Category: World Cup 2014

Grand victory by Iran’s volleyball should inspire Team Melli in World Cup.

FIVB World League 2014

Brazil 0-3 Iran

 

Iran Volleyball team defeated Brazil 3-0 in Sao  Paulo ,Brazil to record the greatest ever team sport victory by any Iranian team in any sport. They don’t come bigger than Brazil in Volleyball. The host of the FIFA World Cup  2014 has an immaculate record in Volleyball , winners of 9 World League titles, 2 times winners  of Olympic Games gold medals, 3 times World Champions , 2 times World Cup winners and 4 times World Grand Prix champions. Like their compatriots the football players, they are a championship pedigree team and have produced quality players that have managed to play and excel in the best leagues of the World.

Such a historic win comes at a perfect time and place for Iran’s football Team Melli with the world cup 2014 only days away. A historic victory like this one by Iran’s volleyball team in the most important and highest profile World Volleyball competition will surely provided a huge boost for the footballers and make them believe that even the best teams in the world can be beaten.

There will be intriguing similarities in this volleyball match to the one that Team Melli will face against Argentina on 21st June 2014. It is similar encounter to the David and Goliath match with the Iranian volleyball players who faced Brazil and against all the odds, beat them comprehensively.

The willpower, the pride, the team spirit , the motivation , the skills , the harmony , the grace that these players have displayed shall be an inspiration and a boost for our football players.

21st of June is also a blessed date for Iran. In this date in year 1998 , Iran has recorded its only victory in the FIFA World cup against USA.

Let us hope that the victory by the Volleyball players inspires the football players to excel against their mighty opponents.

 

Farhad Ghaemi celebrate victory against Brazil

 

Seyed Mohammad Mousavi celebrates a poit scored

FFIRI denies Queiroz has banned his players from cheering the Volleyball team.

The closer we get to the World Cup kick off , the more rumors and controversial issues pop up in Iran relating to Team Melli and Queiroz

News that Carlos Queiroz has banned his players from attending or watching Iran’s National volleyball team , has prompted the FFIRI to issue a strong denial and accuse the unknown journalist of fabrication the story. Iran’s National volleyball team is currently in Sao Paulo , the same city that Team Melli is carrying out its training in. Iran’s volleyball team is meeting the powerful Brazil team on Friday and Saturday in the FIVB World League 2014.  The matches start 09:50 local time.

While many in Iran hoped that Team Melli will be available in the arena and attend the match  to provide moral support, they were disappointed by the absence of the footballers. The Queiroz ban story could have originated from someone in that group, who saw no reason for Football Team Melli not attending Volleyball match. Iran lost the first match by the smallest of margins 3-2, the last decider set was won by Brazil 15-13 while Iran was ahead 13-11 moments earlier. It was that close.

To justify the reason why Footballers could not attend the match , FFIRI published a few photo showing that the players were busy having lunch around 09:50 in the morning  while watching the volleyball match between Brazil and Iran on TV!!

It was a pity Queiroz and his players did not attend that volleyball match , they could have picked a few good points from the Iranian and Brazilian teams in that match. It was a brilliant encounter of the highest level..

Team Melli is currently setting camp in the Corinthians Training center in Sao Paulo. The team schedule is split into two parts, morning sessions consisting mostly of physical training and the evening sessions which are spent on the football pitch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking deeper at Iran chances.

Now that it is safe to assume that Team  Melli players WILL exchange shirts with the rivals after each match in the World Cup, we can look relax and think of more important issues like what are Iran chances in Group F.

There is no denying what is the fans expectations are.  We have arranged several polls here at TeamMelli.com and have come to an early conclusion that the majority of the fans across the globe expect Team Melli to succeed. The majority wants and expects Team Melli to qualify to the next round ahead of Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Is that a realistic expectation or just one of those wishful thinking bits that passionate football fans always dream of beyond but it is beyond the capabilities of their beloved teams.?

If you are looking for a quick answer , we do not have one, but if you are patient enough to read our outlook , then please do so and then come up with your own conclusion versus ours.

