Author: admin

Futsal News

Hossein Tayebi’s injury is not serious enough to miss the Asian Nations Cup.

Hossein Tayebi, the captain of Iran’s national futsal team and Palma club, was injured during his team’s match against Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga, The match ended with a 1-0 defeat for Palma, raising concerns about his absence in the AFC FUTSAL ASIAN CUP™ 2024, which is scheduled to be held in Thailand. The injury of the captain of the national team is not serious as Palma’s medical crew is trying to prepare him for the next games. According to the announcement of the Futsal Team Melli coaching, the participation of the national team in the first camp and friendly tournament in Vietnam is not mandatory for Tayebi, and the announced list, which includes the players of the domestic league, is supposed to participate in these matches.

Vietnam Four-side International tournament

The International Futsal Quadruple Tournament at the national team level will take place in Ho Chi Minh City. HCM from March 28 to 31. This is the “springboard” for Vietnam Futsal (VN) to activate the World Cup ticket-hunting campaign for the third time in a row. Iran will find this invitational tournament an opportunity to test itself against strong opposition and lay a claim to the title that is held by Japan.

In addition to the Vietnamese team, the three international guests are Iran (Asian runner-up), Morocco (African champion), and New Zealand (Oceania champion – OFC). The teams will play in a round-robin format.

AFC FUTSAL ASIAN CUP™ 2024

Group A: Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, China PR

Group B: Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Australia

Group C: Japan, Tajikistan, Korea Republic, Kyrgyz Republic

Group D: IR Iran, Kuwait, Bahrain, Afghanistan

MATCHES SCHEDULE


18 April 2024 – 16:00 – Iran v Afghanistan – Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok
18 April 2024 – 21:00 – Kuwait v Bahrain – Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok
20 April 2024 – 16:00 – Afghanistan v Kuwait – Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok
20 April 2024 – 21:00 – Bahrain v Iran – Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok
22 April 2024 – 21:00 – Iran v Kuwait – Indoor Stadium Huamark, Bangkok
22 April 2024 – 21:00 – Bahrain v Afghanistan – Bangkok Arena, Bangkok

Which players should be left out of Team Melli?

The defeat against Qatar in the semi-finals of the 18th AFC Asian Cup 2023 left Iranian fans with a bitter taste and yet another heartbreak. This tournament presented Iran with its best chance in 48 years to clinch the Asian trophy, yet familiar shortcomings plagued the team once again, resulting in a loss when victory seemed within reach.

Amidst the disappointment, criticism has been directed towards Amir Ghalenoei for his unwavering faith in established players despite their evident lack of form and fitness for a demanding tournament. Ghalenoei’s tendency to attribute the team’s failures to bad luck rather than addressing underlying issues has drawn skepticism from many observers.

Under mounting pressure, Ghalenoei has finally acknowledged the need for rejuvenation, signaling a potential shift in the team’s composition starting with the match against Turkmenistan, who did not qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

The pressing question now revolves around which players should make way for new blood. Let’s examine the list of potential candidates:

  1. Shoja Khalilzadeh (34 years) – The central defender will miss the Turkmenistan match due to a red card received against Qatar. While known for his courage and determination, Khalilzadeh’s diminishing pace and agility, compounded by his advancing age, highlight his limitations.
  2. Ehsan Hajsafy (33 years) – Once a dynamic winger known for his speed and defensive capabilities, Hajsafy has shown signs of decline in recent times. While still a valuable squad member, his diminishing abilities suggest that his time in the national team may be nearing its end.
  3. Karim Ansarifard (33 years) – Ansarifard’s frequent club changes have impacted his form, diminishing his value to Team Melli. With plenty of alternatives available, his role within the team has become less prominent.
  4. Omid Ebrahimi (35 years) – Ebrahimi’s dedication and work ethic are unquestionable, but his ability to compete at the international level has been called into question due to his age and physical limitations. Retirement from international football may be on the horizon for him.
  5. Shariyar Moghanlou (29 years) – Moghanlou has struggled to make an impact on the international stage, with his lack of speed and decisiveness hindering his effectiveness. His contributions to the team have been minimal, suggesting that his time in the national setup may be limited.
  6. Saeid Ezatolahi (27 years) – Once heralded as a rising star, Ezatolahi has failed to fulfill his potential, with inconsistency and frequent club changes hampering his progress. His physical attributes are no longer sufficient to set him apart, making a temporary exclusion from the squad a viable option.
  7. Ramin Rezaeian (33 years) – Despite being one of the more reliable players in the squad, Rezaeian’s recent form has dipped, particularly in the AFC Asian Cup. While still possessing valuable qualities, his declining speed and subpar performances raise questions about his long-term viability in the team.

