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Mehdi Taj, The arrogant and condescending head of FFIRI under fire.

In a feeble attempt by Mehdi Taj to cover his own personal shortfalls and those of his administration, the president of the football federation FFIRI gave explanations about the bitter exchanges in a live TV show, the future plans of Team Melli, and the new form of club competitions in Asia suggested by the AFC.

Referring to the results of Iran in the World Cup, Mehdi Taj, said: “The result is always determined on the field, It’s true that we endured big pressure off the field and the players didn’t have the concentration required for such top-level competition, and maybe time will pass and no one will remember what these issues were. Moreover, when we returned to Iran, this important issue (off-field tension) was not discussed much, and how far the team was from the tranquil atmosphere of concentration required for the competition. However, I accept that we failed and I apologize for that. Although no one has seen our apology in the statement of the federation, my colleagues and I had done this with full humility. I believe that under normal circumstances, our team would have advanced with this quality that we have.”

Although he claimed that “we” failed, it was far from a genuine admission in the interview as he was vigorously defending his federation and the work of Queiroz.

The head of the football federation added: “I know that the main discussion these football days is about the issue of Team Melli’s head coach. I want everyone to allow us to make the best decision in this matter. I assure you that the federation and the board of directors will be the trustees of the people and will make the best decision. Our goal is to compensate for this result in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and, God willing, we will announce our decision on the appointment of the head coach considering all aspects and the good of the national team.”

What Taj claims is not consistent with facts and track records. In his shift, Taj was responsible for two major failures in appointing the Head Coach of Team Melli, one was the disastrous Marc Wilmots, for which he resigned his post before being questioned, and the other was recently in appointing Carlos Queiroz with three months to go to the World Cup!

How would the fans and critics believe that Taj will get it right the third time? Has he gained some superior knowledge in the last few days or weeks, has he attended seminars or consulted with the elites of world football for us to believe that he and his cronies, will get it right this time?

Selection of the Head coach and the coaching team in National teams is a process. FFIRI lacks that process and even if there is written in some obscure manual of FFIRI, it will not be followed. It is the Head of the FFIRI that decides. Not dissimilar to the system that country is run, it is a one-man show here too. The comical act of the Technical Committee that sacked  Dragan Skocic without having the authority to do so, during Misrshad Majedi’s term as acting head of FFIRI, shows how chaotic this federation and the people associated with it are.

Taj finally mentioned a subject he was trying hard to avoid, and that was the TV Sport show that was talk of the town and social media since Thursday. Taj’s arrogance, sarcasm, dark humor, and condescending attitude toward the two presenters, were not received well by the fans and media.

” First of all, I consider it my duty to once again thank the media for their sincere support during the World Cup. My colleagues and I at the Football Federation are eagerly interested in receiving suggestions and criticisms from media friends. Regarding the topics related to appearing on the sports network program, that night I had general expectations about the manner of the questions and the questions themselves, which I don’t want to reveal, but for example, in the discussion of the former head coach of the national team, Mr. Khiabani, could have said “what happened to the Wilmots case? ‘, which I should have answered, instead, Mr. Khabani suddenly said, “Where is the Wilmots case?” Maybe I shouldn’t have said it was in my pocket, but I should have explained the process that I did. I fully explained that the Wilmots case has resulted in a penalty against the FFIRI in the amount of 9.2 million euros, because of contract violations.

Regarding the issues raised with Rasul Majidi, the young show host of the program whom Taj clearly insulted, he said: “The reality is that this host is like my own son. I am also interested in him. At the beginning of the World Cup, I spoke only with him in this TV show. I was supposed to go to the studio on the last day. I am interested in them and I sincerely apologize.  Taj who insinuated that Majidi was a novice in football due ro his young age, turned around and said “In the football federation, people of his age do important work. I don’t want him to be upset either.

At the end of that interview, Taj made a strong statement saying that the IRIB has no place in making football policy or questioning who is going to be Team Melli’s coach.

Not only Taj has exposed his weak self and his lack of integrity and true management skills, his arrogance and looking down on people are something that the Iranians have experienced for the first time from this man. The industrialist from Esfahan who comes from a rich family loyal to the regime has truly uncovered his mask.

Amir Abedini: Queiroz must go.

Amir Abedini is a former club chairman, former professional footballer, and currently a member of the City Council of Tehran. Abedini’s views on football and politics have always been direct and bold. He has no issues speaking up against corruption, shortfalls, and anything that he deems to be harmful to society. In football, he rarely holds back and is most critical of the football establishment, the nepotism, and the mismanagement of the federation. He does not get much press exposure because his views are deemed to be controversial and since the FFIRI and football, in general, are under direct government control, it will be detrimental to the ruling clan and the political system.

Abedini was recently interviewed by Mehrnews post the Tehran derby that ended in a 2-2 draw. He was critical of the standard of the match, the lack of atmosphere as the match was played behind closed doors in the 100,000-capacity Azadi stadium, and the general lack of quality, and skills by the players of Esteghlal and Persepolis. Abedini then remarked that “after the Excitement of the World Cup and the beautiful games we have witnessed, perhaps our expectation of this derby was far too high.”