DejagahAThese days, friendly or practice matches prior to the World Cup is dime a dozen. There are lots of them as each team is examining the strength and the weaknesses of their line up or try to sort out the tactical plans or maybe to put the final touches. The giants like Spain, Germany, France, England and Brazil have been toying with weaker opponents and having a ball. Out of all of those friendly matches, none was more dignifying,   encouraging, and inspiring than the Germany vs. Cameroon match. No need to go into the historical background of the two teams for level comparisons, all one can say is the Germany at home should have easily dispensed of their less glamorous African opponents with ease. They did not and one reason for that is the motivation of Cameroon players and coaches , their willpower and their courage. Something that Queiroz and his men must take a note of.

Cameroon , did not park the bus in Mönchengladbach, they dared to attack and attack they did. They were rewarded and scored the first goal. Germany hit back and scored the equalizer then the second goal , both brilliantly taken. The locals were waiting for the third to cap good day work for Germany , but once again Cameroon dared to attack the Germans at their home and managed to score a beautiful well-earned equalizer. It ended all square 2-2 in Germany.

We have not seen Queiroz being bold enough or daring in any of his matches, and expecting him to change his mentality overnight is wishing for a miracle. The man is conservative by style and that is his right as there is a lot at stake at this level of football.

NekounamJWhat  though , if the boys are given a bit more freedom to go attack, Teymourian , Nekounam and Dejagah daring to attack and taking the battle into the enemy premises. What if Pooladi or Beikzadeh on the left and Heydari on the right feed the box with accurate crosses for our forwards and midfield player to take a chance or two?

It is a question of desire rather than ability. In Dejagah , Team Melli has a winner in every sense. Both strikers have some beautiful touches and finishes. They have both proven their qualities. And then we have a gem of young player Jahanbakhsh who is rearing to go , if he is given a chance or two, He is not short of courage , running and willpower.  We sure do have the tools and the resources, what is needed is the will ,  the desire and some bravery. Cameroons of this world do not score by parking the bus. They dare to attack and they reap the reward.

Saying all that, we do not advocate chaotic offensive game plan as the defense is very vital. Unless we do attack , take the time to organize the players forward, we will not be able to win matches.

Apart from Argentina, which incidentally is not known for its World Class defending, the other two teams are not superior to Iran. Sometimes, strong desires and mentality can overcome tactics and skills and wins you matches.

Our conclusion is if Queiroz opens up and employs some of his weapons, Team Melli can surprise a few people and possibly qualify. Deploying defensive strategy is more difficult to see the team making it to the next round.  Fortunately, team Melli has been pretty impressive in quick counter attacks, which has won them at least three matches in the Qualifiers. Whether such strategy will work at this much higher level , is something that has to be seen

 Croatia and Iran squad arrived Brazil for the World Cup 

After Australia, the first of the 31 teams to land in Brazilian territory for the 2014 FIFA World Cup last week, Croatia and Iran arrived in the country on Tuesday, 3 June.

Brazil’s rival in the opening match on 12 June at the Arena de Sao Paulo, the Croatian national team arrived at the Salvador International Airport at 4:15pm (local time). From there, the delegation went straight to the Team Base Camp in Praia do Forte, Mata de Sao Joao, in the metropolitan region of Salvador .
Queiroz presented with Brazil flag by the Mayor
In addition to the hosts in Group A, Croatia will face Mexico and Cameroon in the group stage.
Iran arrived in Brazil shortly before the Croatians, landing at the Sao Paulo International Airport at 4:10pm (local time). The Iranians, who start the campaign in the FIFA World Cup against Nigeria on 16 June in Curitiba, also face Argentina (21 June) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (25 June), and will prepare for the group stage matches at the Corinthians Training Centre in Sao Paulo.

Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, coach Carlos Queiroz said that Iran will do everything possible to have a successful campaign in the FIFA World Cup.

