Tag: Mehdi Taremi

28/01/2019

Al Ain: Ahead of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 semi-final between two unbeaten giants of Asia, the-AFC.com looks at the key facts and history surrounding the eagerly-anticipated clash.

No Taremi for Team Melli

The major team news ahead of the semi-final is the enforced absence of Mehdi Taremi, who will miss Monday's clash through suspension having collected a second yellow card against China PR.

While card trouble has cost them the Al Gharafa star, who has scored three goals in UAE 2019, the Iranians will welcome back Vahid Amiri, while Yoshinuri Muto returns from suspension for Japan.

Outstanding yellow cards were erased following the quarter-finals, meaning only a red card in Monday's match will result in a player missing the final.

Carlos Queiroz's Iran have become one of only three teams in history to go through their first five games at an AFC Asian Cup without conceding a goal, but the amazing record of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand goes back even further.

The Persepolis shot-stopper has represented his country in 20 competitive matches (including UAE 2019 and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and finals) and conceded only four goals, keeping a remarkable 17 clean sheets, with only Portugal, Spain and Syria finding a way past him.

Japan have claimed a piece of statistical history of their own in the UAE. Hajime Moriyasu's side are the first ever to win five successive matches by a single-goal winning margin.

Asian powerhouses, divergent histories

The two sides are both Asian football powerhouses, having qualified for the past two FIFA World Cups - and in Japan's case, every edition since 1998 - but the East Asians have had far more recent success on the continental stage.

While Iran are enjoying the excitement of being 90 minutes away from reaching the AFC Asian Cup final for the first time since 1976, Japan have been champions in four of the last seven editions, and three of the current squad were part of the victorious 2011 team.

Japan have only ever lost once at this stage of the competition, a 3-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2007, which was also the last time the Samurai Blue lost any AFC Asian Cup match outside of penalty shootouts.

Despite making their first appearance in the last four since 2004, Iran have not a lost a single AFC Asian Cup match inside 90 minutes this century, with three of their previous eliminations coming from the penalty spot, and the other twp - both defeats to Korea Republic - suffered in extra time.

Unfamiliar foes

Despite their permanent presence in the latter stages of both the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifying, Japan and Iran have consistently managed to avoid each other in competition draws.

It has been over a decade since their last competitive fixture, a 2-1 Samurai Blue win in 2005, while their last AFC Asian Cup clash came back in 2004 when the two sides shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in Group D.

Head2Heads

IRAN VS JAPAN

H / A / N	Matches	W	D	L	Goals	+ / -
H	3	1	2	0	5 - 4	1
A	3	0	1	2	2 - 4	-2
N	11	5	3	3	12 - 10	2
Total	17	6	6	5	19 - 18	1

Matches

Date	Competition	H / A / N	score	Stadium	Attendance
13.10.2015	Friendly	H	1 - 1	Azadi Stadium , Tehran	15,000
17.08.2005	World Cup Qualifier	A	1 - 2	Nissan Stadium , Yokohama	65,000
25.03.2005	World Cup Qualifier	H	2 - 1	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	120,000
28.07.2004	Asian Cup	N	0 - 0	Olympics Sport Centre , Chongqing	52,000
11.08.1999	Friendly	A	1 - 1	International Stadium, Yokohama	35,860
16.11.1997	World Cup Qualifier	N	2 - 3	Larkin Stadium-Johor Bahru	22,000
18.10.1993	World Cup Qualifier	N	2 - 1	Al Khalifa Stadium , Doha	15,000
03.11.1992	Asian Cup	A	0 - 1	Big Arch Stadium , Hiroshima	37,000
01.10.1990	Asian Games	N	1 - 0	Fengtai Sports Center-Beijing	10,000
20.01.1989	Friendly	H	2- 2	Azadi Stadium, Tehran	50,000
04.12.1988	Asian Cup	N	0 - 0	Qatar FC Stadium , Doha	4,000
22.09.1986	Asian Games	N	2 - 0	Hanbat Stadium, Daejeon	30,000
20.11.1982	Asian Games	N	0 - 1	Modeltown Stadium-New Delhi	10,000
18.12.1966	Asian Games	N	1 - 0	Tarua Football Stadium-Bangkok	20,000
11.12.1966	Asian Games	N	1 - 3	Chulalongkon University Stadium-Bangkok	10,000
08.03.1951	Asian Games	N	3 -2	Ambedkar Stadium -New Delhi	30,000
07.03.1951	Asian Games	N	0 - 0	Ambedkar Stadium - New Delhi	23,000

25/01/2019

Team Melli vs China: players rating and performance review.