Amir Abedini was then asked about team Melli.

The former president of the Football Federation emphasized: “One of the issues that play a role in the quality of the league is the national team, which we do not see in Iran at the moment. Queiroz’s national team means a predetermined package; A certain group of players who, if Queiroz could, would even be taken with him to Colombia! In my opinion, our league is useless and its output is nothing for the national team. This hurts the league, the players, and the clubs in many ways.

Mehdi Taj is losing his bearings.
Abedini also responded to Mehdi Taj’s strange behavior and answers, which caused a lot of controversy on the sports network a few days ago, and added: Taj is losing his integrity due to the intense pressure he is under. One of the admirable merits of Taj was his coolness and his reasonable dealings with the media. Today Taj is tense and nervous and this nervousness plays a role in his behavior and decision-making. The bad failure in the World Cup made him nervous. The expectations of the people and the media are quite high and yet I have not seen any true critique from the media so far.

Team Melli was disappointing in the World Cup.
” We didn’t see anything of worth from Iran in the World Cup,” the former member of the Football Federation stated: “People expected the National Team to show its face and turn up to play football in the World Cup, but we didn’t see such thing. The beating by England hurt badly. In the 2018 World Cup, we defeated Morocco, but what happened to Morocco, who lost to us, four years later? they became among the top four teams in the world and were so good that the people of Asia, Africa, and some of the people of other continents wanted Morrocco to reach the final. . Or, for example, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, which performed significantly better than Iran.

Unwanted Queiroz was reborn and became alive with Iran.
Abedini added: We defeated the modest team of Wales. A team that really had nothing to say, but we messed up the national team’s camp and created false expectations. The same package of players that I mentioned earlier, threw that gentleman (Queiroz) up and down 6 times against England. Was it the same case for Korean and Japanese coaches? No one wanted Queiroz anywhere, but we brought him back to life. Taj defends something that has been rejected by the people and the media. People are not thrilled anymore;  Why do they insist that Queiroz remains one of the options for the head coach of the national team? Mr. Taj! People attack you because you are defending something that has been rejected by the people. People enjoy and rave about winners and enjoy success. Failures have no place in society.

Queiroz needs to go.
 “I am against the renewal of Queiroz’s contract. His work is not good enough.” The former president of the Football Federation emphasized that he is against the continuation of Queiroz’s work in the national team and said: “I am expressing my opinion. If Mr. Taj wants to stay in football, he must create a platform for consensus, that is, elites and experts who believe that change is necessary for football. It is good that the league is held, but the important thing is how our matches are held and what quality.

Imaginary enemies
“The media is not the enemy of football.” Abedini said, in response to the criticism of Mehdi Taj’s performance,” Taj should be spoken to and the public is entitled to know what is his plan for football and Team Melli. How does he want to continue his work? The General Assembly members and board of directors need to address that. Fand=s and experts should feel relaxed and be assured that football is being properly run (…) . These are football fanatics. The media is not an enemy, and neither are the people. Mehdi Taj must have a master plan with checkpoints to determine whether it is moving in the right direction or not.

Plans for Team Melli
“I think people like Dadkan and Maeli Kohn can provide good advice to Taj in regard to Team Melli.
Asked about, what advice the former Head of FFIRI  has for the Federation Assembly regarding the national team. He said: “Elites must decide. The football federation is for the people and the football elites become the representatives of the people. Make a decision and accept responsibility for it. People like Dadkan or Maeli Kohn or those who have experienced the ups and downs of football should help Taj as a consultant and support him. This would be a good option. It is not just a matter of having foreign or domestic coaches; whoever takes over in Team Melli, should be a coach who is proud of his appointment and capable, skillful, and competent for the post.

Iran drops 4 places in FIFA Ranking

After Argentina’s victory in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar in its 22nd edition FIFA announced the new ranking which was highly influenced by the results of this World Cup.

According to the new announcement by FIFA, Iran’s national football team, which was in the group B with England, Wales, and the United States, was heavily defeated by England 6-2, won 2-0  against Wales, and lost narrowly to the United States 1-0, ending its matches in third place while failing to advance to the knockout stages. Iran dropped four places compared to the previous FIFA ranking and stood at 24th place in the world ranking.

The Iranian national team is also no longer the top team in Asia and gave away that rank to Japan, which has performed marvelously as the best among Asian teams. The position of the Iranian and Japanese national football teams was changed both in Asia and in the world. Japan jumped to 20th in World Ranking four ranks above Iran. The gap that is created now means that Iran will be struggling to match the Japanese to regain the top spot. In fact, Iran will have a great challenge from the third rank team Korea Rep. too as it is breathing down Iran’s neck with a difference of 18 points only, Australia in fourth, not far behind, will also threaten to overtake Iran.

The disappointment follows the return of the ineffective and shady Mehdi Taj as the head of the football federation dominated by government loyalists and will continue as the anguished FFIRI are looking to hold on to the perpetual loser, Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of Team Melli post World Cup

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 remains the biggest challenge and barring a miracle, Iran will once again struggle to make it through to the finals or win the trophy back after 47 years.