“As we came from the other side of the world we arrived earlier to start our preparation. We have earned the right to play against the best and now it’s time to do it. We have 90 minutes in each game and we will use them the best possible way”, Queiroz said.

Team Melli disembarking
The squad
Queiroz before departure from Tehran

Argentina announces the final list.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced the 23-man squad that he will be taking to Brazil for FIFA World Cup 2014. Lionel Messi unsurprisingly made the cut but Ever Banega was left out of the squad.

Banega joins Nicolas Otamendi who impressed for Argentina in the last World Cup but lost his place due to the inclusion of Manchester City defender Martin Demichelis. Club teammates Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero will join the center-back in Brazil.

Argentina’s squad boasts an adept strike-force as it comprises of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Ricardo Alvarez is the only surprise inclusion as the midfielder hardly ever featured for his club Inter Milan.

Two-time world champions Argentina, who haven’t been past the quarter-finals since the 1990 World Cup, will play debutants Bosnia in their Group F opener on June 15.

 

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina World Cup Squad & Player List

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andújar (Catania/ITA), Agustín Orión (Boca Juniors), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA)

Defenders: José Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo/ESP), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Enzo Pérez (Benfica/POR), Maximiliano Rodríguez (Newell’s Old Boys)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City/ENG), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA)

messi-lionel

Team Melli departs to Brazil.

Team Melli has departed Tehran at the early hours of the morning destination Brazil. After a short reception in the CIP lounge of Imam Khomeni Airport, where the Minister of Youth & Sport was present and wished the players and the squad the best of luck, the squad left to Brazil.

Reporters were initially not allowed into the CIP lounge despite invitations to attend a brief news conference before the squad departure. With the arrival of the Minster of Sports Goudarzi , who was informed about the reporters being denied access, and on his instructions, the security authorities of the airport allowed the media enter the lounge.

The manager of Team Melli, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi , did not fly with the squad. This is the second time that the person who should be leading and supervising the squad, ensuring the comfort and  proper facilitation of all the requirements , has not accompanied the team! Mohammad Nabi has cited personal issues as the reason for not accompanying the team.

Last night, the football federation arranged a small farewell party for the squad in Azadi Sport Complex arena. The farewell party was attended by many dignitaries including the Minster of sport who urged the team to be strong and fight to soldiers to defend the honor of the country.

 Kaffashian who was also present at the airport to bid the team farewell , will be joining the squad in Brazil on Sunday as the head the delegation .

Also missing from the flight to Brazil was Markar Aghajanian who has flown ahead to analyze the Nigeria game against USA.

Before playing the first match against Nigeria in Group F at Arena da Baixada  on the 16th June, Team Melli will have a final preparation game against Trinidad and Tobago behind closed doors in Brazil camp.

abdolvahed mirzazadeh-23-50.jpg

Spare a thought for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary.

The World Cup is the ultimate dream of any player in the world, more so the players from third world countries. Missing on the World Cup can be morally devastating for some especially if such a player has done enough to justify his selection in the national team that had made it to the World Cup.  When the player has contributed towards the qualification, it seems cruel to give such player the pink chit and tell him thank you but your services are not required in the World Cup.

 The media in particular relishes such stories, some of them dramatic especially if it is associated with some firework in form of statements and verbal war.

 Our story does not have that sort of drama, in fact it is honorably accepted by the player who has opted to keep silent and take out his sorrow in the privacy of his surroundings rather than public outcry.

 In this article we want to spare a thought to Mohammad Reza Khalatbary, the Persepolis winger who was surprisingly omitted from the final list of 23 players.

 A quick look at Khalatbary contribution towards the FIFA World Cup 2014 campaign paints more than a decent picture of a valuable player.  Khalatbary played a total of 13 matches (9 as a started 4 as a substitute). He scored 2 goals; the first one was a goal for the record books as it was scored in the injury time against Uzbekistan in Tashkent in the first match of the finals rounds of qualification. A true gem of a goal , a more boosting strike and a savior for Team Melli.

 khalatbar-Mohammadreza

Khalatbary value as a pacey skilful winger has been in evidence in Team Melli and his clubs numerous of times. His explosive runs on the flanks , his ability to dribble , his bravery, his assists , his crosses and finally his sheer commitment and devotion made this player a number is not easily ignored by coaches.

