With the 2-1 loss against South Korea, Iran’s Omid team chances of qualifying for the next round of the AFC U23 Championship 2020 looks difficult, if not improbable. Iran’s U23 team still has a chance on paper.
Omid Team started with a draw against Uzbekistan, while South Korea defeated China 1-0. In the second matchday, Uzbekistan’s 2-0 win over China, not only eliminated the Chinese from the competition but also made them strong favorites to qualify needing only a draw in the final group match against the already qualified Koreans on Wednesday.
On the final group matchday, Omid team will play China and the only results that count is a comprehensive win. While South Korea will most probably field an under-strength team for their final group match, Uzbekistan will most probably achieve qualification with a draw against the Koreans.
The only scenario where Omid team will stand a chance is if Uzbekistan loses against Korea and Omid team beats China by at least 2 goals or more.
While football is a sport that is no stranger to surprises and sometimes the most unexpected results can occur, Omid team is counting on one such chance comes Wednesday. Winners like South Korea who are synonymous with success due to their hard work, progress, and planning, do not need to worry about such possibilities. Unlike the Iranian team which is now counting on hope and prayers, the Koreans even win matches while not at their best.
The big difference between football in Iran and Korea or Japan is one of strict discipline, planning, free from politics and lobbying, selection of most suitable coaches on merit and providing the infrastructure. The Football federations of these countries study the requirements for their teams, plan ahead, support and most importantly select the right players and coaches using the strait-laced methodology in the process. No issues or complexes of the Estghlal-Persepolis axis out there.
Omid Team has changed three coaches in a year, while the current one Hamid Estili is not really a functioning regular coach and hence clearly out of touch with modern coaching and match practice. In another word, he was an emergency coach. His last assignment was the Administrative Manager of this very same Omid Team before he was appointed under mysterious circumstances as the head coach replacing Farhad Majidi.
So, due to the perennial lack of insight, non-existent long-term planning, lack of vision, and extremely poor quality management, the passionate Iranian fans have to resort to prayers to experience the success of this team hoping for a comprehensive win in order to make it to the next round and stand a chance of qualifying for Tokyo Olympics 2020
Iran’s Volleyball and Basketball teams have already qualified for Tokyo Olympics and made the nation proud in days that there are very few things to make an Iranian happy, will Omid complete the hat-trick?
We will continue hoping and praying.