Month: June 2024

Starting lineup vs Hong Kong

Amir Ghalenoei has made a few changes to the usual starting lineup for the game in Hong Kong. The defending line has seen most of the changes as Shojaa Khalilzadedh is the only one who has maintained his place, while Abolfazl Jalali, Amin Hizbavi, and Arya Yousefi will be starting the match. Payam Nizmand has replace Ali Beiranvand.

Mohammad Ghorbani after an impressive season, will partner Saman Ghoddos while Ghaedi and Jahanbakhash will be operating on the flanks to support the two forwards Taremi and Azmoun.

The match is a formality for Iran, however, a good winning margin will boost the team for a commanding performance in the next rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

12P. Niazmand
4S. Khalilzadeh
18A. Jalali
15A. Hazbavi
13A. Yousefi
10M. Ghayedi
6M. Ghorbani
9M. Taremi
20S. Azmoun
14S. Ghoddos
7A. Jahanbakhsh

Hong Kong billed as ‘more creative’ after boss’ exit as Iran visit for Fifa World Cup qualifier

  • Stand-in coach Wolfgang Luisser vows to tweak formula that worked under Jorn Andersen in qualifiers against Iran and Turkmenistan
Paul McNamara

Paul McNamara

6 Jun 2024

A “more flexible and creative” Hong Kong representative team has been promised by stand-in coach Wolfgang Luisser when the city’s footballers begin the post-Jorn Andersen era against Iran on Thursday.

The World Cup qualifier at Hong Kong Stadium will be the hosts’ first fixture since June 2021 without Andersen in the dugout, with former assistant Luisser stepping in after the Norwegian resigned last week to take charge of mainland Chinese club Yunnan Yukun.

“The biggest game for me as a head coach” was a simple enough assessment for Luisser given his top-level experience amounts to two 2019 matches as caretaker of SCR Altach in his native Austria. But a strong CV includes six years as assistant coach of Austria’s under-21s.

Hongkongers could reimagine what was possible during Andersen’s 2½-year reign, as an aggressive style delivered unprecedented results. While retaining traits that made Hong Kong a more competitive force, Luisser plans to do things his way, starting against Iran then away to Turkmenistan on Tuesday.

Wolfgang Luisser (left) plans to refine Hong Kong’s playing style in his matches in charge. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong netted only once in Andersen’s final five games, after 18 goals in the previous seven matches had appeared to draw a line under prolonged scoring issues.

“There will be a small change in our play with the ball,” Luisser said. “We want to give our players more creativity in attack, [and] be more flexible. We will change a little bit on set-pieces, too.

“We don’t want to change too much, because the players know what to do, but [there are] some small adjustments.

“Against the ball, our pressing and high attack will stay the same.”

Luisser said both offensive and defensive set-pieces would be tweaked, with attacking ploys a focus of the team’s final training session at the stadium on Wednesday.

“I cannot go into too much detail, because the opposition are listening,” Luisser said.

The interim boss must do without some key figures for his two games in charge. A number of players are missing while they arrange club contracts for next season, but forward Stefan Pereira put his hand up to play despite originally having no insurance following his release from Southern.

Luisser said: “It was clear he wanted to be part of the squad, with or without [insurance] … the Hong Kong FA gave him insurance for this period.”

A spokesman for the governing body was unable to confirm this was the case. Fifa has been approached for comment.

The Post has been told by a number of sources that X-factor attacker Everton Camargo was excluded after his request to feature only against Iran was refused.

Luisser insisted Camargo was missing for “family reasons”, and offered the same regarding the absent Jacky Leung Nok-hang. Leung, who would be a shoo-in at center-half, has played only twice for Hong Kong since September.

The withdrawals opened the door for Timothy Ma Hei-wai and Anthony Pinto. Ma, 20, was last week crowned Hong Kong young player of the season, along with Eastern teammate Jesse Yu Joy-yin.

The 18-year-old Pinto was selected despite his release from English League One club Bolton Wanderers.

“They bring fresh energy,” Luisser said of the new faces. Hong Kong cannot progress in the World Cup, but Luisser said the team want to “give something back to the fans and finish the qualifiers on a high”.

Anthony Pinto (right) has impressed following his first Hong Kong call-up. Photo: Edmond So

Iran are into the next phase, but coach Amir Ghalenoei said he would field his strongest team for Fifa ranking points and to try to top the group.

When Ghalenoei was asked how his players avoided being distracted by political turmoil at home, Iran media officials stepped in. The team’s translator said: “We are here for football and don’t want to talk about the political things.”

H2H: Iran vs. Hong Kong

Team Melli has played the tiny territory of Hong Kong 8 times since 1968. The first match was during the Asian Nations Cup 1968 (Later changed to AFC Asian Cup) in Tehran where Team Melli won its first major international title in May 1968.
All 7 following matches against Hong Kong ended with victory for Iran, for Team Melli to establish a perfect record against the East Asian opposition. It took Hong Kong 53 years to score its solitary goal against Iran in a 3-1 Team Melli win in Bahrain.

