Tag: Malaysia

AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 review

The draw for the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the quadrennial international men’s football championship of Asia organized by AFC was held hours ago in Doha, Qatar.

The Main football championship in Asia is delayed by over a year due to a combination of AFC short-sightedness and the unreliability of the Chinese authorities. China was supposed to hold its second AFC Asian Cup tournament after the successful one in 2004 but a series of events and circumstances surrounding COVID lockdown in China has meant that the most prestigious tournament of the continent was not going to be held in China. Qatar, as reliable as ever, and beaming from the fresh success of golding the biggest tournament in the World, FIFA World Cup 2022 came to the rescue.

Parviz Ghaleechkhani lifts the Asian Cup for the third time in Tehran 1976.

 

The draw ceremony was held with the coaches of all teams present. Amir Ghalenoei is experiencing his second presence in the AFC Asian Cup since his lone appearance in Malaysia back in 2007. Ghalenoei hops for a much more successful tournament this time to compensate for the bitter failure in Malaysia. Iran has failed to lift the trophy since it won it three times in a row in 1968, 1972, and 1976., Also present was the ever-familiar face of Carlos Queiroz who failed to lift the trophy with Iran in two attempts in 2015 Australia and 2019 UAE. This time the Portuguese coach will try with Qatar who are now the defending champions.

However, Ghalenoei’s mission is far from easy as his biggest challenge remains in dealing with an aging team left by Queiroz. Iran was the oldest team in the last World Cup.

In Group C, Iran is joined by familiar opponents in UAE, Hong Kong, and Palestine. This is on paper at least. one of the easiest groups of the Asian Cup for Iran in recent tournaments. None of the three teams have managed to defeat Iran in an official competition, although the UAE managed a win in Abudhabi in a friendly 26 years ago in September 1997.

TEAM MP W D L GF GA GD
UAE 18 14 3 1 26 4 +22
HONG KONG 6 6 0 0 14 1 13
PALESTINE 6 3 3 0 16 4 +12
  30 23 6 1 56 9 +47

Barring a disaster, there is little doubt that Team Melli will make it through to the knockout stages that Iran has always managed to qualify to expect in Japan back in 1992. The problem starts at later stages with stronger opposition. Iran will remain one of the top contenders for the title with Japan remaining the favorite, followed by Australia and South Korea.

Ali Parvin lifted Asian Cup in 1976 with Hassan Rowshan

Despite the games not starting until December, Ghalenoei might consider that as not adequate time to create a strong team that can challenge East Asians. Such is football nowadays, that preparation times for national teams are quite limited specifically for those national teams that have players playing abroad in Europe. There is no excuse for Team Melli as there are teams in worse conditions than them so that needs to be addressed and not to be used as an excuse. A major big challenge with Ghalenoei, however,  is the administration.

The FFIRI is not exactly a beacon of outstanding management nor is it even a proper organization ruled by processes and planning. It is run by a group of ill-qualified personnel placed there based on their allegiance rather than competency. and if Ghalenoei needs to get things done, there will have to be a lot of personal effort and sacrifices as this football federation is unreliable and incompetent as ever. Last time over, Ghalenoi was more frustrated with the organization than anything else which lead to his early resignation from his post after the quarter-final elimination in Kuala Lumpur in 2007. Perhaps, this time over, his diplomacy, experience, patience, and older wiser age will make him much more capable to handle the difficulties and hardships. Perhaps this coach after so many failed attempts by his predecessors,  can fulfill a mission that has eluded this soccer-mad nation for 47 years.

AFC BEACH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2017: GROUP A PREVIEW

Kuala Terengganu- Malaysia

Malaysia head coach Ismail Zakaria is optimistic his side can more than hold their own when the 2017 AFC Beach Soccer Championship begins in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.

With the competition also serving as the qualifiers for April’s 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer Championship in the Bahamas, the stakes are indeed high on the east coast of Malaysia.

And despite Malaysia only having previously appeared on the world stage in 1999 at the then Beach Soccer World Championship, Ismail believes the host nation will not be overawed when they face their more illustrious opponents.

“Malaysia are progressing in this exciting game and we want to show the people in our country that we can put up a good fight against the strong teams such as Iran and Bahrain,” said Ismail during Friday’s Group A press conference.

“We are surely developing this game and instead of feeling intimidated by the experience of the other teams, we want to have an experience of our own.”

Iran Beach soccer during Training in Malaysia

Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran arrive in Malaysia as one of the pre-tournament favourites and – as 2013 title winners – are expected by many to progress beyond the Group Stage with relative ease.