 

 

AFC Rank
World Ranking
Team
Total Points
Previous Points
+/-
1
20
Japan
 Japan
1593.08
 1559.54 33.54
2
24
IR Iran
 Iran
1551.73
 1564.61 -12.88
3
25
Korea Republic
 Korea Republic
1539.49
 1530.3 9.19
4
27
Australia
 Australia
1533.97
 1488.72 45.25
5
49
Saudi Arabia
 Saudi Arabia
1438.13
 1437.78 0.35
6
60
Qatar
 Qatar
1393.56
 1439.89 -46.33
7
68
Iraq
 Iraq
1342.39
 1343.01 -0.62
8
70
United Arab Emirates
 United Arab Emirates
1338.48
 1337.57 0.91
9
75
Oman
 Oman
1321.24
 1320.29 0.95
10
77
Uzbekistan
 Uzbekistan
1312.64
 1309.98 2.66

 

 

Rogério De Sa waits on Iran’s FA to see if he and Queiroz still have a job

Rogério De Sa’s future with the Iran national team is hanging in the balance and he says he will resume talks with the federation after the festive break.

The former Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits coach is back in South Africa from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

De Sa was Iran coach Carlos Queiroz’s assistant and their collaboration did not yield the required results of getting the team to the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history. Team Melli lost 6-2 against England, beat Wales 2-0 and lost 1-0 against the US to end third in Group B.

De Sa and Queiros have Mozambican parentage and have worked together for some time. Earlier this year, they took Egypt to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon where the Pharaohs, led by Liverpool talisman Mo Salah, were defeated by Sadio Mane-led Senegal.

Twelve years ago, the duo coached a star-studded Portugal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“We are not sure about our future with the Iran national team but we will resume our talks with the federation in January. We hope to continue with the team next year,” De Sa said.

De Sa has already started working as an analyst on the pay-channel SuperSport’s World Cup panel. “After the World Cup, I will go on holiday for the rest of December,” he said.

Queiroz and De Sa only took over Iran in early September, replacing Croatian Dragan Skočić after Mehdi Taj was elected as Iranian FA president in October, returning to the position he held from 2016 to 2019. The South African assistant coach was quite confident of Iran reaching the knockout stages after a friendly 1-0 win against Uruguay

“But we are confident about reaching the knockout stages — that will be history, it will be for the first time Iran achieved that. In the last two World Cups, they came very close. We can only try again. But there is an amazing fighting spirit in the team. There are good attitudes in this team, no stars.”

De Sa said the limited time they had with the team, and a tough group always made for an uphill battle in Qatar. De Sa said the same thing about Egypt in the African Nations Cup.

“We were drawn into a very difficult group and our players were always going to find it very tough. We also did not have enough time because some of our players were arriving days before the games started.

“It was a different World Cup with so many different dynamics compared to other tournaments. Our team was made up of mostly local players, but it was an important learning experience for the boys playing against England’s superstars they see in the English Premier League, the stars of the US, and against players such as Gareth Bale [of Wales].

“We wanted to make history by qualifying for the knockout stage but we could not get over the line. It is very humid and the tempo of the matches is dropping [in the latter stages of the tournament]. There is air-conditioning at the stadiums but it is only switched on during matches. Some players are going to start struggling and that’s when you start seeing the big boys coming out on top.

 

Hamid Alidoosti’s daughter has been arrested.

Taraneh Alidoosti, the daughter of former Team Melli and Persepolis star Hamid Alidoosti has been arrested by the Iranian regime following a post on social media.

This is yet another celebrity that the clerical regime has incarcerated in an attempt to quell the nationwide protests.

Alidoosti, 38, was arrested on Saturday, official media said, after making a string of social media posts supporting the protest movement — including removing her headscarf and condemning the execution of protesters.

The unrest was sparked by the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, whom the morality police accused of violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women.

Alidoosti’s arrest came a week after she posted on Instagram expressing solidarity with the first man recently executed for crimes allegedly committed during the nationwide protests, the Irna news agency said.

In her post, the actress said: “His name was Mohsen Shekari. Every international organization that is watching this bloodshed and not taking action is a disgrace to humanity.” Her account was suspended on Sunday.
Taraneh Alidoosti earlier posted a picture on Instagram that showed her holding a sign saying 'Woman. Life. Freedom'. Photo: Taraneh Alidoosti

Taraneh Alidoosti earlier posted a picture on Instagram that showed her holding a sign saying ‘Woman. Life. Freedom’. Photo: Taraneh Alidoosti© Provided by The National

Alidoosti was arrested because she did not provide ’’any documents in line with her claims″, according to the report published on the state media’s official Telegram channel.

Shekari was executed on December 9 after being charged by an Iranian court with blocking a street in Tehran and attacking a member of the country’s security forces with a machete.

Last week, Iran executed a second prisoner, Majidreza Rahnavard, in connection with the protests. Rahnavard’s body was left hanging from a construction crane as a gruesome warning to others.

Alidoosti, who starred in the Oscar-winning The Salesman, was in Cannes in May to promote Leila’s Brothers.