But Carlos Queiroz had other ideas not strictly according to the script and formbook.

 So, who is the player who has taken Khalatbary’s place in the plane to Brazil? All fingers direct towards Masoud Shojaei who also operates on the right midfield and plays also as pseudo winger.

Shojaei’s contribution toward Iran’s qualification to the world cup was 5 matches and no goals. It also included one red card against South Korea in Azadi.

 Khaltabry is 30 while Shojaei is a year younger, however, there is marked difference between the pace and stamina of the two players. While Khalatbary’s speed is his hallmark especially in short distances, shojaei looks lethargic in comparison and hardly been known for his pace.

Despite the better qualities and contribution of Khalatbary over Shojaei in this campaign, the Las Palmas midfielder was picked and we largely believe that it is his playing in 2nd division team in Europe plus the previous experience with Osasuna in the La Liga that has put shojaei ahead of Khalatbary in the picking order.

Whether this is justified or not  or whether players other than Shojaei have been preferred over Khalatbary is immaterial as Queiroz has his own justification and selection criteria that is, if not respected or appreciated by the fans, it should at least be accepted. What is wretched in particular about Khalatbary’s exclusion is that he might never have a chance to play in the biggest football event in the world.

 Spare a though for Mohammad Reza Khalatbary , who has been fighting and giving his best anytime he has been called for duty. Perhaps he is not everyone’s cup of team, but no one can not accuse him of not trying or lack of passion for his team. The Ramsar winger that entertained the crowds for years and reached the piicle of his career when he was picked by the great Diego Maradona a to play for Al Wasl, may never have a chance to show some of his magic to the rest of the world.

 We salute Khalatbary.

Omitted players’ reactions.

Mohammadreza Khalatabry was contacted by FarsNews Agency to get his reaction on being left out of the squad by Queiroz. The Persepolis winger was dumbfounded and shocked , however he refrained from commenting on the issue” Thank you for seeking my opinion , but at this moment I have nothing to say. I don’t know what has prompted this, and why I was left out but I rather not comment.”

On the other hand , Sardar Azmoun who has created much hype about his impending transfer to Arsenal , Barcelona and Tottenham among a few other elite European clubs, was initially too upset to comment. However , after returning home to Gonbod Kavos to see his family , the Rubin Kazan player was reached by ISNA Sport reporter and managed to get his reaction.

“Initially I was very upset, It was like a ton of brick dropped over my head. but Carlos Queiroz has contacted me to explain why I was excluded. I appreciate what Queiroz has done for me, he made sense to me. I don’t like to badmouth the coach , the squad or anything else just because I am bitter. I wish Team Melli all the best in the World Cup. I hope to make the next list in 4 years time.”

However , Khalil Azmoun , Sardar’s father and Agent , was not so prudent in his comments. His harsh reaction contradicted his son’s.  “How could Sardar be dropped from the list ? Who is better than him (…)? Nobody believes he is dropped, Queiroz must answerable to this , not even one person in Iran can believe that my son is not going to the World Cup. !!!” The over excited father said in his reaction to his son’s being left out of the list.

With such a manager  or Agent , we doubt that Azmoun will get professional and Quality guidance in his career. His future will be doubtful if such attitude persists.

Sardar Azmoun

Final list of Iran’s Squad to the FIFA World Cup 2014

Iran’s football federation has announced the final list of 24 players , rather than 23 that will be sent to FIFA for the World Cup 2014 . The extra player will be decided between Khanzadeh and Beikzadeh depending on the later’s injury report. Khanzadeh will be accompanying the team in any case, but will not be part of the squad if Beikzadeh recovers in time.

