Category: World Cup 2018

31/08/2017

Iran Sets New Record in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Iran’s national football team has set a new record in FIFA World Cup qualifier matches by playing 12 consecutive matches, 1108 minutes, without conceding a single goal.

Iran’s Thursday match with South Korea, which ended with a 0-0 draw, was the 12th match in a row that the Iranian cheetahs passed with a clean sheet.

The record was praised by the official Twitter account of FIFA World Cup.

Before playing against South Korea in Seoul, Iran had already qualified for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. However, the Iranian players sought to show their best and keep their clean sheet record in a match that was very crucial to Koreans.

Iran managed to hold South Korea even though its midfielder Saeid Ezzatollahi received a red card in the middle of the game.

31/08/2017

Line up Korea Rep vs. Iran . Ehsan Hajsafy is starting, Azmoun on bench.

The line up for the match starting at 21:30 local time in World Cup Stadium , between Korea Rep and Iran has been announced.

The big news is that Ehsan Hajsafy is not only is in the squad , but also starting the match. On the other hand, there is no place fr the new boy Saman Ghoddos and the prolific striker Sardar Azmoun. Queiroz has decided to pick Reza Ghoochannejad over Azmoun as the Heerenveen striker has been doing quite well and enjoying a good form in the EREDIVISIE.

Striker is and playing well in the Erdivisi.

27/08/2017

REUTERS – Masoud Shojaei has been left out of coach Carlos Queiroz’s squad for Iran’s final World Cup qualifiers against South Korea and Syria after playing against an Israeli club.

Shojaei and his Iran team mate Ehsan Hajsafi played for Greek side Panionios against Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League qualifier earlier this month, prompting Iran’s deputy sports minister to declare the pair were banned from the the national side.

Iran does not recognise the state of Israel and bars its athletes from competing against participants from the country.

Hajsafi, however, was included in the squad to play South Korea in Seoul on Aug. 31 and Syria at home on Sept. 5.

Top of Group A in Asia, Iran have already qualified for next year’s finals in Russia.

A member of Iran’s squads at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, Shojaei captained the team in their last qualifier, a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan in June which secured their ticket to Russia.

Queiroz said he had included younger players in his squad but 33-year-old Shojaei and other excluded veterans remained part of his plans in the leadup to next year’s finals.

“We have a 37 Elite Player Group that is our preparation basis for the World Cup and this call-up list, bringing some younger players, reflects our strategy of working on all this Elite Group,” Queiroz wrote on his Facebook page.

“This doesn’t mean we are in condition to (leave) behind experienced players that we are used to have with us, like Pejman (Montazeri), Masoud (Shojaei), (Andranik) Teymourian or (Khosro) Heydary, who continue in this 37 Elite Player Group as important options for Team Melli.”

Queiroz said on his Facebook page on Saturday that his team was facing “dangerous winds of havoc” and complained that Irani authorities had failed to provide adequate financial support for their World Cup campaign.

“Team Melli spirit and mentality has always been, no matter what, ’under promise and over delivery’,” he wrote.

13/08/2017

FIFA Demands Explanation Over Ousted Iranian Footballers

FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), has demanded the Islamic Republic to provide further information over its decision to drop two footballers from Iran’s national team, after they played for their Greek side against an Israeli team.

Captain of Iran’s National Football team, Masoud Shojaei and his teammate, Ehsan Hajsafi played for full ninety minutes in their Greek team, Panionios home match in Athens against the Israeli club, Maccabi Tel Aviv on Wednesday, August 3.

The midfielders were not present at the away match in Israel.

Nevertheless, Iran’s Football federation last week strongly condemned their participation in the home leg of the matches.

Meanwhile, conservatives in Iran bombarded the pair with threats.

“Hajsafi and Shojaei’s move in no way constitutes endorsement and it will certainly be addressed according to regulations and the law,” said Director of Security at Iran’s Sports Ministry, Mohammad Javad Ababaf, adding, “Most probably the pair are going to lose their spots in the national squad. Nevertheless, we should wait for officials’ final verdict.”