Cannes Film Festival called on Monday for the immediate release of award-winning actress Taraneh Alidoosti, one of the most prominent people to have been arrested in Iran’s months-long protests.

“The @Festival_Cannes strongly condemns this arrest and demands her immediate release,” it wrote on Twitter, along with the hashtag #FreeTaranehAlidoosti.

“In solidarity with the peaceful struggle she is carrying out for freedom and women’s rights, the @Festival_Cannes extends their full support to her.”

A representative of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was “seriously concerned” by the detention of Alidoosti “for simply expressing her views on the current protests and particularly the execution of Mohsen Shekari, the first protester to be executed in the context of demonstrations.”

British pop group the Pet Shop Boys also tweeted about the case, saying: “Iran’s fascist government has executed protesters recently which Taraneh has condemned.”

Desperate FFIRI losing battle!

According to Mehr reporter, Dragan Skočić, the former head coach of Iran’s Team Melli, who was fired a few months before the World Cup, decided to confront FFIRI personnel following their slanders against him in the aftermath of Team Melli in the World Cup elimination. Those accusations were expressed by the vice president of the football federation, Mohhamadnabi on Friday.

For the first time since his departure, Skočić defended himself while harshly criticizing his successor, Mehdi Taj, and MohammadNabi,

In a hastily arranged, quirky, and clichéd response, the FFIRI while refuting Skocic’s statements (…), claimed that it will file a law suite against Skočić for defamation.

In the published statement of FFIRI, it was not clear which part of the Croat coach’s recent post, is false, libelous, or made to be harmful to FFIRI’s reputation, which a court of law can accept for such a case.

Skočić claimed that Nabi and his entourage were in contact with a certain group of Team Melli players before the elections of the Football Federation and lobbied them for support. It was the same group that had been in contact with Queiroz. This issue was brought up many times before by Mirshad Majdi, the acting head of the federation, as well as Hamid Estili, the head of the national team, and it was never denied, by Team Melli players, especially the supporters of Queiroz, who were mainly the senior players. The disgruntled players were subject to Skocic exclusion from the squad due to various reasons but mainly, an attempt by the Croat to introduce younger and more energetic players from the domestic league as replacements.

A smear campaign against Skočić started by spreading stories in several media outlets supporting the return of the former Team Melli coach, who has a track record of failure after failure not only with Iran but with Colombia and then Egypt. On the eve of the football federation elections, this shadowy group invited the members of the federation assembly to vote for Mehdi Taj to improve the conditions of the national team. Some unconfirmed stories of intimidation were published but quickly withdrawn after threats against the publishers. The group sought the support of Team Melli players.

In the end, it became clear that the senior players’ group was supporting the election of Taj, on the condition that Queiroz returns to Team Melli after the dismissal of Skocic, and of course, a guarantee that these old players are included in the squad participating in the World Cup.

Around the same time as these events, Carlos Queiroz, posted on his social media page a message that confirmed that he was fully aware of the situation in Iran, confirming contact(s) between Queiroz and his supporting players.  As such, such contacts as stated by Skocic is not a deniable or hidden issue that the Football Federation could use against Skocic to file a lawsuit!

In the post published by Skocic, he claimed that the Iranian national team was the oldest team present in the World Cup, which is easily proven based on statistics, and of course, the reason for the increase in the average age of the national team was the presence of older players who are, not accidentally, the proponents of Carlos Queiroz. To enhance his chances, Mehdi Taj and his aids, a group supported by the regime anyway, approached the Minister of Yout and Sports, Hamid Sajjadi, and claimed that the majority of Team Melli players and certainly the senior members are dissatisfied with Skocic while giving the minister several false and fabricated stories. Taj warned that time was critical, and his election will save Team Melli from humiliation in Qatar.

Sajjadi hardly bothered to research the issue meticulously or have his own audit or investigation, so he hastily approved the Taj’s plans and backed him fully to win the election. Since almost all the clubs are owned directly or indirectly by the government, it was not too difficult for the owners to demand their CEOs to vote for Taj.

It was quite predictable, that those players, such as Ehsan Hajsafi, Karim Ansarifard, Vahid Amiri, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Mehdi Taremi got rewarded for the efforts by being assured of a pace in the final list of Team Melli heading to Doha. With that list, Iran officially becomes the oldest team in its history present in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

In another part, Skocic addressed the members of the Federation by mentioning that they can enjoy the rewards and vehicles tax-free imports that they were awarded as a result of his efforts to assure Team Melli qualification. The reward officially announced by FFIRI specifically for qualifying for the World Cup, and naturally, this progress was guided by and achieved during Skocic’s coaching period, Therefore, this part of Skočić’s statement seems completely accurate and logical, and apparently cannot be denied by the Football Federation.

The former head coach of Team Melli also pointed out in another sarcasm that with the significant income he brought to the football federation (9 million dollars FIFA reward for qualifying for the World Cup), the officials of the federation can pay off the heavy debts resulting from their past bad deals and poor management. A veiled reference to the amount due to Marc Wilmots who was recruited by Mehdi Taj. That is, of course, an undeniable fact.

