Guinea defeated Iran 2-1 in a Azadi Stadium  in a friendly international match as part of Iran’s preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil.

Guinea scored two quick goals in 34 and 36 minutes , the first one from a long range shot by Kevin Constant  that easily passed under Davari’s arm,  while the second was a beauty similar to the first however much more powerful  from  Ibrahima Traoré  who tormented the Iranian defenders , leaving Davari to just watch the ball . Reza Ghoochannejad scored Iran’s goal at minute 55 from a fine exchange between Dejagah and Jahanbakhsh.

The deserted Azadi seats was not a good omen for Team Melli as Carlos Queiroz stuck to his old guns putting up his best line up minus the injured Ando Teymourian. All the legionnaires were starting which pretty much represents the strongest team that Queiroz has at his disposal.

Despite that, Team Melli was soon exposed for lack of pace, stamina and inferior tactics against the much quicker and younger African team. The first half was controlled by the guests and their superiority was answered by the two quick goals by Constant and Traoré .

Iran’s best efforts was two long range shots by Haddadifar and Nekounam

in the second half , with the introduction of Khosrow Haidary and Alireza Jahanbakhsh Iran started much better and managed a string of offensive moves that resulted in a goal by Ghoochannejad. Despite the better ball possession, however , the lack of creativity , futile crossing and some sub-standard finishing , was not enough to change the result.

With less than 100 days to go to the World Cup , it is highly unlikely that a major improvement will be seen in Team Melli. Over-aged , short of pace , short of leadership on and off the field  and  based on this match  where an average African team , not in the top league of the elite of Africa, Team Melli must fear for the worst. Against the might of Argentine and the two other powerful teams, there is a lot lacking in every department. . Some players, like Masoud Shojae , have no place in Team Melli  , while Queiroz  blind faith in foreign based have not exactly turned into a triumph card. Two of the new players Davari and Beitashour have not added any value to the team , but Davari’s horrid form lately and his performance against Guinea is very serious concern for the fans.

With tried and trusted players like Nekounam and Jabbari , lethargic ,  fatigued and displaying a visible drop in form , Queiroz will have a mighty task defending his reputation and that of Iran.