It was yet , another majestic display by Team Melli under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz. against China. Team Melli has not only enhanced its reputation as a team that can play modern and beautiful football, it also laid a solid claim and are the Chief contender for the title of AFC Asian Cup 2019. Yet, neither Queiroz nor any of his players are talking beyond the next match. It is a wise and measured move but it does not mask the fact that from what we have seen in the last two weeks, Iran is the best team that has dominated its opposition and won matches deservedly on merit and perhaps with a class above the rest.

China was well beaten by Team Melli and much credits should go for one player, Sardar Azmoun. The Ruben Kazan forward was on a mission and he succeeded by mixture of strength, skill and determination. The Chinese defense, in truth, had a big role in the defeat of their team with some poor defending and suspect decision making. China, however, was not a minnow team and did not lack the skills required at such level of football. They are guided by one of the world best and famous coaches in Marcello Lippi. A world Cup winner and a coach who has a trail of trophies behind him. Queiroz, on the other hand, out foxed the master in every department and his team came out a clear winner. Queiroz has masterfully rotated the team for this tournament. He is the envy of the rest of the teams in UAE because he is spoiled for choices in every department. The absence of Vahid Amiri was not even felt. Hopefully , the same will be true against Japan when Mehdi Taremi will be missing due to his suspension.

Team Melli dominated the center and at times defended deep. their teamwork was a delight to watch. On my occasions, the series of short and fast passes interchanged between the players intimidated the Chinese who were chasing shadows. Despite the fact that most of the goals came either from long balls or route one followed by a Chinese defense blunder, that doe not hide the fact that Iran was the better team in all departments. To be able to take advantage of the opposition mistakes , you need the quality player to do that. Team Melli had the right quality to punish mistakes by opposition defenders. If there were some negative points, they were the same ones that were mentioned in other matches too and that is the wastefulness of the forwards, particularly Mehdi Taremi. It is very difficult to criticize a player who scored one goal and provided an assist for another, but Taremi was really appalling when he missed an open goal from a few meters after the ball was given to him on a plate by a perfect header from Kanani-Zadegan. It was a shocking miss! Overall, it was an emphatic win in the quarter final of the AFC Asian Cup. Now……Bring on Japan.

PLAYERS RATING

Alireza Beiranvand (7.5): Hardly tested but when required he did his job perfectly.
Milad Mohammadi (7.5): Routine day, defensive work was excellent, however, limited venturing forward to neutralize possible opposition fast breaks.
Morteza Pouraliganji (8): Another solid performance. His strong tackling and marking left very little space for the Chinese forwards.
Ramin Rezaeian (6.5): Improving with every match despite the fact that Queiroz wise squad rotation is not giving Rezaeian regular starting place.
Hossein Kanani-Zadegan (7.5): Only his second start of the tournament, however, he was as good as any of the regular players. When called upon for offensive work on corners, he nearly assisted in a goal but for Taremi’s profligate finishing from close range.
Omid Ebrahimi (7.5): Another solid exhibition of sheer power and tenacity. His defensive duties were executed perfectly. Strong and reliable as a holding midfileder. Tireless runner with great stamina.
Ashkan Dejagah (8): Continued where he left off. His vision, ability to find players on flanks and timely dribbling made a big impact on the game. Although he did not assist in the goals, his domination of the center of the park was excellent.
Alireza Jahanbaksh (7.5): Continues his recovery and put up a good shift against China. Substituted in the second half.
Ehsan Hajsafy (7): Had a quiet game in the midfield zone. Nearly scored from a long range shot from outside the box, but the Chinese keeper saved it with full stretch.
Mahdi Taremi (7.5): Scored a goal and provided an assist for the third, however, he is still clumsy and wasteful. A player in his class should not miss an open goal, and that reckless challenge on a Chinese player cost him a yellow card and a suspension. Many rough edges to his game.
Sardar Azmoun (10): The best of the lot. A really great performance by Sardar capped with an assist and a goal. He was on turbo mode today running at the Chinese defense and creating havoc. He could have score more goals too.