The only surprise omission in this list is Mohammad Reza Khalatbary who did not feature much in the friendly games. Taking into account his pace and explosive runs on the wings, he would have been ideal fit for Queiroz game plan, however , he must have come short in other areas which the Portuguese coach found essential. Sardar Azmoun will be disappointed not to make the list , but on the bright side and as expected the other young and promising forward, Alireza Jahanbakhsh has made it.

 

 

The full list

 

Team Melli World Cup List

 

 

  Name Club
1 AHMADI, Rahman Sepahan
2 ALE NEMEH, Ahmad Naft Tehran
3 ANSARIFARD, Karim Tractorsazi
4 BEIGZADEH, Hashim Esteghlal
5 BEITASHOUR, Steven Vancouver Whitecaps
6 DAVARI, Daniel Grasshoppers
7 DEJAGAH, Ashkan Fulham
8 GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza Charlton Athletics
9 HADDADIFAR, Ghassim Zob Ahan
10 HAGHIGHI, Alireza Sporting Covilhã
11 HAGHIGHI, Reza Persepolis
12 HAJSAFY, Ehsan Sepahan
13 HEYDARI, Khosrow Esteghlal
14 HOSSEINI, Jalal Persepolis
15 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza NEC
16 KHANZADEH, Mohammadreza Zob Ahan
17 MAHINI, Hossein Persepolis
18 MONTAZERI, Pejman Um Salal
19 NEKOUNAM, Javad Al Kuwait
20 POOLADI, Mehrdad Persepolis
21 RAHMANI, Bakhtiyar Foolad Kuzestan
22 SADEGHI, AmirHossein Esteghlal
23 SHOJAEI, Masoud Las Palmas
24 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik Esteghlal

 

 

5 Iran players to watch at the World Cup , with a twist

John Duerden is a well know sport journalist who has a vast knowledge of Asian football. His work, news and analysis of football in Aisa has been carried by several Websites and News agencies. In this article , Mr. Duerden has compiled the list of 5 Team Melli players for the Associated Press, which will no doubt have a global distribution. As our bread and butter is Team Melli of Iran , we have some reservation on Mr. Duerden list , but will publish it nevertheless and have our comments at the end of the list.

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by JOHN DUERDEN, Associated Press – 31 May 2014 
With several European-based players in the squad, Iran will be heading to the World Cup with plenty of top level international experience.

Forward Reza Ghoochannejhad was born in the Netherlands and plays in England, while winger Ashkan Dejagah was raised in Germany and spent much of his career in the Bundesliga before moving to Premier League club Fulham. Goalkeeper Daniel Davari is another, born in Germany and playing in the Bundesliga.

Combined with Javad Nekounam, the team’s captain and one its most experienced players, Iran will need to come together as a team to have any chance of making it out of Group F.

Here are five players to watch:

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REZA GHOOCHANNEJHAD

GhoochannejadR

Reza Ghoochannejhad is a relatively recent addition to the team — visa issues delayed the debut of the Dutch-born player — but the fleet-footed Charlton forward played an important role in Iran’s successful qualification campaign, scoring three goals in his first three qualifiers.

He has now scored nine goals in 11 games.

A January move from Standard Liege to Charlton in England’s second division has increased his playing time ahead of the World Cup and now the player dubbed “Gucci,” who has become one of Iran’s biggest stars, should arrive in Brazil fit and ready for action.

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JAVAD NEKOUNAM

NekounamJ

Long-serving Iran captain Javad Nekounam has been a mainstay of the national team since making his international debut in 2000.

The dynamic Al-Kuwait midfielder has a habit of coming up with a goal just when his team needs it most and has found the target 37 times in his 136 international appearances.

Now 33, Nekounam does not cover as much ground as he once did but he reads the game as well as any.

This year’s tournament is likely to be his last World Cup.

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MASOUD SHOJAEI

ShojaeiM

Although talented attacking midfielder Masoud Shojaei can be inconsistent, the Las Palmas midfielder can also make a difference. When he plays well, Iran plays well.