In conclusion, while these players have served Team Melli with distinction, it may be time for them to step aside and make room for fresher talent that can inject renewed energy and vigor into the national team.

Mohammad Ghorbani to be called to Team Melli

Mohammad Ghorbani, the former Sepahan Esfahan Midfielder who joined FC Orenburg in the Russian Premier League in the winter transfer window is being called to Team Melli.

According to the Russian media, this 22-year-old player has been invited by Amir Ghalenoei to join Team Melli’s squad for the upcoming two matches against Turkmenistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Ghorbani will be with his club for the match between “Orenburg” and “Spartak” Moscow in the Cup cup, and then fly to Tehran to join the squad. The Iranian national team will host Turkmenistan in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on March 21st, 2024, and will play against the same team in the return match on March 26th.

Ghaleneoi will be announcing the squad in a few days with a focus on new blood to replace his again players.

Worrying league forms of Team Melli goalkeepers.

In the latest round of the Persian Gulf League, the spotlight fell squarely on the performance of Team Melli’s goalkeepers, with their errors leading to conceding goals that should have been easily avoided.

The Premier League witnessed rare occurrences this week, with individual mistakes and bizarre own goals becoming the talk of the town. Alireza Rezaei of Nasaji Mazandaran was the first to make headlines, allowing a seemingly innocuous ball slip through his legs in the dying moments of the game against Naft Abadan.

However, the most alarming incident unfolded during Sepahan’s clash with Peykan, where Payam Niazmand’s errors drew the ire of head coach Jose Morais, prompting a halftime substitution with Nima Mirzazad taking over goalkeeping duties.

Yet, the most disappointing display of the week came from Persepolis’s Alireza Beiranvand, the stalwart goalkeeper for Team Melli. Despite his status, Beiranvand’s recent form has been under scrutiny since the AFC Asian Cup 2023. His performance against Foolad Khuzestan further fueled doubts, as elementary errors led to both of Foolad’s goals, including a momentary lapse that resulted in a Persepolis own goal.

With Amir Ghalenoei and his coaching staff closely monitoring these league matches, concerns have undoubtedly arisen regarding the reliability of Team Melli’s main goalkeepers. However, amidst these worries, Esteghlal’s Keeper and Team Melli’s third-choice goalkeeper, Hossein Hosseini, emerged as a beacon of hope by maintaining a clean sheet.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers loom on the horizon, all eyes are on Ghalenoei’s next move. Will he adhere to his pledge of rejuvenating the Team Melli squad, or will he opt for continuity with the old guard under the guise of needing more time? The next two matches will undoubtedly provide crucial insights into the direction Ghalenoei chooses for the national team.

Mohebbi leads Rostov to victory over League leaders.

In the 20th round of the Russian Premiere League, Rostov FC hosted the league leader Krasnodar, on Friday evening and managed to win thanks to a brace by Iranian forward Mohammad Mohebbi.

The hosts won a landslide victory with a score of 2 -1, to upset the top of the table as both Zenit St. Petersburg (37 pts) and Dinamno (38 pts) are yet to play their matches in round 20.

Rostov started the game after the break in the RPL very energetically: they scored and played an excellent game against the league leaders. I expected them to have difficulties

Now Krasnodar must emotionally survive the previous draw and defeat from Rostov. If they can handle it, then they will fight for gold. If they sink into depression, then it will be the end – we will lose the option of a new champion,” Chervichenko commented in an interview with the correspondent of Championat.

After the victory, Rostov climbed to 9th place in the RPL table, Krasnodar remained at the top of the table..

in the 49th minute, Krasnodar‘s player Olakunle Olusegun was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

Mohebbi was part of Team Melli squad that participated in the recent AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar where Iran was defeated by the eventual winner Qatar in the semi-finals.

Football. Russia. RPL. 20th round.

“Rostov” – “Krasnodar” – 2:1 (1:0).

Goals: Mohebi (25, 62) – Cordoba (66).

Red cards: Olusegun (49).

Ghalenoei is planning a new younger Team Melli.

After a thorough evaluation of Team Melli’s performance in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, the Iranian Football Federation has decided to retain Amir Ghalenoei as the head coach. This decision comes as the federation eagerly awaits the implementation of Ghalenoei’s visionary plans aimed at ushering in a new era of talent and rejuvenation within the team.