Substitutes

Saman Ghoddos (7): Proving his quality every time he comes on. He does need to have more playing time to reach the peak of his performance and improve his teamwork.
Roozbeh Cheshmi (7): Had a decent game and stuck to the script.
Karim Ansarifard (8): In his short spell on the field, he scored a beautiful goal which proves that he can be a clinical finisher. He needs to deliver more frequently to dislodge Taremi.

12/01/2019

Iran vs Vietnam preview

Abu Dhabi: teammelli.com reports With the first match jitters safely overcome, Islamic Republic of Iran's Saman Ghoddos says Team Melli are looking forward to locking horns with Vietnam in an AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Group D tie on Saturday. The three-time champions opened their campaign on a high note, defeating Yemen 5-0 on Monday, but Ghoddos admitted Iran had gone into the match nervous. "It’s not easy to play the first game in a tournament. It’s always stressful and nervous and you’re trying to do your best so sometimes the play can be a bit stiff, but we showed a good result by scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet. "So that’s very important and we have big confidence in the team now," said the midfielder, who plays for Amiens SC in the French Ligue One. Iran however, said Ghoddos, are not thinking of the title just yet despite scoring the highest win in the first round of matches. "That’s not a thought in our minds right now, because it’s a long tournament and it’s tough games." "We’re just looking forward to the next game, and right now that’s Vietnam. That’s important for us, to just think about the next game and not think too many steps in front. "To be honest I haven’t watched the other games, just to keep focused on my own game, so I don’t know the level yet," added Ghoddos, who came on as a substitute to score Iran's fifth goal against Yemen.

Iran have seen enough of Vietnam to know the Southeast Asians will be handful at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. "The coach and his team have analysed them and we have watched some videos. It’s a good team, all respect to them. "However, we are going to play our game and we are not thinking so much about the other team." The Vietnam coach realises the magnitude of the task that lies ahead of his team but is also aware that after the slip up against Iraq, the match against Iran is a must win.

Park Hang-seo’s charges were the team in control for most of their group D opener against Iraq, and deserved at least a point for their efforts. However, a sweetly struck freekick in the dying minutes of the game left them with nothing to show for their efforts – a scenario that Hang-seo is keen to avoid a repeat of when Vietnam takes on pre-tournament favourites Iran today. “It was disappointing as we led twice only to lose [against Iraq] but now, we must focus on Iran and getting a good result against them,” he said. Hang-seo, who masterminded Vietnam to an impressive AFF Suzuki Cup victory just recently, spoke also of how his team cannot match up to Iran in many aspects of the game but has the mental fortitude to see a victory through. “We will be playing the strongest team in Asia tomorrow. They are technically, tactically and physically better than us but having said that, we will play to our strengths to get the desired result. “It will be very hard for us as Iran are a highly experienced side but my players have got strong mental strength and I believe we can overcome Iran,” he said.

31/12/2018

Iran, the strongest contender for the title.

As the AFC Asian Cup is drawing closer, the pressure on Carlos Queiroz mounts to prove his worth with Team Melli by winning the 17th edition of the continents top prize.

The Portuguese head coach, whose resume included world class teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Portugal and South African national teams, has spent enough time in Iran and Asia to mount a serious challenge for the continent most coveted trophy which eluded Iran for 43 years.

