Tag: Yemen

Iran to face Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam in AFC Asian Cup 2019

The draw for the AFC Asian Cup was held In a grand spectacle at the United Arab Emirates Burj Khalifa,

Team Melli , Asia’s best ranked side, who are looking to secure their fourth title and their first since 1976, were drawn in Group D alongside 2007 winners Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen, who will be appearing in their first tournament since their unification.

 Hosts UAE, who were positioned in first place in Group A, will kick-off Asia’s most prestigious tournament against Bahrain at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on January 5, 2019.

The host nation will be looking to improve on their second place finish the last time the competition was held in the UAE in 1996, but will face formidable opponents in India and Thailand who complete the cast in Group A.

Meanwhile defending champions Australia were drawn in Group B with 2004 and 2011 quarter-finalists Jordan, Palestine, and Syria, who return to the competition following their absence in Australia 2015.

Continent powerhouses and 2015 finalists Korea Republic, who are on the hunt for their first title since 1960, were drawn in Group C with two-time runners-up China PR as well as two debutants in the UAE 2019 – Kyrgyz Republic and Philippines.

In Group E, two-time champions Saudi Arabia were drawn with 2011 hosts Qatar, Lebanon, who will be returning to the competition for only the second time after a 19 year absence as well as DPR Korea.

The tournament’s most successful side with four titles, Japan are in Group F and will face Uzbekistan, who have progressed past the group stage for the last four editions of the competition as well as Oman and Turkmenistan.

In an action-packed night graced by some of the biggest names in Asian football, the final draw also introduced a USD$14.8 million total prize money, the unveiling of a stunning new trophy, a cutting-edge Molten match ball and the launch of the tournament’s official mascots – Mansour and Jarrah.

The Zayed Sports City Stadium will also host the final on February 1, 2019 after 28 days of enthralling action with the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and Al Nahyan Stadium hosting the remaining matches in Abu Dhabi.

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium will host the matches in Al Ain and Sharjah Stadium in the Emirate of Sharjah. Al Maktoum Stadium and Al Rashid Stadium are the two venues in Dubai.

Political interference in football is unfavorable, says IRIFF

Hamid Reza A’sefi , the international spokesperson of the Football Federation has stated that his organization does not approve of political decision making in football affairs. A’sefi was speaking to ISNA on the possibilities of Iran withdrawing from the  2016 AFC U-19 Championship . The 39th edition will be held in Bahrain between 13–30 October 2016. Iran has qualified for the finals.

“The federation is not in favor of politicians making decision in football affairs. It is against our wishes and is not acceptable by international standards. However, if there are strong objections from the government on security ground, then of course we have to oblige.”  A’sefi said. “We know that playing in Bahrain is akin to playing in Saudi Arabia , as the country is a satellite state of Saudis and run under their supervision. By withdrawing from this tournament we give the Saudi the best of excuses. It is exactly the what they seek for not playing in Iran. Their propaganda machine has been active for sometime now but we should not be deceived.”

“We have no issues playing in Bahrain. of course we will demand security precaution and assurances, else there is no other concerns.” 

“As for postponing or delaying the match against South Korea because of Ta’sooa , I think it will be extremely difficult. It is a holly day in the Iranian calendar , but FIFA does not entertain such demands and with the tight schedule already , I doubt that FIFA will even respond to such request. It is unfortunate, but we have to oblige and go along with the rules of FIFA” A’sefi responded on the question if Iran will demand a change of date for the South Korea match in Azadi on October 11th.

Iran is in Group C of the  2016 AFC U-19 Championship along with Japan , Qatart and Yemen.

The matches:

14 October 2016    19:30     Qatar v Iran
17 October 2016    16:30     Iran v Japan
20 October 2016    16:30     Yemen v Iran

Omid team to meet Syria in the finals of WAFF U23 championship.

Iran U23 team (Omid) defeated Yemen 2-1 in the semi-finals of the first WAFF U23 Championship in Doha today. Iran goals were scored by Mehrdad Mohammadi in the 10th minute and Mohammad Daneshgar in th 48th.

Yemen pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute and missed a penalty kick on the 88th minute.

The match in the hot and humid conditions of Doha was a lively affair as both teams looked for an early lead to put pressure on the opponent. Iran was more organized in the middle of the field and played at a reasonable controlled pace to save energy. Yemen on the other hand , were more active and determined to use their pace to beat the less agile Iranian defenders. The Yemeni offensive continued through the half winning 5 corner but all to no avail. Iran goal came after the Yemeni keeper fumbled a ball for Mohammadi to slot in an easy goal. The first half finished 1-0

The second half was a repeat of the first with Iran controlling the preceding and managing to score early through Mohammad Daneshgar’s powerful header, however that goal was quickly answered by Yemen left back who found himself in acres of space following a free kick slotting the ball easily  past Akhbari in Iran’s goal.

With Yemen desperate to score the equalizer, the Iranian found  lots of space round the pitch. Some fine work and exchanges between the Iranian players soon turned into a supremacy by Omid team. The match was virtually played in one half of the field in the second half, with Iranian players displaying their skills and fine individual control. But as the case with most of the Omid team matches, their finishing was poor,  inacurate  and the shoots at goal all ending easily in the hands of Yemen Keeper who was hardly troubled by the Iranian shooters.

The profligacy of Omid players nearly cost the team dearly, as the players witnessed to their horror,  how the referee called a penalty that never was. Not only the ball never hit Danshgar anywhere near his hand, it was clear from all angles of replay that the Iranian defender cleverly intercepted the ball by his leg just around the knee area well off his arm and hand. nevertheless , the referee called it a penalty despite the vehement protest of the Iranian players.

Justice was done when the spot kick ended up hitting the underside of the bar then bouncing out of Akhbari’s goal line.

Iran will meet Syria in the final.