In other parts of Skocic’s post, issues such as players’ selection, trust in loyalty (towards the regime), and the lack of courage and bravery in the strategy of the game, are opinions on team issues that have already been discussed by many experts and veterans. Many experts and Iranian analysts have raised concerns similar to what Skočić mentioned. As such, these are not items that one party can file a lawsuit against.

In the end, the Football Federation should clearly and explicitly describe what it means by such accusations against Skočić instead of the issue of the clichéd statement against Skocic’s post and accusing the Croat of publishing lies and untrue statements. It is also prudent to mention how can these statements be prosecuted.

Final standing of the FIFA World Cup 2022 is published.

After the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, FIFA published the official ranking of all teams.

The four top-ranking were obvious as a result of the matches played to determine ranking Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. In the third-place match, Croatia beat Morocco 2-1.

The rest of the rankings were based on the total matches of all participating teams. The Netherlands was placed fifth ahead of England at 6th.

Iran, which failed to qualify from the group stages for the third time running under the Portuguese coach, Queiroz  was ranked a disappointing 26th

 

The rest of the rankings were calculated based on the group stages results for the teams that failed to qualify from their groups. Iran lies in 26th place below Saudi Arabia and above Costa Rica. The host nation Qatar was the bottom-ranked team after ending its run with 3 defeats and with just 1 goal scored.

 

The heartbreaking ranking of Team Melli, coached by the perpetual failure Carlos Queiroz, will be reflected in the latest FIFA ranking which will be published shortly. Iran will lose its top Asian ranking which will be claimed by Japan after a long time. As the World Cup points are valuable, it is not expected that Iran will regain its top Asian ranking for a long time to come.

Argentina are World Champions: Messi’s side win thriller on penalties

By Jason Burt, at the Lusail Stadium

This was the greatest of all-time. The greatest World Cup Final of all time involving the greatest player of all-time and the player who could one day rival him for that honour. The GOAT debate is at an end.

Lionel Messi’s place in the pantheon was already assured but he has, at last, crowned it by finally winning the World Cup in what was his fifth and last attempt. Kylian Mbappe is already set to follow him as the world’s best and he does not turn 24 until Tuesday.

Messi scored twice; Mbappe scored a hat-trick – the first in a World Cup Final since Sir Geoff Hurst for England in 1966 and only the second ever – but it was not enough as France failed to retain the trophy Mbappe had helped them win four years ago, losing 4-2 in an emotional, highly-charged penalty shoot-out with Gonzalo Montiel striking the decisive kick.

There was gamesmanship from Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who was the souped-up hero again as he made an incredible save deep into injury-time and then repelled Kingsley Coman in the shoot-out. With the next French kick, he tossed the ball away from Aurelien Tchouameni who was so unnerved he sent his effort wide. It means France have now lost two World Cup Finals in penalty shoot-outs, after being defeated by Italy in 2006.

Mbappe took France’s first spot-kick in the shoot-out and scored. Messi took Argentina’s first and also scored with an audacious, rolled effort. As Mbappe walked back to the half-way line he passed Messi going in the other direction, which felt symbolic.

Nobody could have done more than Kylian Mbappe - AFP via Getty Images

Nobody could have done more than Kylian Mbappe – AFP via Getty Images© Provided by The Telegraph

But not before Messi, his team-mate at Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain, claimed the trophy he so obsessively craved and without which his career would have felt incomplete. The kiss as he came face-to-face with it was tellingly tender.

Messi celebrated, the tears flowing amid the smiles. Mbappe, who ended up as the top-scorer and won the Golden Boot with eight goals, to the seven scored by Messi (who wore golden boots) stood staring into the distance. He could not have done more. But then neither could have Messi.

We all talked and wrote about this being a match-up between these two phenomenal players. So often that does not happen and the hype falls flat. Not this time. This time it exceeded expectation.

What a game. What a final. What a privilege to witness it. Fifa president Gianni Infantino had declared this was the best-ever World Cup and although that is disputable, on several levels, no-one would surely deny the primacy of its 64th and final fixture.

But for almost 80 minutes it was as one-sided as it could possibly be. Argentina were imperious and France appeared almost sedated by the virus that had swept through their camp. Mbappe did not get a kick and then he exploded into life with the two goals, in 97 dizzying seconds, to draw France level and force the extra 30 minutes.

Maybe we should also thank Nicolas Otamendi because it was not until the defender’s crude challenge, gifting a penalty, that the contest exploded. And explode it did. End to end. Chances for both sides; great saves and even greater drama.

Nicolas Otamendi unwittingly ignited the contest by fouling France's Randal Kolo Muani in the box - AP

Nicolas Otamendi unwittingly ignited the contest by fouling France’s Randal Kolo Muani in the box – AP© Provided by The Telegraph

Given the sheer weight of support inside the stadium and their dominance it was almost like a baying home match for Argentina who played with a swagger and were fully deserving of their two first-half goals.

Messi was already arguably above Pele and ahead of Diego Maradona in the hall of fame of football greats but that claim was always questioned by the bare fact that, after four previous World Cups, he was yet to leave as a champion unlike those two other gods of the game.