For over 5 years, Team Melli has been ranked at the top of FIFA Ranking, rudely interrupted by Japan in one or two occasion. Under Queiroz’s leadership, Iran made it to two World Cups with ease it should be said, against tough opponents such as South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Iran stars such as Azmoun, Jahanbakhsh and Ansarifard have not performed anywhere near some of the other Asian footballers in Europe and none of them seem to be able to hold a place in their teams. South Korea’s Son Heung-min , is indispensable member of the English Premiere league title contenders , Tottenham , Ki Sung-yueng is an important player for Newcastle, Australia’s brilliant goalkeeper Mathew Ryan , has been Brighton’s saviour, Tom Rogic of Celtic plays a major role for the Scottish champions, Japan’s Maya Yoshida (Southampton) , Shinji Kagawa (B. Dortmund),and Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City) all passed the grade for their European Teams. It is interesting to note however, that Japan’s coach Hajime Moriyasu in true Japanese tradition opted for a team filled with young Europe-based talents, leaving stars like the latter two players off the squad. In brief, individually, the other Asian footballer have fared much better in Europe than Team Melli players.

Success at National team level in a competition such as the AFC Asian Cup cannot be judged on the individual star of a team. In the true meaning of the word, it is the team, in a collective sense that makes a difference at the end. The combination of Queiroz with his experience, knowledge and tactical acuteness with this group of talented and capable Iranian footballers, whom he has built and molded to his liking, is an excellent recipe for success. This is perhaps the best Iranian team since 1976 and many pundits know it and swear by it.

It is football, after all. One or two teams can spring a surprise. Australia, the defending champion minus a few of their stars from 2015 , Japan’s young yet tactically sound team, South Korea with a tradition , tactical discipline and winning mentality are as good as any to win the title. There are also some outsiders, including Qatar, Iraq, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia who might have a say in the tournament too.

Considering all factors, Iran and Queiroz still hold the upper hand and they are the team to beat. Barring some of the reckless finishing that have marred their recent performances, the trio up front in Team Melli can beat the best of their opponents. A solid defense is vital for any team with aspiration of winning championships and Team Melli has it all. In fact, Queiroz has a problem of riches in defense with all the defenders in the squad on similar forms and standards.

Ezatollahi’s absence in the defensive midfield role is a real, perhaps the only blow to Queiroz, but there is enough quality in the team to ensure his absence is not felt.

Success and chances of lifting the trophy will be greatly enhanced when personal, and tactical discipline (Queiroz is most defiantly should lead by example from the touchline) is at its highest. Not allowing the outcome of the match to be dependent on vacillating referees’ such as Ben Williams calls is a key factor.

On a positive note, Team Melli will have the greatest support outside of Iran in the UAE. The great Iranian community will be ever present to cheer the boys. This support cannot be underestimated.

Now all that remains is for the likes of Azmoun, Taremi, Ansarifarfd and Jahanbakhsh to convert their chances on the pitch and leave lady luck in the dressing room.

25/12/201825/12/2018

Disappointing draw against Palestine for Team Melli

In the match played in Doha Qatar, Team Melli played a 1 - 1 draw against Palestine. Iran scored first through Mehdi Taremi, while Palestine equalized in the added time at the end of the match.

While Team Melli controlled the game and had most of the ball possession , they did not seem to be able to score due to the profligate attackers mainly Medi Taremi. Palestine had their own chances as well and could have scored if it was not for Biranvand's timely reactions.

The second half saw Taremi score early in the 50th minute but the rest of the match saw many chances going amiss . The perennial problem of Team Melli which is the final ball was at display again in this match as their finishing left a lot to be desired with inaccurate passes or shots.

Jonathan Cantillana, scored Palestine's goal in the added time of the second half.

Team Melli will play a tougher opposition next in the shape of Qatar National Team.

The team line up

Alireza Beiranvand (Seyyed Hossein Hosseini 74"), Ramin Rezaeian, Pejman Montazeri (Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh - 46"), Hossein Kananazadegan, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi (Omid Ebrahimi - 70"), Ashkan Dejagah (Masoud Shojaei - 60"), Ahmad Noorollahi, Mehdi Torabi (Vouria Ghafouri - 60"), Sardar Azmoun(Ali Alipour - 60"), and Mehdi Taremi

20/11/2018

Iran draws Venezuela

Team Melli drew 1 - 1 with Venezuela as part of the preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2019. The friendly international match was played in Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar today (Tuesday).

