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It’s been over three decades since Iran’s dominance of Asian football ended, marking their third consecutive Asian Cup victory but also their last (in 1976).
A football mad nation with a big history hasn’t had much to cheer about in recent times after missing out on the 2010 World Cup, so Qatar 2011 could present the ideal tonic.
However, manager Afshin Ghotbi has only two European stars to work with and has already decided he’ll leave his post after the tournament, which has led sceptics to suggest he’s not entirely focused on the task at hand.
How They Qualified
Lost just one game as they topped a group including Jordan, Thailand and Singapore, getting their campaign off to a bright start with a 6-0 thumping of the latter. Conceded just twice in six games and had goal scoring contributions from all over the pitch, which reflects the lack of a prolific striker in the squad to lead them on the international stage. Their one defeat of the campaign came was suffered away against Jordan.
Coach & Tactics
Western educated Afshin Ghotbi worked under both Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat in separate spells with the South Korean national team, so is no stranger to the international arena. Taking charge of Iran was only his second full time managerial role and whilst his appointment was met with fanfare, failure to qualify for South Africa was a big disappointment. Will coach in the J-League after the tournament, where he will likely set his team out with two or three defensive midfielders, opting for a narrow, possession-based game.
Star Player
With over 100 caps to his name and over 100 appearances for Spanish side Osasuna, Javad Nekounam has the necessary experience and ability to lead Iran from midfield at the Asian Cup. As one of only two Europe-based stars he has carries a huge burden; his ability to contribute both in and out of possession is invaluable to his side.
Watch out also for his club teammate Masoud Shojaei, of whom similarly big things will be expected, while former English Premier League midfielder Andranik Teymourian will also play an important role in midfield.
Fans’ Expectations
The minimum expectation is a quarter final appearance but the sceptics are suggesting that Ghotbi’s decision to sign a contract with J-League outfit Shimizu S-Pulse means he won’t be quite as motivated for the tournament. Recent mixed performances and the lack of improvement made to the team in terms of personnel have some fans going as far to suggest that Team Meli might make a shock group stage exit.
Goal.com Prediction
The lack of a goal scorer could seriously hinder this team, who are a little suspect at the back as well, hence Ghotbi’s preference for defensive midfielders as cover. Iraq and North Korea might cause them problems early in the tournament. On current form they’ll struggle to get out of their group.
A football mad nation with a big history hasn’t had much to cheer about in recent times after missing out on the 2010 World Cup, so Qatar 2011 could present the ideal tonic.
However, manager Afshin Ghotbi has only two European stars to work with and has already decided he’ll leave his post after the tournament, which has led sceptics to suggest he’s not entirely focused on the task at hand.
How They Qualified
Lost just one game as they topped a group including Jordan, Thailand and Singapore, getting their campaign off to a bright start with a 6-0 thumping of the latter. Conceded just twice in six games and had goal scoring contributions from all over the pitch, which reflects the lack of a prolific striker in the squad to lead them on the international stage. Their one defeat of the campaign came was suffered away against Jordan.
Coach & Tactics
Western educated Afshin Ghotbi worked under both Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat in separate spells with the South Korean national team, so is no stranger to the international arena. Taking charge of Iran was only his second full time managerial role and whilst his appointment was met with fanfare, failure to qualify for South Africa was a big disappointment. Will coach in the J-League after the tournament, where he will likely set his team out with two or three defensive midfielders, opting for a narrow, possession-based game.
Star Player
With over 100 caps to his name and over 100 appearances for Spanish side Osasuna, Javad Nekounam has the necessary experience and ability to lead Iran from midfield at the Asian Cup. As one of only two Europe-based stars he has carries a huge burden; his ability to contribute both in and out of possession is invaluable to his side.Watch out also for his club teammate Masoud Shojaei, of whom similarly big things will be expected, while former English Premier League midfielder Andranik Teymourian will also play an important role in midfield.
Fans’ Expectations
The minimum expectation is a quarter final appearance but the sceptics are suggesting that Ghotbi’s decision to sign a contract with J-League outfit Shimizu S-Pulse means he won’t be quite as motivated for the tournament. Recent mixed performances and the lack of improvement made to the team in terms of personnel have some fans going as far to suggest that Team Meli might make a shock group stage exit.
Goal.com Prediction
The lack of a goal scorer could seriously hinder this team, who are a little suspect at the back as well, hence Ghotbi’s preference for defensive midfielders as cover. Iraq and North Korea might cause them problems early in the tournament. On current form they’ll struggle to get out of their group.
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| WCQA | Iran - Qatar | 12/06/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Lebanon - Iran | 11/09/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Iran - South Korea | 16/10/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Iran - Uzbekistan | 14/11/12 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Qatar - Iran | 04/06/13 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | Iran - Lebanon | 11/06/13 5:30 AM IST |
| WCQA | South Korea - Iran | 18/06/13 5:30 AM IST |
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Javad Nekounam
Midfielder Iran |
3 | 1 |
|
Mojtaba Jabbari
Midfielder Iran |
3 | 0 |
|
Seyed Aghili
Midfielder Iran |
2 | 0 |
|
Andranik
Midfielder Iran |
2 | 0 |
|
Ashkan Dejagah
Striker Iran |
2 | 0 |