ambitious performance, sparked when Tan stole possession on the quarter-hour. The midfielder was allowed to progress down the left and measure a delivery to the near post, where Ma arrived from the opposite flank to steer a finish across goalkeeper Niazmand.

Eastern attacker Ma was so far out of the international reckoning until recently that he did not make the squad for the under-23s’ Asian Games campaign last September.

Yapp needed a strong hand to beat out an effort from Azmoun, but Iran’s discomfort was laid bare when Amin Hazbavi sliced a panicked clearance past a post.

The visitors were given a break, however, when Qasim Matar Al-Hatmi, the referee, awarded a spot-kick for a foul by Yapp. The goalkeeper seemed to make clean contact with the ball as he dived at Taremi’s feet in the 32nd minute, but Hong Kong’s protests were waved away.

Before kick-off, the home fans had hoisted a banner emblazoned with images of Jorn Andersen, accompanied by the words “thank you”, in tribute to the Norwegian, who last week resigned as head coach.

Fans unfurl a banner to thank Jorn Andersen, the former head coach. Photo: Sam Tsang

And their backing created a wall of noise throughout as their team, in keeping with the progress made under Andersen, battled to recover from Taremi’s second penalty. Songs stuck in the throats of most of the 9,992 crowd when the dead-eyed Taremi angled a sidefooted shot into the corner to claim the match ball.

Pinto pounced on ponderous efforts to clear and caressed a first-time left-foot shot inside Niazmand’s right post, but Azmoun extinguished any comeback hopes. This was a night, however, that will be recalled for Luisser’s impressive first audition for the job, and the birth of two new Hong Kong stars.