The Venezuelan scored first through Darwin Machis on the half hour. Ali Gholizadeh equalized just before Half time for Iran.

First half:

The best chance to score was wasted by Iran as early as the 10th minute by Sardar Azmoun, after some brilliant work on the right flank by Ali Gholizadeh. Azmoun hit the ball which was nicely delivered to him by Gholizadeh at the Venezuelan keeper who blocked its path and deflected over it the bar for a corner thus depriving Azmoun from scoring a certain goal.

The first goal was scored in the 35th minute by Machies for Venezuela as the player easily dribbled passed the out of form Rezaeian and shoot passed him. A weak reflex by Abedzadeh in goal allowed the ball to pass underneath his body to announce the first goal of the match. It was an awful goal to concede and a blunder by the defender and the keeper..

In the 43rd minute, Ali Gholizade, who was the star of the Iranian national team in the first half, with a series of skillful moves and dribbling of two opponents, shot a diagonal ball that beat the keeper to score level the score.

Second half:

in the 49^th minute, Mehdi Taremi robbed the ball from a defender just outside the box. While he had two players in much better position than him to score, decided to go a lone a shoot weakly outside the post.

In the 53rd minute, the referee announced a penalty kick after Taremi was tripped in the box. but after referring to the VAR system, the Qatari referee changed his mind and reversed the penalty call.

The Venezuelan player manged to put the ball into Team Melli's net in the 65th minute, but the referee disallowed it fo roffside. In the next few minutes, the two teams committed far too many fouls as the game turned into a physical battle, as it normally does with South American opposition.

There was yet another penalty call for Iran this time for handball inside the box. Once again the referee decided to check the VAR and once again he cancelled the penalty although the replays from many angles shows a definite and clear contact of the ball with Venezuelan defender.

With 15 minutes left, the substitutions started by both team and like it always does, the momentum and the excitement of the match was lost on both sets of players.

Team Melli lineup:

Amir Abedzadeh, Ramin Rezaian (Sadegh Moharrami), Omid Ebrahimi, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Hossein Kanan-Zadegan, Milad Mohammadi, Vahid Amiri (Mehdi Torabi), Ali Gholizadeh (Ashkan Dejagah), Sardar Azmoun (Karim Ansarifrd), Mehdi Taremi (Kaveh Rezaei ) and Saman Ghodoos (Masoud Shojaei)

21/06/201821/06/2018

A disallowed goal vs a fluke, gives victory to Spain.

Spain edged out a gallant Iran in an absorbing contest to ensure they will reach the World Cup knockout stage with a draw in their final group game. The 2010 champions needed a fortuitous Diego Costa goal after half-time, having been frustrated in an opening period in which they had 81% of possession. Iran, who defended admirably until the ball ricocheted in off Costa, instantly showed more intent and thought they had levelled, only for Saeid Ezatolahi's strike to be ruled out for offside.

Carlos Queiroz's Iran side had gone close through Karim Ansarifard and Mehdi Taremi before the crucial offside call and their endeavour throughout seemed to endear them to the crowd at the Kazan Arena. They survived a chaotic goalmouth scramble where Gerard Pique somehow failed to turn home from a yard out, but again showed heart and threatened late on, with Taremi heading over when well placed. Fernando Hierro, installed as Spain manager two days before the World Cup started, knows his side will reach the knockout stage if they draw with Morocco on Monday.

Spain overcome another test Spain may feel they have faced several noteworthy hurdles already throughout their stay in Russia. The sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui before the tournament was followed by a last-minute equaliser by Portugal in their opening game. Then came this significant examination. Spain are accustomed to dominating possession against sides content to soak up pressure, but Iran's deep 4-5-1 set-up in the first half afforded them only one shot on target. Costa cut an isolated and frustrated figure, with 12 first-half touches. Iran set a record of 1,121 minutes without conceding a goal in qualifying and only after the break did Spain begin to find holes in a well-drilled defensive block, with Sergio Busquets forcing a fine save and Pique unable to flick home in the six-yard box.