Injuries have prevented him from showing Spanish fans his best, but there have been enough flashes to demonstrate an eye for an unexpected pass and a fancy flick.

Shojaei doesn’t score as many goals as he possibly should, but he can make things happen for others.

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DANIEL DAVARI

DavarD

German-born Daniel Davari could make or break Iran’s chances in Brazil, although with only three international appearances to date there is still something of a question mark hovering over the Eintracht Brauschweig goalkeeper.

Davari’s European experience is one reason why Iran coach Carlos Queiroz holds him in high esteem. While Eintracht Brauschweig may not be in the Bundesliga for much longer, being a goalkeeper for the bottom team at least results in plenty of practice.

Davari made a positive initial impression on the international stage but made some major mistakes against Guinea. He still has much to learn, but if he can settle with the defense before the World Cup, he could be what Iran needs.

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ASHKAN DEJAGAH

DejagahA

Fulham forward Ashkan Dejagah can play on the right side or as the main striker.

Dejagah came to prominence in Germany with Wolfsburg, making 150 appearances for the Bundesliga team before moving to the Premier League and Fulham in August 2012.

It took Dejagah, now 27, time to settle in England but he has since showed his value with direct running and the ability to take on defenders and chip in with regular goals.

Injuries curtailed his first season in the Premier League but if he can stay fit, Dejagah will have a major part to play for Iran in Brazil.

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While we have no argument about the selection of Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejad in the list , we have our reservation on the other 3 in the list. Incidentally , Ghoochannejad was born in Iran in the City of Mashad. He immigrated to the Netherlands with his family as a boy. 

Davari has shown very poor form in the matches he played so far for Team Melli. His latest was against Angola in the last friendly match a couple of days ago. Even if he makes the final list , and that would be due to the obsession of Queiroz with players playing outside Iran , he will be a serious liability . We also need to remember he was relegated with his team in the Bundesliga. Davari will be playing in the Swiss league next season with Grasshoppers. We have a great hope for him in the fy=uture, but as of now, he is a long way away from being a star performer.

Masoud Shojaei , perhaps due to his long injury and several failed operations, has not performed well for Team Melli for as long as one cares. As with Davari , it is the fact that he plays in Europe that has endeared him to Queiroz. Shojaei’s repeated poor performance in front of the local fans in Azadi has resulted in him being booed by the fans. That is very unusual for Team Melli fan , but shows the level of their frustration with this player. It is true that Shojaei has some magical touch and crowd pleasing moves, however , he has not delivered for a long time. We doubt that he will be a star performer in Brazil , but we do not mind miracles.

Javad Nekounam is going through a soft patch. It is unfortunate as the most senior player and the Captain of the team is suffering from loss of form perhaps consistent with his age. He was a shadow of the player he was with Osasuna when he made his move to Esteghlal. He is still a valuable player , but not a five star performer he used to be. Again , we do hope for miracles here as well.

Our list will include

ANDRANIK TEYMOURIAN

TeymourianA

A reliable , solid and highly dedicated player. His defensive qualities and ability to mark and neutralize the best of the opponents players, has been remarkable. Teymourian has also a lethal shoot and scored some beautiful crowd pleasing goals. A tireless runner who is full of stamina, the type of players that Queiroz always yearns for. He is also one of the few players with World Cup and English Premier league experiences. With such background, Teymourian has all that it takes to be a star performer for his team.

ALIREZA JAHANBAKHSH

JahanbakhshAR

There is no guarantee that this young tenacious player will even make the list , we, however will bet on him. As a rookie in the Dutch Eredivisie, the young Jahanbakhsh has performed beyond expectation. He scored goals , and assisted too. 2 of his goals in the final day of the regular season , saved his club from direct relegation and those were scored against the recently crowned champions Ajax.  He has pace and power , two combinations that he helped pass defenders and score. Jahanbakhsh is a daring player , not shy of trying anything in front of the goal. He can play in several position and is comfortable as a striker, midfield player or a winger. It is very difficult to ignore this type of quality player.