Iran will meet Iraq on Wednesday in the final Group D match to determine who will end up as head of the group. It will be a repeat of the quarter-final of AFC Asian Cup 2015 where Iraq came on top on penalties to qualify for the semi finals. This time round, there will be no penalty kicks. A draw is sufficient for Iran to clinch the table lead.

This will be the 27th meeting between the two neighbors since  their first meeting 57 years ago in Amjadieh Stadium, Tehran in 1962.  Iran is on top by a big margin with 16 wins to Iraq’s 4.

HEAD 2 HEAD

Match Date: 16 January 2019

• This is the seventh encounter between Iran and Iraq at the Asian Cup. Only one fixture has been played more frequently at the tournament (8 matches between South Korea and Kuwait).
• Iran have won four of their six previous Asian Cup encounters with Iraq (D1 L1, penalties excluded), scoring in all six of those encounters. However, their last encounter saw Iraq beat Iran on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2015 edition (3-3 a.e.t., 7-6 on pens).
• Iran are unbeaten in 19 group stage games at the Asian Cup (W15 D4), a run that stretches back to 1996, when they lost 2-1 to Iraq.
• Iraq will be looking to finish the group stages unbeaten for just the second time in the Asian Cup, last doing so in 2007 when they went on to win the tournament, defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final.
• Iran’s Sardar Azmoun is the first player to score three goals in the 2019 Asian Cup, he has already netted more than he did in the 2015 edition (2).
• The most common result in the 26 matches played between Iran and Iraq ended up 2-1

Table of Asian Cup

Results in Asian Cup

IRAN vs IRAQ FULL MATCHES LIST

• ONLY INTERNATIONAL FIFA MATCHES

Abu Dhabi

teammelli.com reports

Team Melli ensured qualification to the next round with its second win in as many matches after defeating a tough Vietnamese team 2 – 0. Both of goals were scored by the prolific Azmoun .

The match held in Al Neheyan Stadium in presence of a sizable crowd of 10,841 Vietnamese and Iranian fans in a gorgeous atmosphere and perfect weather. Both sets of fans start cheering from the beginning to the end.

As expected , Team Melli was in full control of the match leaving very little for the opposition who were obviously depending on long balls to penetrate the solid Iranian defense. The pacey Vietnamese forwards.,  however failed to create any scoring chances.

The midfield trio consisting of Dejagah, Ghoddos &, Ebrahimi manged to spread the game and have a tight grip on midfield. They also opened up Vietnam defenses with their through balls.

In 25th minute Azmoun lashed a powerful shot Dang Van Lam in Vietnam goal with a good reflex parried to corner.

The first goal was scored by Sardar Azmoun header from a perfect cross by Saman Ghoddos after the Amiens player was nicely set by Vouria Ghafoori pass on the right flank.
Taremi, Dejagah and Ghoddos all has shots at goal in 1at half.

The half finished 1 -0 but Azmoun himself could have easily scored a hat trick.

In the second half, with a close score, Vietnam played more offensively looking to get back into the game. Their effort was nearly rewarded but for Alireza Biranvand’s timely interception of Nguyen Cong Phuong on the 51st minute.

That Vietnam attack was the first real offensive move of the 2nd half. However, Team Melli’s response was swift. The next move saw Azmoun creating a space to shoot, he did that with some venom. Vietnam keeper again deflected the ball in the path of Taremi , but the Al Gharafah forward rebound shot flew skyward.

On the hour, Queiroz made two substitutions, Ahmad Noorallahi replaced Amiri and Mehdi Torabi came in for Taremi.

Torabi’s impact was immediate. It took him 5 minutes to create a chance for Azmoun. After receiving Torabi’s pass,  the Rubin Kazan forward created space and with clinical finishing he shot into the far corner of on Vietnam goal.  2 – 0 for Iran.

Saman Ghoddos was a true fighter in this match and was one if the stars of the match with his assist. Torabi is a breath of fresh air with pace, agility and finesse. He also had an assist as a second half substitute.  Kanani-zadegan played very well in the center of the defence.

Overall it was a solid performance by Queiroz players.