Hierro's side were typically neat with the ball - completing 90% of their passes - and their early second-half momentum told, with a Ramin Rezaeian clearance hitting Costa and finding the corner of the net. It was Costa's ninth goal in his past nine international starts. The fact he continued to hassle Iran's defenders on a night when he was so often crowded out of the game is to his credit and, after scoring twice against Portugal, he looks to have made the lone striker role his own. Spain top Group B courtesy of having collected fewer disciplinary points than Portugal. This was their first competitive defeat since the 2014 World Cup and the way they switched from a defensive focus to chase the game after falling behind showed they have more to offer than simply a stiff rearguard. Ansarifard's lashed volley left David de Gea motionless but found the side netting, while Taremi failed to hit the target with two headers, notably late on when he rose unchallenged.

But Iran will look back at Ezatolahi's disallowed goal as key. He stabbed home from close range, only for the assistant referee - and then the video assistant referee - spotted he had strayed offside when the ball was flicked on. Ranked 37th in the world by Fifa - 27 places lower than Spain - Iran continued to show grit in denying Pique in an almighty goalmouth scramble but they crucially failed to find the target with their seven shots at the other end. Queiroz said the Spain match was Iran's "game of the universe". Their fixture in Saransk on Monday now arguably deserves a bigger title. A win would send them through to the knockout stage for the first time in their history and a draw could prove enough if Spain lose to Morocco. Man of the match - Isco Isco was at the heart of Spain's play and saw more of the ball than anyone on the pitch with 138 touches. He completed 92% of his passes and played eight crosses - another high. He found shooting opportunities and also won the ball back as many times as anyone else in his side. On a night when the Iran defence deserved praise, he was key in wearing them down. 'We had one match point' - what they said Iran boss Carlos Queiroz: "We showed that we were ready to suffer and ready to compete. "There's no doubt Spain play wonderful, stylish football but we deserved more for the way we played. "We will learn a lot from this game. If you think of it like tennis, we had one match point today and we will have another against Portugal. Everything is still open. We are still alive and still dreaming." Spain boss Fernando Hierro: "What I can say is that we have three more points. We knew it was going to be very difficult and, sure enough, it was a very complex game. "There were times in both halves when things were tough. During the break, we knew we had a plan and we carried it out - my players did what they had to do. "Iran are a strong team and it's very tough to score against them. We knew how hard it would be. But once again my players have given everything." Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 live: "Iran had a game plan and they sat deep and let Spain come on to them. "But in a funny way, Spain's goal gave Iran belief, because that's when they really went for it. "They gave absolutely everything and I felt so sorry for them lying down on the pitch at the end." Spain find a 1-0 win again

13/06/2017

Second consecutive FIFA World Cup for Team Melli

Iran reach second consecutive FIFA World Cup™
Team Melli defeat Uzbekistan to join Brazil and Russia at the finals
Carlos Queiroz's side have yet to concede in Group B, after eight games

The scenes in Tehran were jubilant. Coaching staff and players streamed onto the pitch and celebrated in unison. Giant flags were waved, prayers were undertaken and bear hugs handed out by team-mates. Iran had done it: they had reached the promised land of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. Team Melli's 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan was enough for Carlos Queiroz's side to secure their seat on the plane to Russia next year.

"I want to thank all the fans for their support during the qualification campaign," talismanic midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said, speaking to the AFC after the game. "The results we have achieved are for you and I hope we can now win the last two games. We all have happiness in our hearts."

The second goal in the match that sealed qualification was scored by Mehdi Taremi, who bagged his eighth World Cup qualifying strike on the road to Russia.

"I am very happy that we have qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row and that we have brought happiness to the Iranian people," Mehdi Taremi, said speaking to the AFC after the victory. "I feel so happy that I was able to score a goal and that my goal was able to help us win the match. We are very happy and it shows the great progress we are making in Asia. I hope we continue to perform like this in the future and qualify for the World Cup every four years."

