Iran will be meeting Turkmenistan (FIFA Ranking 159), a nation so repressive and secretive that it ranks on a par with North Korea, in its first step towards qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2018. The country which is embracing international sport to polish its tarnished image, has failed to impress in any sporting event so far. Its national football team is no exception. The team has been abysmal and hardly impressive to the dismay of those in corridors of power who have been lavishly spending on football.
Turkmenistan, rank outsiders to qualify from this group, has started this World Cup qualification in the wrong foot after the 1-0 defeat against Guam (FIFA Ranking 174). Now they have to face one the most powerful football nations in Asia and firmly lying at the top of FIFA ranking in the continent. It looks likes mission impossible for the Turkmen footballers.
Despite the fact that Iran’s team is missing many key players for this match, it is highly unlikely that Carlos Queiroz men will suffer any hardship against Turkmenistan. In fact, anything less than a comprehensive win by Team Melli will be considered a disappointment by the coach , the media and the fans.
Meetings between these two teams are measly for two neighboring countries. That is not very surprising when you consider the Turkmenistan’s regime suspicion of foreigners in a country molded by its first post-Soviet leader Saparmurat Niyazov, a man obsessed with absolute power and the sound of his own name.
In only 6 meetings between the two teams, the honors are shared equally. 6 games with 2 wins each and two draws. Iran hardly had it easy against this team and the results have always been tight.
Since independence from the former Soviet Union in 1990, Turkmenistan managed a sole participation in the Asian Cup in 2004. That is about the top football achievement for this country that has a benevolent social care system including free electricity for its citizens.
The current squad is relatively inexperienced with the most caps being held by midfield player Nazar Baýramow (32 years) and defender Bahtiýar Hojaahmedow (30 yeas) with 27 and 26 caps respectively.
4 players in the squad earn their living outside the country. Ruslan Mingazow (23 years) who is playing for the Czech Republic team Baumit Jablonec is considered one of the best Turkmen prospects for the future. The 3 others play in Uzbekistan league.
The Turkmenistan federation moved the match to the furthest point in the country away from Iranian borders. The authorities, consistent with their mentality of suspicion and phobia of anything foreign chose Turkmenistan 3rd largest city of Daşoguz for the match to deter the Iranians supporters. Not that Team Melli needs any outside help to dispense of the Turkmen.
Carlos Queiroz will be hoping that his team continues its excellent form and result that has started with that famous win against Chile and recently the win against Uzbekistan. Despite the new look, Team Melli looked quite impressive in Tashkent and played some neat organized football.
On paper, Team Melli should have little if any problems with an inferior opposition, however, football have its odd days. A comprehensive win for Iran is anticipated.