However, head coach Mohammad Hoseyn Mirshamsi is refusing to attach too much relevance to previous performances and is, instead, fully focussed on the task at hand.

“We have had great preparations for the game which is growing rapidly in popularity in Iran,” he said. “I’ve been with the national team for close to two years and we need to focus on what we have to do now to be successful without looking back too much to our achievements.

“There have been a lot of changes to the national team and what we should be doing now is to gel together as a team and make it difficult for our opponents to beat us.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

Bahrain were the competition’s inaugural winners some 11 years ago after beating Japan in the 2006 final, but three years later, a twist of fate saw the West Asians lose out to the Japanese in the title showdown.

Bahrain head coach Joao Almeida is however refusing to believe that Japan, who are in Group C, are the only team to beat at this year’s AFC Beach Soccer Championship, saying that several other nations have what it takes to win silverware in Malaysia.

“Of course we are craving the title once again after so many years and it won’t be easy,” the Portuguese tactician declared.

“It’s been a long time and we and the other teams have changed a lot. Japan are still the most powerful team in my personal opinion but the other teams such as reigning champions Oman, Lebanon, the UAE and China will also definitely be teams to reckon with.

Warm up on beach

“Some teams will advance to the semi-finals through a lot of matches while others do so after fewer matches. This can affect our emotions but we have to check ourselves against this. What’s important is we give our best because all teams are different and have their own strengths.”

China’s previous best performances were fourth-place finishes in 2006 and 2008 when defeats to Iran proved their undoing. Although his charges are set to face the Iranians once again, head coach Ling Luhui views the competition as a potentially excellent learning curve for the East Asian side.

“I hold high opinions of the coaches of the other four teams as China are a young team in beach soccer,” said Ling. “We want to learn from them and also enjoy our games against the best teams in Asia in order to further develop ourselves.

“In 2006 and 2008, there were fewer teams participating, but now, there are more. There’s a great chance for everyone to make it further in the competition and therefore focus is the name of the game.”

Afghanistan are making only their second AFC Beach Soccer Championship appearance after a 2013 debut, and head coach Rohullah Rastagar has his sights firmly set on success.

“We have problems with our security back home and therefore we started our preparations only a month ago,” he said. “However, we do dream big, that is, to make it to the World Cup.

“All the other teams presented their kind of challenge as they are different, so I’d say all of them are tough opponents, but we hope to be ready for them come matchdays.”

Schedule & Results:

Group Stage
04-03-2017 14:30
0 – 5
   
CHINA P.R. BAHRAIN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
04-03-2017 16:00
16:00
   
AFGHANISTAN MALAYSIA
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
05-03-2017 14:30
14:30
   
AFGHANISTAN CHINA P.R.
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
05-03-2017 16:00
16:00
   
MALAYSIA I.R. IRAN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
06-03-2017 14:30
14:30
   
BAHRAIN MALAYSIA
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
06-03-2017 16:00
16:00
   
I.R. IRAN AFGHANISTAN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
07-03-2017 14:30
14:30
   
BAHRAIN AFGHANISTAN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
07-03-2017 16:00
16:00
   
CHINA P.R. I.R. IRAN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
08-03-2017 14:30
14:30
   
MALAYSIA CHINA P.R.
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia
Group Stage
08-03-2017 16:00
16:00
   
I.R. IRAN BAHRAIN
Venue: Pitch 1, Terengganu-Malaysia

Weather , a serious concern for Team Melli vs. Syria

Selection of Malaysia as the venue for Home matches of Syria seems to be an act of haste or desperation. Malaysia , a country whose fan have consistently showed disregard for Asian football , in the region of 10 to 12 hours flying from the Middle East , and worst of all , in the height of the rainy season , is not exactly an ideal venue for a World Cup qualifier.

The Syrians could not have made a worst choice , but then again , it is not as many countries have volunteered to host the political outcasts with politics rather than anything other factors playing a major role in limiting the worn-torn country’s choice.

Alireza Biranvand
Alireza Biranvand

Iran has to endure a tough time in Tunku Abdelrahman stadium, where the pitch is also not too ideal. Chances of thunderstorm and torrential rain, similar to the one against Papua New Guinea’s match exists and threatens to spoil the match. In that  last match played in Malaysia , the last 15 minutes should have been abandoned due to the water-logged pitch. But as the match was a friendly, all stakeholder decided to carry on with the job in nearly impossible conditions.