Despite some question marks over whether the Portuguese would remain in the role after Brazil 2014, Carlos Queiroz has masterminded a majestic march back to the global finals, with the side going almost 1000 minutes without conceding - their defence unbreached in the third round so far.

"Carlos Queiroz and his colleagues have done so much for Team Melli,” Iran's striking legend Ali Daei said. "One of the most important things he’s done is bringing in so many young players and changed the major players of the team. We are now one of the best sides in Asia, along with Australia, because we haven’t lost against any Asian teams in recent years."

Fans will be hoping that it is fifth time lucky for the Iranians, who will be looking to progress beyond the first round at the World Cup for the first time in Russia.

13/06/2017

Iran qualifies for 2018 World Cup, in sharp contrast to ‘embarrassing’ Israel

Monday’s win over Uzbekistan is celebrated in the streets of Tehran; Israel’s team was booed from the stadium in Haifa after losing to Albania on Sunday

BY TIMES OF ISRAEL STAFF AND AFP June 13, 2017, 2:02 pm

Monday’s win was Iran’s sixth from eight matches in Group A and took the table-toppers to 20 points, with South Korea in second on 13 ahead of its game against Qatar on Tuesday.

Iran is unbeaten in the group stage and remarkably has not conceded a single goal during the campaign, underlining its credentials as one of Asia’s football giants. On Monday, it recorded its second win over Uzbekistan on the road to the 2018 tournament in Russia, with Rostov forward Sarder Azmoun first finding the net in the 23rd minute with a right-footed shot from the left of the box following a through ball from Alireza Jahanbaksh.

Iranian players celebrate after winning the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

The Uzbeks struggled for momentum and failed to break down the famed Iranian defense, eventually conceding their second goal of the match in the 88th minute with Mehdi Taremi finishing from Azmoun’s pass. Iran, which has seen its ranking rise from 108th in the world in 1995 to its current 30th, has played in the World Cup finals four times in the past – in 1978, 1998, 2006 and 2014.

Iranians celebrate on the streets of Tehran early on June 13, 2017, after their national football team won the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan. (AFP PHOTO)

So successful has Iran proved in the qualifying games that it has become only the second team to secure its place in the finals, after five-time World Cup champions Brazil. Russia, as host of the tournament from June 14 to July 15, 2018, is given an automatic spot.

Supporters of the Iranian national football team cheer during the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

Iran’s remarkable progress to the 2018 finals contrasts sharply with Israel’s form. Sunday’s defeat in Haifa by Albania leaves Israel in joint third place in Group G, with no prospect of making it to Russia, and a battle now merely to finish in third place and thus secure a more favorable qualifying path for the 2022 tournament.

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz of the Iranian national football team celebrates with players after winning the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

Ranked 55th in the world, Israel has qualified for the World Cup finals only once, in 1970.

The Israeli team came into Sunday’s game having beaten Albania 3-0 in their last encounter. It was the hot favorite to win the home game, but fell to a heavy defeat in its poorest performance of the qualifying campaign to date.

While Iran’s victory prompted celebrations in the streets of Tehran, the Israeli team was booed off the field by its own fans, and newspaper headlines on Monday morning called its performance a “Disgrace,” an “embarrassment,” and “one of the biggest humiliations” in national soccer history.

Albanian forward Armando Sadiku (C) celebrates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Israel and Albania in Haifa on June 11, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX)

Israel had the first shot on goal, with Bibras Nacho’s shot tipped over the bar by Albanian goalkeeper Thoma Strakosha. But Armando Sadiku managed to put the ball past Israeli goalie David Goresh in the 22nd minute. Sadiku scored again a minute from half time with a shot from 25 yards out.

17/07/2016

Mehdi Taremi back in Persepolis !

The central forward and Team Melli player Mehdi Taremi , did a quick U turn returning to his previous club Persepolis after announcement that he has signed for Turkish Club Mehdi Taremi along with Ramin Rezaeian have signed with Turkish Super League club Çaykur Rizespor, but the former changed his mind and came back with giving any solid reasons. Both players left under a cloud of controversy and criticism for leaving unceremoniously. It seems that Persepolis is seeking legal advise on Rezaeian.