Following his return to Iran, Coach Ghalenoei wasted no time in strategizing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. In a collaborative meeting attended by his Iranian coaching staff, Ghalenoei outlined his ambitious youth development program. Despite the dearth of emerging talent in many local clubs, Ghalenoei’s approach to generational change is multifaceted.

Integral to his strategy is the utilization of young players in specialized mini-camps, strategically scheduled outside of FIFA-designated dates. Additionally, Ghalenoei envisions regular assessments of young prospects during technical staff meetings with coaches from the Premier League, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of emerging talent.

In a bold move, the technical staff of the Iranian national team plans to provide valuable exposure to selected young talents during the upcoming matches against Turkmenistan. This includes scouting potential prospects from prestigious European leagues and extending invitations to a select few for training camps.

The identified young talents are slated to undergo a rigorous evaluation process, with the aim of integrating them into the national team setup gradually. Coach Ghalenoei, in discussions with Mehdi Taj, the head of the federation, has emphasized the critical importance of these initiatives, which have garnered full support and approval from the federation.

Ghalenoei was severely and repeatedly criticized by the media for sticking to the same old players he inherited from the Queiroz era taking a squad of many over 30 players to the Asian Cup. It proved to be his downfall as many of these senior players failed to show up and make a difference.

It remains to be seen if Ghalenoei will introduce any young players in the upcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and if so, who many?

Iran’s failure in winning titles continues.

  • It has been 48 since Team Melli won the Asian Cup
  • Omid Team has failed to qualify for the Olympic games since 1980
  • The last time Iran won an Asian Title at the Youth level was in 2008

Iranian football’s struggle to clinch championship titles has stretched across 164 years, a lamentable trend that, if left unaddressed, could endure for two centuries. The phrase “Championship in Asia” evokes both sweetness and bitterness for Iranian football enthusiasts, as decades have passed without Iran ascending to the pinnacle of Asian football. Instead, tournaments have been marked by heartbreak and disappointment for fans, with memories of past glory fading into the recesses of their minds. The inability to secure championships across various age categories – from teenagers to seniors – underscores the systemic weaknesses within Iranian football.

The last taste of championship glory for Iran came in 2008 when the junior national team emerged victorious in Asia in Uzbekistan with a thrilling 2-1 triumph over South Korea. Goals from Mohsen Zabat and Kaveh Rezaei etched their names in history, with Rezaei earning the accolade of the tournament’s top goal scorer. However, since that momentous victory, Iranian football has languished without further triumphs at both the national and club levels. Nearly 16 years have elapsed since that memorable achievement, leaving the youth championship in Asia as a distant dream for Iranian football fans.

The Omid team, representing Iran on the Olympic stage, stands as a poignant symbol of unfulfilled potential. Despite changes in coaching staff and even the inclusion of foreign expertise, Iran’s quest for Olympic qualification remains elusive. The team’s participation in the 1964, 1972, and 1976 Summer Olympics underscores a long-standing aspiration within Iranian football to compete on the global stage. However, since 1976, Iran’s football faithful have yearned for a return to Olympic glory, with the Omid team’s failure to progress beyond the quarter-finals in the 2016 Asian Championship serving as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The team’s lone championship triumph at the 2002 Asian Games remains a distant memory, further accentuating the uphill battle faced by Iranian football.

Iran fields several age-group teams in Asian and international competitions, yet success has remained elusive since the glory days of the 1970s. The U20 team, in particular, has failed to replicate its past triumphs, with the last championship title dating back to 1976. Despite promising showings, such as advancing as the top team from Group B in the recent 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, heartbreaking defeats like the one against Iraq in the quarter-finals continue to haunt Iranian football.

At the heart of Iranian football’s woes lies a complex web of political interference and institutional inertia. Government control over the sport, coupled with the prioritization of regime interests over sporting excellence, has stifled progress and perpetuated corruption. Despite widespread recognition of these issues, meaningful reform remains elusive, with entrenched power structures resistant to change. Until football governance is untangled from political agendas and genuine efforts are made to prioritize the sport’s development, Iranian football will continue to languish in the shadows of its former glory.

Iran hammers Belarus to Bag FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024 bronze

An excellent display from the Iran Beach Soccer Team ensured they would depart the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup with heads high and the bronze medal.

IR Iran put in one of the displays of UAE 2024 Dubai™ to thump Belarus 6-1 and claim bronze.

Ali Naderi’s side raced into a two-goal lead when Amirhosein Akbari’s overhead kick was diverted home by Ali Mirshekari before Movahed Mohammadpour sent his own acrobat effort flying into the net.

