The atmosphere in Iran football was more than positive in the aftermath of the Team Melli victory away to Qatar. Joy and celebrations was aplenty in Iran’s football circles after the crucial victory , despite the fact that Queiroz said that there is still a lot of football and work to be done. “ we will hold on to the celebrations until the end of the match against Korea Republic.” The jubilant Portuguese announced to the media.
The media in Iran was full of praise for the performance and result that was achieved by Team Melli beating Qatar 1-0 in Doha. The majority of the reports talked about the methodology and the tactics employed by Queiroz used that lead to what was comfortable win in the end. Iran deserved a better goal margin victory , according to the press but the majority seem to be content with that solitary goal.
Heshmat Mohajerani, the legendary Team Melli coach who was the first coach to lead Iran to the World Cup 1978 in Argentina, said “ this match was the best I have seen of Team Melli since Carlos Queiroz took over at the helm of the team.”
Mahmoud Yavari, another ex-Team Melli coach and player believed that Queiroz preparation of the team , mentally and physically was a winner. The veteran coach praised the media in Iran which supported Team Melli till the day of the match. “There was lots of room for criticism especially after that embarrassing losses in a friendly against Oman, but to their credit , the press had been marvelous backing the team and the coach.”
Afshin Peyrovani , ex-Team Melli player and Captain said that Queiroz decision to employ the skeleton of the Esteghlal defense was a ingenious decision. The Champions Esteghlal , had the best defense in their way to win the title and using 3 out of 4 of their players proved to be a wise move.
Karim Bagheri and Khodadad Azizi , the scorers of the goals in Melbourne which took Iran to 1998 World Cup finals, were special guest of the federation for the match in Doha. Azizi express his delight with the victory and believes that “beating Lebanon next Tuesday should not be a big deal, but unless Queiroz patches up the team with more sharp and stronger players, we will have a tough time against the powerful Koreans.”
Reza GhoochanNejad the scorer of Iran’s solitary goal believes the team played quite well “I am happy that I managed to convert the supremacy of the team and the good work of the players into a deserved goal for us”
Amongst the many cheerful voices, there was some that advised caution against Lebanon. In the midst of that sweet victory in Doha, the team can easily lose focus and be surprised by a Lebanon that has no aspiration but also nothing to lose either.