Qualification to the Olympic Games 2016 Football tournament is at jeopardy.

Omid team (Iran U23) has failed  qualify directly for the finals of AFC Asian U23 Championship after its loss against Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Azadi stadium, today (Tuesday)

Iran now has to wait until the conclusion of all the 10 groups games in Asia to learn its fate. The best 5 top runners up will be granted a place in the finals. The 10 group winners plus host Qatar qualify directly  for the January 2016 tournament which is also the decider for the Rio De Janeiro  Olympics Games Football competition. 3 Asian teams will qualify for the Olympics

In a match attended by less than 2000 fans in Azadi , the first half was eventless in general except for the glorious chance that Sardar Azmoun wasted when he hit the woodwork after he was clear and only the goalkeeper to beat.

The rest of the half produced no serious chances from either sides as  much of the football was being played in the midfield area. Both teams exercised caution keeping their defenses tight

The second half was different affair and most of it had a Saudi flavor. Needing a victory to assure direct qualification, the Saudi team took the initiative and showed much purpose and determination to score. They outpaced Iran and their teamwork and passing executed to a high accuracy , enabled them to control much of the game and keep possession.

Much of the threat from the Saudi Team came from their left flank and winger Abdul Majeed who troubled Iran’s right back Mehdi Torabi by his pace and dribbling. The first goal for the Saudi team came precisely from the left winger’s good work. His cross found the Saudi Forward Al Zubaidi whose shot beat Iran’s keeper Akhbari and hit the upright , however the deflected ball then hit Akhbari ‘s back and into the net. Perhaps a lucky , yet a deserved goal for the more hardworking team.

Saudi Arabia scored the second from a howler of a mistake by defender Mordmand whose gross misjudgment allowed the Saudi forward Al Emadi to sneak in between him and Akhbari and easily slot the ball into the empty Iranian net.

Iran’s consolation came from an own goal by the Saudi defender.

In general and despite the 3 solid wins against Nepal , Palestine and Afghanistan , all teams of the third tier of Asia , Iran failed to appear as a solid unit. 11 individual players, some admittedly enjoying respectable talents, is no substitute for teamwork and coordination amongst the players.

Omid Team had many flaws, some are institutional in Iran’s football, while others were individual mistakes committed by players. There was no true guidance or effective management from the bench either, at least none that was effective enough in improving the team performance and result of the match. The coaching staff failure to identify the threat from the Saudi left flank by not providing support for Mehdi Torabi , was a indicative of guileless coaching.

There were also some niggling problems with the team in the shape of tendency to play as individuals rather than a team. The two stars of the squad , Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh inclusion which lead to a crises between Queiroz and Kaffashian eventually leading to the resignation of Team Melli coach , was not much of a help for Omid team

Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh failed to shine when most needed. There were many occasions of unwanted dribbling and keeping the ball longer than necessary by these two players. Far too many dead ball situations and free kicks were wasted due to profligacy and wastefulness. The final ball by the Iranian players were meager, lacking accuracy.

Iran Omid Team , has a mountain to climb. The team is work in progress and has a lot of basic work to do to reach a respectable standard that can compete at the highest level of this age group.

Iran stands a very good chance to make the AFC Asian U23 Championship finals in Doha because of the 9 points and 15 goals scored , but even with winning a berth in Doha,  it is difficult to see them achieve the dreams of millions and qualify for the Olympics Games after a 40 years absent.  The elite teams of Asia , are going to be even tougher than Saudi Arabia and with 9 months to go, a true upheaval is required to revive the chance of Iran making the Olympics in Rio in 2016.

Mohammad Khakpour has been given an immense mission. His limited experience in coaching seems to be a hurdle and unless more experienced and proficient coaching staff are found, it is back to prayers again in order to make the Olympics.