Three further second-period goals tightened Team Melli’s stranglehold on proceedings. Mohammadali Mokhtari netted his seventh goal of these finals in the third, and while Mikita Chaikouski fired home for Belarus, it wasn’t enough to trouble the final scoreline.

Iran makes it two consecutive third-place finishes in tournaments they’ve been involved in, after their Bahamas 2017 exploits. Belarus, meanwhile, heads home following their best-ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup campaign.

Yesterday, Iran lost to a last-second goal against Brazil in a thrilling yet heartbreaking semi-final. Team Melli was leading 2-0 well into the match for the Brazillians to remarkably turn the 2-goal deficit into a 3-2 victory.

Brazil defeated Italy 6-4 to win the title after the Iran=belarus match.

Iran goals: Mirshekari, Mohammadpour, Moradi, Amiri, Masoumi, Mokhtari

Belarus goals: Chaikouski

Player of the Match: Reza Amiri

Iran’s Beach Soccer to meet Brazil in the semi-finals.

Iran 2-1 United Arab Emirates

Iran came from behind to defeat the United Arab Emirates in front of a raucous Dubai Design District Stadium crowd and reach the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ semi-finals. 

The hosts took the lead in the second period when Ali Mohammad crossed for an unmarked Abdulla Abbas to head home. Just over three minutes later, though, Iran were level when Mohammad Masoumi scored a header of his own, before goalkeeper Seyed Mehdi Mirjalili netted with a terrific volley.

While the UAE, who had not trailed at any point in the tournament before Mirjalili struck, tried to get back into the game, they couldn’t find a way through a staunch Iranian rearguard.

Mirjalili’s goal is the fifth goal scored by the two Iranian goalkeepers in this edition of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

Team Melli will now face Brazil in the semi-finals on Saturday. In the other semi-finals, Italy will meet Belarus.

Iran goals: Masoumi, Mirjalili

United Arab Emirates goals: Abbas

Player of the Match: Seyed Mehdi Mirjalili

Ghalenoei and Ghoddos on touchline

A close look at Amir Ghalenoei’s work.

Amir Ghalenoei’s tenure as coach of Team Melli has been marked by dedication and effort, but the ultimate measure of success in titles and championships has proven elusive. Despite his best intentions, Ghalenoei faces inherent challenges, including skepticism from a portion of Team Melli fans who question the efficacy of a local coach for the national team.

Before the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Ghalenoei’s approval rating hovered below 40%, influenced in part by the partisan nature of Iranian football rather than solely reflecting his capabilities. However, certain aspects of his coaching style appear at odds with championship standards.

There’s a poignant analogy that encapsulates Ghalenoei’s situation: a sick person who denies their illness cannot be cured. Similarly, Ghalenoei’s reluctance to acknowledge tactical shortcomings and penchant for attributing setbacks to bad luck hinder Team Melli’s progress. His recent televised remarks, attempting to justify defeats with comical reasoning, only exacerbate the situation, eroding his credibility with fans and critics alike.

This persistent denial impedes Team Melli’s ability to address performance deficiencies under Ghalenoei’s leadership. Many of the team’s issues, from player selection to tactical decisions, ultimately rest on his shoulders. Despite warnings about the team’s aging defense, Ghalenoei persisted with his choices, resulting in vulnerabilities exploited by opponents like Qatar.

Ghalenoei’s player selections, particularly in crucial matches, have come under scrutiny. Questions linger about his decisions regarding Ghayedi and Mohebbi in the semi-final, as well as his persistence with Taremi despite the Porto forward ineffectiveness. While Ghalenoei offers explanations for his choices, the efficacy of his decisions remains dubious.

In his post-match conferences, Ghalenoei acknowledges responsibility for defeats but continues to lean on the excuse of bad luck. However, in international football, results are paramount, and Ghalenoei must shift focus from blaming luck to addressing tactical shortcomings, player selections, and fostering a winning mentality.

This isn’t Ghalenoei’s first stint with Team Melli, yet it appears lessons from past experiences remain unlearned. Despite sympathetic media coverage, Ghalenoei’s leadership may be reaching its limits. While he may guide Team Melli through World Cup qualifiers, the prospect of meaningful success in major tournaments remains uncertain.

Ultimately, Ghalenoei’s tenure raises questions about his suitability for leading Team Melli to greater achievements. While his dedication is commendable, tangible results must follow. The football-loving nation of Iran demands nothing less.