This weather pattern could repeat itself today against Syria adding to the concerns of Carlos Queiroz. One of the critical positions that is in the head coach top priorities is the goalkeeper. Sousha Makani , is the most experienced of the 3 keepers however, he is never been a reliable and competent custodian of goal. Many questioned his return to Team Melli , but Carlos Queiroz has his own unorthodox means in player’s selection.

Makani might well be the keeper for the match ahead of Akhbari in the absence of the excellent Biranvand who is not available.

Makani played against Papua New Guinea but it was far from a testing match. The Syrians , despite the dearth of goals scored, are a much more serious opponents and seem desperate to break the jinx against Team Melli.

Syria ; Team Melli’s tough opponent.

Team Melli will meet Syria on Tuesday in the hope of extending its lead in the group ahead of Korea and Uzbekistan who will be meeting an hours earlier in Seoul World Cup Stadium.

The FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers will reach the halfway line at the end of this round.

War-torn Syria has elected Malaysia as the home base,  which is indeed a poor choice in hindsight, according to coach Ayman Hakeem. However , the Syrian team has had a relative success in results and managed to draw with South Korea, win against Qatar and narrowly lose to Uzbekistan and Qatar.

On the other hand Team Melli is enjoying the view from the top after 3 wins and a draw. Despite the low number of goals tally of average of 1 goal per game, the defence has not been penetrated yet after 4 games. On paper , it is highly unlikely that Syrian forwards who only manged to score 1 goal in the competition so far, will test the solid  Iranian defence despite the fact that Iran is missing its number 1 goalkeeper Biranvand due to Injury.

 With 3 key outfield players missing , including the prolific forward Sardar Azmoun , Iran will not be enjoying the supremacy of the last few matches up front, but that is far from the team being handicapped. Both Reza Ghoochannejad and Karim Ansarifard , playing in European leagues, have been outstanding for their clubs and are in top form. The duo scored 5 of the 8 goals in Team Melli last match against Papua New guinea, with Gucci scoring his first ever hat trick at international level.

Historically , Iran rules supreme in the head to head matches.winning 13 of the 23 matches while losing only once and that was back in 1973.

Despite the impressive figures for Iran, Syria has never been the punching bag and always remains a tough competition at all levels. This current Syrian squad is no exception and could very well spring a surprise and against the form. The battle between the groups worst attackers (Syria) and the best defender (Iran) will hardly see a floodgate opening. Syria has a solid defense too  and coach Ayman Hakeem will be looking to some rapid counter attacks in the hoping of getting all the 3 points.

Ayman Hakeem, Syria
“This is a very difficult game. Iran is a strong team and in very good form at the moment. We can see that it is not easy to score goals against them, as they are well-organised.

“We need to keep to our game plan and then we can get a good result. We will have to be at our best and work hard for each other. All these games in this stage are very difficult but we have shown that we have our own strengths too and we have managed to produce some good results”

Carlos Queiroz,  Iran

“From a tactical aspect, it is not easy to come and play in Malaysia but in respect to Syria, we are here to win. So far we have collected ten points in four games and that is a good start. We have scored four goals in those games and while that is not ideal, it is because of the strength or our opponents.

“If we can keep scoring one or two goals in every match and not concede then I will be happy. All games at this stage are difficult and intense and this is a big responsibility for a coach. We have to play against good teams like Syria and always perform to our best but then on the other hand, we know that Iran are tough opponents for other teams in the group too.

 

 

 

HEAD2HEAD

H / A / N Matches Won Draw Lost Goals + / –
Home 10 4 5 1 19 – 8 +11
Away 7 5 2 0 10 – 3 +7
Neutral 6 4 2 0 7 – 2 +5
Total 23 13 9 1 36 – 13 +23

Team Melli trounces Papua New Guinea 8-1

Team Melli beat Papua New Guinea 8-1 in a friendly game in the Malaysian city of Selangor early today Thursday. The first half ended 2-0 for Iran with Dejagah opening the scoring followed by Mehdi Taremi late in the half. 

Papua New Guinea scored early in the second half to make it 2-1 before the floodgates opened literary in the second half, Reza Ghoochannejad scored a hat trick while Karim Ansarifard scored a brace , Ramin Rezaeian scored last goal.

Right after the last goal, heavy rain made the pitch quite heavy and the match unplayable, but both teams continued the next 10 minutes play to the end.