No more. The last dance did indeed turn into a tango for the 35-year-old as Argentina, coached by the former West Ham defender Lionel Scaloni who has built a team to service Messi, were crowned world champions for the third time and the first time since Maradona led them in 1986.

While the attention will understandably focus on Messi, who was mesmerising, the influence of Angel Di Maria, another feted veteran, was huge as he was recalled and won the penalty and scored to complete a wonderful counter-attack. He tormented France. There were tears from the 34-year-old after his goal and when he went off Argentina began to struggle.

But kudos also to Didier Deschamps. The France coach showed cojones. He made bold substitutions, including withdrawing Olivier Giroud, who threw a water bottle in frustration, and Ousmane Dembele in the first-half, and the ineffective Antoine Griezmann in the second, and changed shape as France went 4-4-2. It worked. Deschamps kept trying things – and his substitutes were involved in the goals with Randal Kolo Muani outstanding – and did not accept France’s apparent fate.

Before that it had been all Argentina. France railed against the penalty they conceded but Di Maria was canny, Di Maria was clever and Dembele was isolated. The Argentina winger went over and there was enough contact to convince the Polish referee Szymon Marciniak.

Messi scores from the spot in normal time - Getty

Messi scores from the spot in normal time – Getty© Provided by The Telegraph

Messi closed his eyes. Messi composed himself – at the other end Martinez kissed the post – before Hugo Lloris was deceived with Messi watching all the way as he became the first player to score in the group stages, the last-16, the quarter-final, the semi-final and now the final of a World Cup. Yes, four of those goals were penalties but he delivered.

France were being torn apart. When yet another loose pass, this time from Dayot Upamecano, was intercepted, Argentina countered and inevitably it was a deft touch from Messi that helped make it as he found Julian Alvarez who picked out the run of Alexis Mac Allister. Suddenly the Brighton midfielder was free down the right and as France tried to cover Mac Allister, who had an excellent game, had the vision to sweep a pass across field to the unmarked Di Maria who finished.

The story was France not turning up. Or France not able to compete through illness because they did not have a shot until the 71st minute. But what a difference a panicked challenge made and when Otamendi bundled Kolo Muani over, Mbappe drove home his first penalty before running to collect the ball.

Five other contenders for best World Cup final© Provided by The Telegraph

Surely it was a consolation? No, France were transformed. They had energy they previously appeared to lack. Coman held off Messi and they were away with a smart one-two involving Mbappe and Marcus Thuram who hooked it back into the forward’s path. There was much to do but Mbappe caught out Martinez by volleying the ball powerfully across him.

What kind of madness was this? Argentina were dazed but Messi hammered in a shot that looked set to beat Lloris who excelled in turning it over to force extra-time.

So often that period is a disappointment. This time it was remarkable with Lloris beating out a fierce drive from Lautaro Martinez with Messi pouncing to bundle in the rebound before Upamecano could clear. Messi knew and the goal was confirmed.

Surely that was it. That was the story. But, as great players do, Mbappe was having none of it and when his shot smacked off Leandro Paredes’s elbow he had the calmness to again beat Martinez from the spot and force the shoot-out.

But, hold fast, before that France should have actually won it when Kolo Muani was sent clear inside the area. There were just 20 seconds to go – only 20 seconds – and he had to score. The shot was low enough and firm enough – but Martinez stuck out a boot and turned it away. What a save and it would not be his last decisive intervention.

Lionel Messi, World Cup winner

What a player, what a match. In terms of the on-pitch action, that’s the best World Cup final I have watched and I’m guessing only people old enough for West Germany 3 Hungary 2 in 1954 would take issue. Amazing that Kylian Mbappe finished on the losing side with a hat-trick. Very hard lines for the two France guys who missed but I think at least the final won’t really be remembered for that. Jason Burt’s match report will now appear in full above, from me Alan Tyers and the rest of the Telegraph Sport team, thanks for reading and goodnight.

Including the five players who share top spot for assists with three each. They are Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Antoine Griezmann, Croatia’s Ivan Perisic

Despair

France's Kylian Mbappe - AP

France’s Kylian Mbappe – AP© AP

The Golden Ball

for best player of the tournament goes to Lionel Messi. Cradling that in his arms, he goes over the World Cup trophy and gives it a little kiss.

Young player of the tournament

Goes to Enzo Fernandez of Argentina.

Argentina had their own super fan

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates victory over France to win the FIFA World Cup with former player Sergio Aguero - PA

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates victory over France to win the FIFA World Cup with former player Sergio Aguero – PA© PA

Kylian Mbappe wins Golden Boot

Scant consolation I am sure right now but the French forward will collect the Golden Boot with a superb eight goals. Messi settles for second place with seven (taking his Argentina tally to 98).

Triumph and despair

Argentina players celebrate after the team's victory in the penalty shoot out as France players look dejected - Getty Images Europe

Argentina players celebrate after the team’s victory in the penalty shoot out as France players look dejected – Getty Images Europe© Getty Images Europe

The great man congratulates/congratulated

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes celebrate - Reuters

Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes celebrate – Reuters© Reuters

Here is the moment

Gonzalo Montiel slots away the final kick.

Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel scores the winning penalty - AP

Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel scores the winning penalty – AP© AP

Martinez

Emiliano Martinez of Argentina saves from Kingsley Coman - Getty Images Europe

Emiliano Martinez of Argentina saves from Kingsley Coman – Getty Images Europe© Getty Images Europe

Emi Martinez has completely reinvented the role of the keeper in a penalty shoot out. So physically and psychologically dominant in this shoot out and the one versus the Dutch. He has made it more “will he save?” than “they should score.”

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a penalty during the penalty shootout - Reuters

Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a penalty during the penalty shootout – Reuters© Reuter
Kylian Mbappe of France scores a hat trick and the team's third goal via a penalty - Getty Images

Kylian Mbappe of France scores a hat trick and the team’s third goal via a penalty – Getty Images© Getty Images
Lionel Messi makes it 3-2 - Reuters

Lionel Messi makes it 3-2 – Reuters© Reuters
France's Kylian Mbappe celebrates - Reuters

France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates – Reuters© Reuters

Kylian Mbappe of France scores the team's second goal - Getty

Kylian Mbappe of France scores the team’s second goal – Getty© Getty

Kylian Mbappe of France scores the team's first goal from the penalty spot past Emiliano Martinez of Argentina - Getty Images Europe

Kylian Mbappe of France scores the team’s first goal from the penalty spot past Emiliano Martinez of Argentina – Getty Images Europe© Getty Images Europe

Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi concedes a penalty against France's Randal Kolo Muani - Reuters

Argentina’s Nicolas Otamendi concedes a penalty against France’s Randal Kolo Muani – Reuters© Reuters
Hugo Lloris of France makes a save against Alexis Mac Allister - Getty

Hugo Lloris of France makes a save against Alexis Mac Allister – Getty© Getty

…and here’s the picture in France

outside a cafe in Marseille, - AP

outside a cafe in Marseille, – AP© AP

03:59 PM

Here’s the scenes in Argentina…

Fans of Argentina celebrate - AFP via Getty

Fans of Argentina celebrate – AFP via Getty© AFP via Getty

Poor old Giroud

France's Olivier Giroud is substituted off by France coach Didier Deschamps - Reuters

France’s Olivier Giroud is substituted off by France coach Didier Deschamps – Reuters© Reuters

Top-notch celebration too

Angel Di Maria of Argentina celebrates - Getty

Angel Di Maria of Argentina celebrates – Getty© Getty
Angel Di Maria of Argentina scores - Getty

Angel Di Maria of Argentina scores – Getty© Getty

Angel Di Maria of Argentina scores the team's second - Getty

Angel Di Maria of Argentina scores the team’s second – Getty© Getty

Messi scores from the spot - REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Angel Di Maria of Argentina is fouled by Ousmane Dembele of France - Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Angel Di Maria of Argentina is fouled by Ousmane Dembele of France – Catherine Ivill/Getty Images© Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

03:21 PM

Kylian Mbappe of France embraces Lionel Messi - FIFA via Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe of France embraces Lionel Messi – FIFA via Getty Images)© FIFA via Getty Images)

This has been as close to involvement as Mbappe has got so far.

ADM shoots over

ADM shoots over© Provided by The Telegraph

What a treat it must be to be in the VVVIP area. Pogba, Djokovic, Macron, Sir Elton Musk, and various Gulf princes. The dinner party from hell.

On the pitch, the South Americans are well on top. Di Maria saw loads of the ball. Him and Messi really looking dangerous.

Argentina: Emi Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Di Maria, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Alvarez. Subs: Armani, Foyth, Montiel, Paredes, Pezzella, Acuna, Rulli, Palacios, Correa, Almada, Gomez, Rodriguez, Dybala, Lisandro Martinez, Lautaro Martinez.

France: Lloris, Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud. Subs: Pavard, Disasi, Guendouzi, Muani, Fofana, Veretout, Mandanda, Saliba, Coman, Areola, Konate, Camavinga, Thuram.

Messi prematch - PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Messi prematch – PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images© PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Big Ollie looking a bit ginger

O Giroud warming up - David Klein / Sportimage

O Giroud warming up – David Klein / Sportimage© David Klein / Sportimage

Pictures: The closing ceremony

Artists perform during the tournament closing ceremony prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium - Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Artists perform during the tournament closing ceremony prior to the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium – Thanassis Stavrakis/AP© Thanassis Stavrakis/AP
Fireworks explode as artists perform during the World Cup closing ceremony before the final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium - AP/Hassan Ammar

Fireworks explode as artists perform during the World Cup closing ceremony before the final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium – AP/Hassan Ammar© Provided by The Telegraph

Pictured: Macron at Lusail Stadium

Pictured: Fans gear up for the big match

A supporter of Argentina and another of France cheer on the stands ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium - Getty Images/Franck Fife