The starting line up for the Vietnam match which will start in one hour time has been announced.

Alireza Beiranvand

Vouria Ghafoori

Morteza Pouraliganji

Hossein Kanan-Zadegan

Ehsan Hajsafi

Omid Ebrahimi

Saman Ghoddos

Ashkan Dejagah

Vahid Amiri

Sardar Azmoun

Mehdi Taremi

Abu Dhabi

Teammelli.com reports.

Iran pre-match press conference was held in Al Nehayan stadium on Friday afternoon. Large number of reporters filled the conference room which began with a short statement by Iran head coach, Carlos Queiroz who was accompanied by his vice Captain Masoud Shojaei.

Queiroz expressed his admiration of Vietnam team and specifically credited their wonderful coach for the progress of the team. He recognized that Iran has a difficult match in front of them tomorrow, but he is ready and well prepared as always.
He has no injuries and is glad to know that for each position he has 4 players competing for a place in the lineup.
All our energy is on the game against Vietnam

Q. After the strong showing against Yemen, can the same result be repeated. A: We know what to do but not easy to play the same with each team. This is sport of football not theater. It is tough game especially with a team like Vietnam. They have played lots of matches and seem to have together. They have a great coach.

Q we realize that there are no easy game , but is he thinking of goal difference in this match?
A. No, not thinking of goal difference. As a leader I want to share fundamental values with my players. our foundation is respect for the opposition that is the basic principle that we operate on.

Q Vingada has been observed with the squad. In which capacity or role?
A. I always try to surround myself with the best in the business. In my career I tried to build a good network of expertise to support me and my team. Iran faces financial sanctions and the death of money makes it difficult to attack the professionals. Fortunately I have good friends who can help without any financial reward expected. I am very fortunate in that matter to have Nelo Vingada on my side. We are pleased with his contribution for free. Another person that deserves the mention is Dr Craig from Australia who is a great support for the squad.

If you want to progress you should have 2 good teams , one good team on the pitch, and another good one outside it in form of coaching and support team. We are a good family, the players are like family. Of course, I have my own family but this team is another family to me.

Q what is your opinions of Vietnam after Iraq match.
A I mentioned earlier that I have a lot of respect for them. I was more impressed with the team after Iraq game. When Vietnam was leading it was due to positive and progressive football they were playing. I was not surprised with what I saw . The result was not fair for Vietnam, a draw would have been a fair result. In any case It is a warning for us not to take them lightly. I was lucky to see them play against Iraq.

Q . Perhaps it is not the right time to ask, but we heard that you are going to Colombia?
A. This is neither the place nor the time to ask such question, this press conference is about our game versus Vietnam and I request that the media respect that. I have a job to do and my job is up to the end of this tournament. The federation and the sport Minister deem that my contract should be up to this Asian Cup. That is what is on the table now.

Q.

Abu Dhabi

teammelli.com reprts.

Team Melli continued training for the upcoming match against Vietnam. On Thursday, the designated training facility for Team Melli was the cricket ground which is not far from the main stadium in Abu Dhabi and the team hotel.

The next training session on Friday will be held at the match venue, Al Neheyan stadium.

As the media is only allowed 15 minutes to observe the training, most of this time is spent on warm up and muscle stretching exercises. No tactical work is carried out in presence of the media.

Injury situation
Alireza Jahanbakhsh was the only concern for the team, however, he has trained fully and expected to be ready for Vietnam match. Queiroz might opt to start him on the bench on Saturday.

The players are following their coach on their media statements on the matches and sticking with the party line. Nobody is taking about finals or lifting the trophy at this moment while the team only focuses on the next match.

The pre match press conference for the Vietnam match will be carried out in the Al Neheyan Stadium followed by the last training session before the Saturday match.

General view

This edition of Asian Cup is the closest in history despite the two large results by Iran and Saudi Arabia. Less known teams are flexing their muscles and giving it all. Turkmenistan was a real match for the mighty Japanese and even led the 4 times champions 1 – 0 at half time from a ferocious long-range shot, however, individual mistakes and lack of concentration by the Turkmen defense allowed Japan to come back from behind in the Second half which ended 3-2.