 

IRAN vs. PAPUA NEW GUINEA

8 – 1

Shah Alam Stadium , Selangor – Malaysia

Thursday 10th Nov. 2016

scorers:

Dejagah (14′),  Taremi (38′),  Ghoochannejad (47′ , 54′, 59),  Ansarifard (54′ , 59′), Rezaeian (80′)

Team Melli to play Papua New Guinea on Friday

After the cancellation of Team Melli’s friendly against Thailand, an alternative match has been hastily arranged against Papua New Guinea in Shah Alam Stadium in Malaysia on Friday Nov 11th 2016.

Papua New Guinea is a member of the Oceanic Football Confederation. Its highest ever FIFA ranking was 160, in June 2004. In its last match on 17th June 2016, international Friendly,  Papua New Guinea defeated  Malaysia 2–0 in capital Port Moresby. A week before that , it lost the Final of the OFC Nation cup against New Zealand in Penalty Kick out after a goalless draw.

Both result are quite respectable for a nation that is still competing in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Team Melli , on the other hand , needed a warm up match before facing Syria in day 5 of the World Cup qualifiers. It is expected that the legionnaire players to be available for the Friday match against the not very tough opponents.

Team Melli will be missing 4 major players. Goalkeeper Biranvand due to injury, Ando Teymourian for non inclusion while Azmoun and Hajsafy are suspended for one match each.

Ashkan Dejagah warns against complacency

The-afc.com

Tehran: Islamic Republic of Iran captain Ashkan Dejagah has warned his Team Melli colleagues to focus on one game at a time despite holding top spot in Group A of Asia’s qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after their impressive win over Korea Republic.

Sardar Azmoun scored the only goal of the game despite a dominant showing by the three-time Asian champions, who now stand one point clear of second-placed Uzbekistan with 10 points from their first four games.

“I think we have had two difficult games, two tough games against Uzbekistan and Korea but we have to think step-by-step and the next game is a hard game, it’s in front of us against Syria,” the Qatar-based forward, who missed the 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent last week due to a calf injury, told the-AFC.com.

“They’re also not an easy team to play and we have to focus on the next game and hopefully we can play the same way as we did against Korea. I think we’re in a good position but there are still a lot of games and a lot of points. We have to think step-by-step and the next game is against Syria and it will be difficult too.”

Syria have picked up just one win – against bottom-of-the-table China on Matchday Three – in their first four matches and the game will be played in Malaysia on November 15.

Should Carlos Queiroz’s side show form similar to that on display in their performance against the Koreans, who they stifled throughout the game and denied a single shot on target throughout the entire 90 minutes, then Iran will be difficult to defeat.

“I think we played well from the first minute to the last minute,” said Dejagah of the win at the Azadi Stadium. “I think it’s always difficult for Korea against us because we always play as a team and are compact and we did that again. We’re happy with the three points.

“We have a team with a lot of young players and they need a little bit more experience but we are trying our best and I think since the first game we have improved a lot.”

Thailand Friendly game in doubt.

Team Melli’s friendly international match against Thailand in Bangkok looks in doubt following the death of king of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The revered monarchy who died at the age of 88 in Bangkok after a long illness was a much sacred figure and a period of one year mourning has been declared by the government in which no celebrations will be carried out.

Iranian official were alerted to this fact by the Thai counterparts, however the final call on the match status will be given to the FFIRI on Monday 17th October.

The match scheduled for 9th November, was part of Team Melli’s preparation for the final group match of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Syria in Malaysia. Carlos Queiroz needed the match for players acclimatization of the hot and humid weather of the far east.

FFIRI officials are already looking for an alternative to the Thailand match.

 

Iran U19 crushes the Malaysians 6-1

Iran U-19 team crushed Malaysia U-19 6-1 in the 4 side Beijing-Hyundai International Youth Football Tournament 2014.

 The first half ended 4-1 for the Iranian side in the Tournament which   is held from 3 -7 September 2014 and also includes Mexico U19 and host  China U19. The venue of the matches is : Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China

Iran were technically and physically superior to the Est Asian team and  striker Gazzani lead the “Persian cavalry”  after his debut from minute 60 minutes to complete a hat-trick. 

 In the second match of the day , the host China defeated Mexico 1-0

Iran will be meeting China on Friday for an early final.

The full schedule (times local):
3 September 2014 (Wednesday)
16:00 Iran 6-1 Malaysia  (6-1)
19:35 Mexico vs China         (0-1)

5 September 2014 (Friday)
16:00 Malaysia vs Mexico
19:35 China vs Iran

7 September 2014 (Sunday)
16:00 China vs Malaysia
19:35 Mexico vs Iran