Then, on Thursday, August 10, Ministry of Sports’ deputy, Mohammad Reza Davarzani put the final nail in the coffin, declaring, “Both footballers have lost their spot on Iranian National Team… they crossed Iran’s red line”.

Previously it was announced that the final verdict will be issued after a person to person interview with Shojaei and Hajsafi.

FIFA’s statutes ban political interference in its affiliated national associations, which can be suspended if the rule is breached.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi fights for the ball against Iran’s Mehrdad Pouladi (L) and Ehsan Hajsafi (R) during their 2014 World Cup Group F soccer match. June 21, 2014

“We are currently monitoring the matter and will request additional information from the Iran Football Federation,” said a FIFA spokesperson in an emailed statement to Reuters. “We have no further comment for the time being.”

If a country’s FA is suspended, it means both the national team and its clubs are barred from international competition.

Iran has already qualified for next year’s World Cup, making it an especially delicate matter for FIFA.

FIFA statutes state that “each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties”.

However, positive reactions to the pair’s move on social media were quite significant. In most comments, Shojaei and Hajsafi were praised for their courageous “professionalism” and respect for sports international regulations.

There were also comments that branded the move as “an end to the regime’s injustice against Iranian athletes”.

Moreover, a twitter campaign labelled as #NoBan4Ourplayers has been launched by Iranians to defend Shojaei and Hajsafi’s “courageous move”, protest against their elimination from the national side and raise concerns over its consequences.

An internationally known former Iranian football star, Mehdi Mahdavi Kia wrote on his Instagram account, “The moments you made people of Iran joyous will never be forgotten. Let’s hope for the day that politics leaves sports behind and action replaces words”.

05/08/2017

Ramin Rezaeian, finally plays in Europe.

Ramin Rezaeian, a 27-year-old Iranian right-back who had been tested two weeks ago at an internship in the Netherlands, signed a two-year contract with KV Ostend, the Jupiler Pro League

The ex-Persepolis player, who won the Persian Gulf Pro League title, has convinced Yves Vanderhaeghe and the sports team of his value. Rezaeian has proven that he is also capable of evolving on the flanks .

Rezaeian faced uncertainty and desperation when his Croat coach Branko Ivankovic insisted that he has no place in his team and will not accept him playing for the club under any circumstances. The action by Branko was due to Rezaeian’s poor attitude and professionalism. Despite efforts from a host of people including assurance by Ali Parvin that Rezaeian will be playing in Persepolis this season, The Croat stood firm and Parvin promise was not fulfilled

Rezaeian who was a major part of Team Melli campaign (19 caps, 2 goals), already guaranteed to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, is very popular player in Iran. The number of subscribers to his Instagram account is even more than one million. It is this popularity that has gone to his head and nearly spoiled his career. KV Ostend, is the third team that has inquired about him and gave him trials.

24/06/2017

Australians in negotiatiins with Iran & Queiroz

The Socceroos could be set to face former rivals Iran for the first time in more than 20 years, with discussions taking place aimed at staging a high-profile friendly in Australia before the 2018 World Cup.

Fairfax Media can reveal Football Federation Australia are deep in negotiations with their Iranian counterparts to play a senior international between the two nations for the first time since the infamous 1997 World Cup qualifier at the MCG.

Socceroos’ hopes of avenging their 6-0 defeat in 2013 lasted less than a minute after an embarrassing start to their friendly in Melbourne.

A deal is yet to be done but it’s understood talks have advanced as the FFA sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Iranian football. Should they be successful in bringing Iran to Australia, a friendly will likely be held in the March international window in what both federations hope will be a key part of their preparations for Russia 2018.

FFA chief executive David Gallop confirmed that negotiations were taking place.