Despite the superiority of Team Melli across the history of the two teams’ meetings, Hong Kong has never been an easy opponent for Iran. with the last encounter last January in the AFC Asian Cup ending in a narrow 1-0 victory.

RANKING

TeamFIFA RankingAFC
IRAN202
HONG KONG15731

MATCHES

IDDateMatch TypeScoreResultScorers
551968-05-10Asian Cup2 – 0WBehzadi, Jabbari
20061977-06-19World Cup Qualifier2 – 0WKazerani, Jahani
20131977-11-18World Cup Qualifier3 – 0WJahani(2), Kazerani
20771988-05-27Asian Cup Qualifier2 – 0WMarfavi, Ghayeghran
25542019-09-10World Cup Qualifier2 – 0WAzmoun, Ansarifard
25652021-06-03World Cup Qualifier3 – 1WGholizadeh, Amiri, Ansarifard
25962023-11-16World Cup Qualifier4 – 0WAzmoun(2),Taremi, Rezaeian
25992024-01-19Asian Cup1 – 0WGhaedi
IDDateMatch TypeScoreResultScorers
Matches vs. Hong Kong

SUMMARY TABLE

MPWDLGFGAGDwin%GPM
98001911888.9%2.11

SCORERS TABLE

ScorerNumber of Goals
Ghafour JAHANI3
Sardar AZMOUN3
Hossein KAZERANI2
Karim ANSARIFARD 2
Ali JABBARI1
Ali GHOLIZADEH1
Homayoun BEHZADI1
Mehdi GHAEDI1
Mehdi TAREMI1
Ramin REZAEIAN1
Samad MARFAVI1
Sirous GHAYEGHRAN1
Vahid AMIRI1
Goal scorers vs. Hong Kong

Ghalenoei’s antic continues.

As Team Melli departs for Hong Kong for what can only be considered a formality and practice match, head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s team selection raises significant questions about his motives and judgment.

The exclusion of Ramin Rezaeian, one of the standout performers in Iran’s league with Sepahan this season, is particularly perplexing. To Ghalenoei’s embarrassment, Rezaeian, a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles on the pitch, scored a hat trick in his last match just a day before the squad for Hong Kong was announced. Despite this impressive performance, Ghalenoei did not provide a convincing explanation for Rezaeian’s omission, a pattern observed throughout his tenure with the team.

In contrast, Ghalenoei was more transparent about the exclusion of Hossein Hosseini, citing emotional pressure as a reason for giving Esteghlal’s goalkeeper a break for the Hong Kong match.

While Rezaeian’s exclusion appears to be a poor decision, the inclusion of 35-year-old Shojaa Khalilzadeh is equally questionable. Although Iran is not expected to face a stern challenge from Hong Kong, Khalilzadeh has struggled against tougher opponents and seems unprepared for the upcoming stages of the qualifiers. Even in the domestic league with Tractor, Khalilzadeh’s performances have ranged from poor to average. Ghalenoei’s decision to rely on a slowing central defender, who was outplayed in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup 2023 against Qatar, raises doubts about his strategic planning.

Team Melli’s midfield also appears to lack creativity, command, and control. Saman Ghoddos is probably the only player who has consistently performed well as an attacking midfielder. Ahmad Nourollahi, who has been a close second, finds himself on Ghalenoei’s bad list. Nourollahi, an Al-Wehda player, was excluded from selection due to disciplinary reasons after abandoning the Team Melli camp without permission. While this decision might be justified, it leaves a void in the midfield that will be difficult to fill.

As Ghalenoei continues to navigate his controversial team selections, the fans and media are left questioning whether these decisions will benefit Team Melli in the long run or hinder their progress in crucial stages of the qualifiers.

Team Melli departs for Hong Kong

Team Melli convoy left for Shanghai, China en route to Hong Kong for the return match against Hong Kong in the qualifying stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Persepolis player Mehdi Torabi could not accompany the national team despite being invited by the coaching staff due to illness (food poisoning).

Also, Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Ghaedi have taken direct flights to Hong Kong from Rome and Dubai to join the squad at their destination. Iran’s national team has gained 10 points before the fifth week of Group E of the qualifying round of the FIFA World Cup, like Uzbekistan, so the two teams have secured their early qualification to the next stage. Team Melli will play against Hong Kong on Thursday at 15:30, then return to Tehran to play against Uzbekistan on June 11 at Azadi Stadium.

Amir Ghalenoei: Insights on Iran’s Football Journey

Absentees justifications

Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the Iran national football team, recently shared his thoughts on the team’s achievements and upcoming challenges. Speaking on the sidelines of a practice session just before heading to Hong Kong for the match in the qualifying rounds of FIFA World Cup 2026, Ghalenoei highlighted several key points:

  1. Victory Against Turkmenistan: A Milestone
    • The recent match against Turkmenistan held significant importance for Team Melli. Not only did we secure a win in Ashgabat, but it was also the first time they defeated Turkmenistan. This victory ensured our qualification to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers and qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
    • Despite winning by just one goal, the three points earned were invaluable. Ghalenoei emphasized the team’s resilience and determination.
  2. Leadership in the Group
    • Another noteworthy achievement was becoming the group leader. This position reflects the team’s consistency and performance throughout the qualifying matches.
    • Ghalenoei praised the players’ efforts and teamwork, acknowledging their role in securing this leadership position.
  3. Balancing Experience and Youth
    • The coach discussed the importance of integrating young talents into the national team. Players invited to the previous camp showcased their skills in league matches, providing hope for the team’s future.
    • Ghalenoei emphasized that these young players should learn alongside experienced teammates. Their development will contribute to Iranian football’s growth in the long term.
  4. Seyyed Hossein Hosseini’s Absence
    • Addressing Seyyed Hossein Hosseini’s absence from the current camp, Ghalenoei clarified that the decision was based on various factors.
    • While Hosseini performed well in the recently concluded league, he faced mental challenges after the Esteghlal vs. Peykan match. The coaching staff engaged in discussions with him, considering both physical and mental aspects.
    • Ghalenoei hinted that Hosseini’s situation could be resolved, and he might be invited to the match against Uzbekistan.
  5. Ramin Rezaian’s Prospects
    • Ramin Rezaian, another player under consideration, could feature in the next camp. His potential and performance will be closely monitored.
    • Team Melli’s departure for an away trip without training in Tehran is a rare occurrence. Ghalenoei expressed optimism about the team’s adaptability and the changes they’ve implemented.

In summary, Amir Ghalenoei’s insights provide a glimpse into the team’s dynamics, challenges, and aspirations. As they prepare for future matches, Team Melli aims to maintain their winning streak and continue making strides in international football.

Analysis of Reza Enayati’s Tenure in Iranian Football

Failure stories.

Last year, Iran’s Omid football team faced a significant setback when they were eliminated from the Asian Olympic football competition qualifiers after a surprising defeat against Hong Kong. This loss dashed their hopes of advancing to the next stage of the Olympic qualifiers. The team’s head coach, Reza Enayati, was a controversial choice due to his lack of coaching experience. His appointment came with the backing of several officials, including Team Melli’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei. Unfortunately, Enayati’s inexperience was glaringly evident both in his squad selection and his management during the qualifiers. Despite having a roster filled with promising young talents, some of whom were already part of Iran’s senior team, Enayati’s tactical shortcomings led to the team’s early exit against a modest Hong Kong side.

The aftermath of this failure was met with widespread disappointment from both the media and fans, who demanded accountability from the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI). However, no significant actions were taken, and the pervasive impunity in Iranian football continued unabated. Surprisingly, despite this major setback, Enayati was soon appointed as the head coach of Peykan Football Club, one of Tehran’s oldest and most prestigious teams. This decision was perplexing, especially given Peykan’s history of developing young players for Iran’s national teams at various levels.

Enayati’s tenure at Peykan proved to be another disastrous chapter in his coaching career. Under his leadership, the team suffered relegation from the Premier League following a 0-2 defeat against Esteghlal in the final week of the season. This relegation marked a significant blow, as Peykan had been a mainstay in the top flight for many years. Tehran’s football scene also took a hit, losing one of its Premier League representatives.

Given these consecutive failures, it raises questions about whether any CEO would be willing to entrust Enayati with a team for the next season. However, it appears that those who supported Enayati’s appointment despite his failure with the Omid team may once again find a new opportunity for him.

Enayati’s situation is emblematic of broader issues within Iranian football, including incompetency, corruption, and nepotism. The rapid progression of former players to coaching roles without adequate training, certification, or experience is a troubling trend. Coaches like Nekounam, Shojaei, and Navidkia are examples of individuals who have been given significant coaching responsibilities without meeting international standards. In contrast, European leagues often require formal coaching certifications and a thorough vetting process before appointments, a practice largely ignored in Iran.

This lack of process and disregard for international coaching standards not only hampers the development of Iranian football but also undermines its credibility on the global stage. For Iranian football to progress, there needs to be a significant overhaul in how coaches are trained, certified, and appointed, ensuring that competence and meritocracy replace the current culture of favoritism and expediency.

Team Melli squad announced.

Team Melli will play Hong Kong on June 6th and four days later, will host Uzbekistan in the final match of the preliminary stage of the World Cup 2026. The matches are insignificant to Team Melli as both Iran and Uzbekistan have qualified for the next stage. The match against the Uzbek will decide who tops the group.

Iran is in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers along with Uzbekistan, Hong Kong, and Turkmenistan. The names of the players invited to the squad for the two last matches of the group were announced by head coach Amir Ghalenoei as follows:

Goalkeepers:

Alireza Beiranvand, Payam Niazmand, Hossein Pourhamidi

Defenders:

Shoja Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Amin Hizbavi, Aref Gholami, Saleh Hardani, Milad Mohammadi, Abolfazl Jalali, Arya Yousefi

Midfielders:

Omid Nourafkan, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Saeed Mehri, Allhayar Sayyadmanesh, Mehdi Limuchi, Mehdi Torabi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Forwards:

Mehdi Taremi, Javad Aghaeipour, Sardar Azmoun, Javad Hossein-Nejad , Shariyar Moghanlou, Mehdi Ghaeydi and Mohammad Reza Azadi.