A supporter of Argentina and another of France cheer on the stands ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium – Getty Images/Franck Fife© Getty Images/Franck Fife
Argentina fans show their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium - Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Argentina fans show their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium – Clive Brunskill/Getty Images© Provided by The Telegraph
France fans inside the stadium before the match - Bernadett Szabo/Reuters

France fans inside the stadium before the match – Bernadett Szabo/Reuters© Provided by The Telegraph
Argentinian fans cheer before the the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail - AP/Petr David Josek

Argentinian fans cheer before the the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail
Didier Deschamps, fitness coach Cyril Moine and goalkeeping coach Franck Raviot - Carl Recine/Reuters

Didier Deschamps, fitness coach Cyril Moine and goalkeeping coach Franck Raviot – Carl Recine/Reuters© Carl Recine/Reuters

Dragan Skočić feeling of relief and pride after Croatia wins third place.

Croatia ended their World Cup campaign with the pride of claiming third place in a 2-1 win against Morocco, which marked the end of a journey but also promised a bright future, coach Zlatko Dalic said on Saturday.

Croatia, runners-up in 2018, prevailed with goals by Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic to end their World Cup on a high as Luka Modric possibly bid farewell to the soccer extravaganza.

Croatia beat Brazil in the quarter-finals, but for Dalic, Saturday’s bronze medal game was the highlight of their tournament.

“It was a difficult, great match. I want to extend my congratulations to Morocco, they put up a great fight until the last minute, despite the fatigue.

“They can be proud, they remind me of us four years ago. We’re among the best teams in the world.”

Croatia can now look forward to the future with confidence.

“It’s the end of a cycle for us, the end of a journey. Tonight’s match and the win is the moment of the tournament for us,” said Dalic.

“Yes, this is the last World Cup for some of my players today due to their age. But we have young players in the team and it is great for Croatia,” he added, referring to  man of the match Josko Gvardiol, but also Lovro Majer and Borna Sosa.

“We have many of the players on the bench, too.”

Dalic, however, is still counting on his old guard for the Nations League and the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

“We would not have been that far without our older players. We have a great future, Croatia has nothing to fear. Is it the end of an era for a generation? Well, we still have the Nations League and the Euro qualifiers. All I know is that Croatia has a bright future.”

While the proud nation of only 3.8 million people is meager compared to the 9 million living in Tehran only, its football pedigree is something to be proud of. Finalist in the last tournament and third-place winner in the current 2022 edition, the Croats must be feeling elated and proud of their achievements. One person who was robbed of being a happy and proud man is non-other than Dragan Skočić. The Croat former head coach of Team Melli was unceremoniously removed from his post following the return of Mehdi Taj. After taking Iran to the World Cup finals, his reward was dismissal. The win for his country must at least have given Skočić some sense of justice and relief, while Mehdi Taj and his failed team are pondering what to do next, perhaps figure out a trick to reinstate the perpetual failure coach to ruin Iranian football again, this time in Asia Cup 2023.

Dragan Skočić responds to Taj albeit briefly!

A few minutes ago, Team Melli’s former head coach published a post critical of Mehdi Taj and his associate Mehdi Mohammadnabi, which he deleted after a short time. According to Isna, after the return of the Iranian national football team from the World Cup, and failure to qualify from a group, a feat which was quite possible for Iran to advance to the knockout stages, Mehdi Mohammadnabi, the manager and Markar Aghajanian, Queiroz’s assistant, talked about the circumstances yesterday.

In that interview, both criticized the team during Skocic’s era and blamed the head coach, without naming him for Team Melli’s player’s disunity and disagreement!!

While MohammadNabi is a political appointee and an extension of the regime, planted in the FFIRI and Team Melli in particular (his attire and looks give it away immediately), he has the motive to blame this failure on the previous coach and management. However, it was quite surprising that a respectable character and coach Markar Aghajanian joined this bandwagon!!!  Aghajanian is a football personality, he played and coached in addition to being an analyst and advisor. Unlike Mohhamdnabi, he has a footballing pedigree.

Neither Mohammadnabi nor Aghajanian were part of the Team Melli structure in the camp in Doha for their views to be taken seriously. All they are doing is manipulating the views of several anti-Skocic players to use for their own advantage. It is a sick game that is being repeatedly played in Iran’s football circles. It is intensified now that the regime is facing massive protests all across the country. For the record, Carlos Queiroz is handpicked regime head coach.  The regime is also controlling FFIRI.

The Croatian coach responded to them in a post he published on Instagram and Facebook. Dragan Skočić called the results of the national team a failure and attacked Taj and Nabi in the article he published on his social pages. It is unclear why Skocic deleted the post because facts do not lie and will remain for generations. It supports his status and achievements in Team Melli. Under the Croatian, Team Melli was revitalized and brought from the dead to head of the group and qualify for the finals of the World Cup in record time with three matches to spare. Under Taj and Queiroz, Iran was beaten 6-2, the worst result in it history of Iran in the world cup, and then failed to even draw with the USA to qualify due to the expired tactics of Queiroz.

So, to cover for their failures in Doha, this Mohammadnabi starts to blame some players in Team Melli and the previous regime in a cowardly and shameless act.