“We are talking to a number of excellent football nations from Asia and other confederations. Iran is one of them,” Gallop said. “The anniversary of that heartbreaking night at the MCG is a point to highlight. Many people, including me, remember it as one of the most devastating moments in Australian sport. It would be great to play a strong team in preparation for Russia but talks are at an early stage.”

Team Melli proved one of the biggest drawcards for fans at the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, boasting the second highest average attendance for a visiting team, second only to Japan. Despite moving to the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, Iran is one of the only major nations in the region Australia has not played in a senior international.

Several previous attempts have been made to hold a match between the two nations, with logistical issues having proved too difficult to overcome.

Should the FFA be successful in luring the three-time Asian champions to Australia, it would provide the FFA with a close-up look at a prime candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou as Socceroos coach.

Fairfax Media understands Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is interested in moving to Australia to take charge of the national team after the 2018 World Cup, following confirmation that Postecoglou will not renew his contract and will pursue coaching opportunities abroad.

FFA would not comment on their efforts to identify a successor to Postecoglou, but sources suggest the former Real Madrid coach and Manchester United assistant would be a strong candidate.

Queiroz is set be a free agent as of July next year with sources suggesting he will likely leave Iran after the 2018 World Cup campaign. Queiroz’s seven-year tenure with Team Melli has been successful on the field yet frustrating off it, with allegations of infighting, political disputes, poor planning and funding issues having taken their toll on the 64-year-old. Queiroz has resigned from his post on numerous occasions, only to be convinced to return each time. u

Despite his issues with the Iranian federation, the Portuguese coach has been a revelation with Iran, taking the team from 66th to 30th in the world rankings, ahead of the likes of the Netherlands and Sweden, to become the top-ranked nation in Asia. Under his guidance, Iran became the first nation from the AFC to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and just the second in the world alongside Brazil, having gone eight games without conceding a goal in the final round of qualifiers.

Queiroz led South Africa and Portugal to World Cup appearances in 2002 and 2010 respectively and was the long-term assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. He spent one season as the head coach of Real Madrid.

13/06/2017

Celebrations across Iran

13/06/2017

Second consecutive FIFA World Cup for Team Melli

Iran reach second consecutive FIFA World Cup™
Team Melli defeat Uzbekistan to join Brazil and Russia at the finals
Carlos Queiroz’s side have yet to concede in Group B, after eight games

The scenes in Tehran were jubilant. Coaching staff and players streamed onto the pitch and celebrated in unison. Giant flags were waved, prayers were undertaken and bear hugs handed out by team-mates. Iran had done it: they had reached the promised land of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. Team Melli’s 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan was enough for Carlos Queiroz’s side to secure their seat on the plane to Russia next year.

“I want to thank all the fans for their support during the qualification campaign,” talismanic midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh said, speaking to the AFC after the game. “The results we have achieved are for you and I hope we can now win the last two games. We all have happiness in our hearts.”

The second goal in the match that sealed qualification was scored by Mehdi Taremi, who bagged his eighth World Cup qualifying strike on the road to Russia.

“I am very happy that we have qualified for the World Cup for the second time in a row and that we have brought happiness to the Iranian people,” Mehdi Taremi, said speaking to the AFC after the victory. “I feel so happy that I was able to score a goal and that my goal was able to help us win the match. We are very happy and it shows the great progress we are making in Asia. I hope we continue to perform like this in the future and qualify for the World Cup every four years.”

Despite some question marks over whether the Portuguese would remain in the role after Brazil 2014, Carlos Queiroz has masterminded a majestic march back to the global finals, with the side going almost 1000 minutes without conceding – their defence unbreached in the third round so far.

“Carlos Queiroz and his colleagues have done so much for Team Melli,” Iran’s striking legend Ali Daei said. “One of the most important things he’s done is bringing in so many young players and changed the major players of the team. We are now one of the best sides in Asia, along with Australia, because we haven’t lost against any Asian teams in recent years.”

Fans will be hoping that it is fifth time lucky for the Iranians, who will be looking to progress beyond the first round at the World Cup for the first time in Russia.