Jordan is the first team to qualify for round 16. Continue reading “AFC Asian Cup 2019 notes.” →

In a very defiant manner, a Saudi pirate station supported by their government continue pirating football matches rights belonging to the Qatari owned company , BeIn sports based in Doha.

after the violation of the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European competitions, including the Champions League, it is the turn of AFC Asian Cup. For a small fee , a decoder that opens up hundreds of pay channels can be bought in the Persian Gulf states.

Despite the outcry from all the concerned organizations and the governments of some countries, it seems that the pirates of beoutQ have no fear of prosecution or legislation. It is also quite apparent that the Saudi government , conveniently turns a blind eyes toward such blatant copy right violation and has facilitated the broadcast to compensate their fans.

Football is by far the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia. Since the animosity with Qatar began which started with breaking all relationships with the Gas and oil rich peninsula, the Saudi’s were deprived from watching major football competitions that are carried by Bein sports.

Team Melli opened its account in the 17th AFC Asian Cup with a comprehensive 5 – 0 win against Yemen at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The first half ended 3-0

All the respect given to Yemeni team and fear of Yemen springing a surprise did not last very long in the first half as Iran struck on the 11th minute. when Mehdi Taremi scored from a rebound after Sardar Azmoun’s shoot was parried by Yemen Keeper for Mehdi to coolly slot home the opener.

A handball 3 meters outside the penalty was called against the Yemen in the 22nd minute which Ashkan Dejagah took and cleverly slotted in with the help of the woodwork and the keeper. 2- 0 for Iran with less than half an hour played.

Just about two minutes after Dejagah’s goal, Ramin Rezaeian dispatches an inch perfect cross from the right into the penalty are where Taremi towers above all and heads a powerful and delightful ball out of reach of Yemen keeper to announce the third goal for Team Melli.

So much for the caution against the minnows and fear of surprises.

There is still another 45 minutes to come, it remains to be seen what Queiroz has in mind for the second.

Despite the good result, there has been some drawbacks as well.

There is still cconcern with the overall discipline of the players. Some wild tackles were flying in from Team Melli player, engaging in skirmishes and  pushing and shoving gameplay with Yemeni players as Azmoun did just before the 2nd goal and Ebrahimi picking a silly yellow card which was deserved and totally uncalled for.

Yemen. to their credit , tried to match Iran and admirabely played quite well in the first 10 minutes. Their counter attacks were promising, and the speed of passes was remarkable, however the difference in class was so obvious  as the time passed hence the first half result

In the second half, Yemen main concern was damage limitation and as such they played it rough and wild. Four yellow cards were awarded to Yemen players and a possible penalty shout was waved on by the Japanese referee Sato.

Team Melli once again scored early in the 53rd minute with Azmoun slotting the ball after a flick from Mehdi Torabi following a corner kick. The ball went past the goal line but Yemen defender kicked it out. The ref was right close to action and immediately pointer to the centre of the field to announce Iran’s fourth

Saman Ghoddos , a substitute on the hour for Vahid Amiri , scored Iran’s fifth from a powerful shot outside the box in the 78th minute.

At the end of the day, it was a job well done by Team Melli and despite some rough edges , the display was more than satisfactory.

Iran  goals vs 0 Yemen.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

teammelli.com report:

CarlosQueiroz has announced his strongest line up against minnows Yemen for match no 7 of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 UAE. The match which will start at 20:00 local time in Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi is the first for Team Melli in Group D.

As expected, Alireza Jahanbakhsh has no place in the starting line up, however, his name is included in the list of substitutes.

Iran starting Line up

Alireza Biranvand, Ramin Rezaeian, Ehsan Hajsafy, Morteza Pouraliganji, Majid Hosseini , Omid Ebrahimi, Ashkan Dejagah, Vahid Amiri, Mehdi Torabi, Mehdi Taremi. Sardar Azmoun

Referee: RYUJI SATO (JPN)
Assistant Referee 1: HIROSHI YAMAUCHI (JPN)
Assistant Referee 2: JUN MIHARA (JPN)