13/06/2017

Iran qualifies for 2018 World Cup, in sharp contrast to ‘embarrassing’ Israel

Monday’s win over Uzbekistan is celebrated in the streets of Tehran; Israel’s team was booed from the stadium in Haifa after losing to Albania on Sunday

BY TIMES OF ISRAEL STAFF AND AFP June 13, 2017, 2:02 pm

Monday’s win was Iran’s sixth from eight matches in Group A and took the table-toppers to 20 points, with South Korea in second on 13 ahead of its game against Qatar on Tuesday.

Iran is unbeaten in the group stage and remarkably has not conceded a single goal during the campaign, underlining its credentials as one of Asia’s football giants.

On Monday, it recorded its second win over Uzbekistan on the road to the 2018 tournament in Russia, with Rostov forward Sarder Azmoun first finding the net in the 23rd minute with a right-footed shot from the left of the box following a through ball from Alireza Jahanbaksh.

Iranian players celebrate after winning the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

The Uzbeks struggled for momentum and failed to break down the famed Iranian defense, eventually conceding their second goal of the match in the 88th minute with Mehdi Taremi finishing from Azmoun’s pass.

Iran, which has seen its ranking rise from 108th in the world in 1995 to its current 30th, has played in the World Cup finals four times in the past – in 1978, 1998, 2006 and 2014.

Iranians celebrate on the streets of Tehran early on June 13, 2017, after their national football team won the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan. (AFP PHOTO)

So successful has Iran proved in the qualifying games that it has become only the second team to secure its place in the finals, after five-time World Cup champions Brazil. Russia, as host of the tournament from June 14 to July 15, 2018, is given an automatic spot.

Supporters of the Iranian national football team cheer during the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

Iran’s remarkable progress to the 2018 finals contrasts sharply with Israel’s form.

Sunday’s defeat in Haifa by Albania leaves Israel in joint third place in Group G, with no prospect of making it to Russia, and a battle now merely to finish in third place and thus secure a more favorable qualifying path for the 2022 tournament.

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz of the Iranian national football team celebrates with players after winning the 2018 World Cup qualifying football match between Iran and Uzbekistan at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran on June 12, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE)

Ranked 55th in the world, Israel has qualified for the World Cup finals only once, in 1970.

The Israeli team came into Sunday’s game having beaten Albania 3-0 in their last encounter. It was the hot favorite to win the home game, but fell to a heavy defeat in its poorest performance of the qualifying campaign to date.

While Iran’s victory prompted celebrations in the streets of Tehran, the Israeli team was booed off the field by its own fans, and newspaper headlines on Monday morning called its performance a “Disgrace,” an “embarrassment,” and “one of the biggest humiliations” in national soccer history.

Albanian forward Armando Sadiku (C) celebrates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Israel and Albania in Haifa on June 11, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / THOMAS COEX)

Israel had the first shot on goal, with Bibras Nacho’s shot tipped over the bar by Albanian goalkeeper Thoma Strakosha. But Armando Sadiku managed to put the ball past Israeli goalie David Goresh in the 22nd minute. Sadiku scored again a minute from half time with a shot from 25 yards out.

12/06/2017

Kudos to Team Melli. Iran to the World Cup 2018

A glorious goal by Mehdi Taremi in the dying minutes of the match put the icing on the cake for Team Melli after Sardar Azmoun scored midway in the first half. Taremi finished it in style for Team Melli to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia.

Team Melli defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 in a near capacity Azadi stadium in a historic day for Iranian football.

The match was historic in several ways. It is the first time in history Iran has qualified to the FIFA World Cup back to back since 1974 edition.

It is also the first time that a coach has taken Team Melli to two World Cup finals twice.

After 8 match in the qualifiers Team Melli is yet to concede a goal.

It is the earliest ever , one full year , for Team Melli to qualify for the World Cup. There are still two matches left, the final one at home against Syria in September.