Tag: Mehdi Taremi

Team Melli continue its winning run with another close victory.

Bishkek: Iran had to dig deep to overcome Kyrgyz Republic 3-2 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A clash on Tuesday to move closer to a place in the FIFA World Cup 26 Finals.

Leading 2-0 at the break, Iran had to withstand a Kyrgyz Republic fightback in the second half before Sardar Azmoun struck the winner to take them to 16 points as they stayed three clear at the top.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei opted for Hossein Kanani to partner Ali Nemati in the heart of defence in place of the suspended Shojae Khalilzadeh as his side made a confident start to the game.

They took the lead after only 12 minutes, Saied Ezatolahi’s header from a corner kick was saved by Erzhan Tokotaev, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Mehdi Taremi to slam home.

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Kyrgyz Republic did have a sustained period of possession after that but without much threat with Joel Kojo being tightly marked by the Iranian defense.

The visitors turned a defensive situation to their advantage in the 33rd minute when they broke after a Kyrgyz Republic corner kick with Azmoun releasing Saleh Hardani, with the experienced defender coolly slotting home past Tokotaev.

Kyrgyz Republic head coach Maksim Lisitsyn rang in the changes for the second half with Beknaz Almazbekov and Erbol Atabaev replacing Gulzhigit Alykulov and Kai Merk respectively, a tactic that paid quick dividends.

Almazbekov’s cross cum shot in the 50th minute had Alireza Beiranvand tracking back to tip over and from the ensuing corner kick, the home side pulled a goal back through Kojo’s header.

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Lifted by the goal, Kyrgyz Republic poured men forward and drew level in the  64th minute when Odilzhon Abdurakhmanov was fouled in the box with Kojo stepping up to send his penalty past Beiranvand.

Seeing his side being put under intense pressure, Ghalenoei responded with Roozbeh Cheshmi, Mohammad Ghorbani, Mehdi Ghayedi and Omid Norafkan coming on for Ezatolahi, Seyed Karimi, Ali Gholizadeh and Hardani.

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The moment of quality Iran were seeking finally came in the 76th minute from a Milad Mohammadi cross that was met with a thumping header by Azmoun to secure Iran’s fifth win. 

Iran will meet the United Arab Emirates when the AFC Asian Qualifiers resume in March with Kyrgyz Republic to take on Uzbekistan

Disciplinary record under Amir Ghalenoei

Amir Ghalenoei’s Tenure: A Tale of Success and Disciplinary Challenges

Since his appointment as the head coach of Team Melli, Amir Ghalenoei has achieved remarkable success, guiding the team to numerous victories. Under his leadership, Iran advanced deep into the AFC Asian Cup, eliminating powerhouses like Japan. However, a heartbreaking loss to Qatar in the semifinals dashed their title hopes, despite Iran being the favorites. In that tournament, Jordan had surprisingly eliminated South Korea, paving what seemed like a clear path for Iran to the final.

Disciplinary Issues: A Stain on an Otherwise Impressive Record

While Ghalenoei’s tenure has been marked by success on the pitch, a significant issue undermines his accomplishments: Team Melli’s poor disciplinary record. Under his leadership, the team has amassed 47 yellow cards and 5 red cards, resulting in a staggering total of 52 cards distributed across 25 players. This alarming statistic raises concerns about the players’ professionalism, self-control, and the coach’s ability to instill discipline.

A considerable number of these cards were avoidable, stemming from reckless challenges, moments of petulance, and a lack of composure under pressure. Such behavior reflects poorly on the team’s discipline and undermines the hard work put into achieving victories.

The Need for Immediate Action

Ghalenoei faces a pressing challenge to address this persistent issue. Discipline on the pitch is not merely a matter of avoiding cards; it is about setting a professional standard that ensures players remain focused and composed, especially during high-stakes matches.

Failure to tackle this problem could have severe consequences for Team Melli, including:

  1. Player Suspensions
    Accumulated cards and unnecessary red cards lead to key players being unavailable for critical matches, potentially affecting results.
  2. Team Reputation
    Poor discipline tarnishes the image of Team Melli, portraying them as unprofessional and prone to unnecessary confrontations.
  3. Lost Opportunities
    Matches can be lost or momentum disrupted due to players being sent off or suspended, a luxury no team can afford in competitive tournaments.

The Path Forward

To cement his legacy as one of Team Melli’s successful coaches, Ghalenoei must prioritize instilling discipline within the squad. Here are some steps that can help address the issue:

  1. Focused Training
    Conduct workshops and sessions emphasizing professionalism, self-control, and the consequences of reckless behavior on the pitch.
  2. Tactical Adjustments
    Address defensive lapses or tactical setups that leave players vulnerable to fouls, reducing the need for desperate challenges.
  3. Accountability Measures
    Implement strict accountability for unnecessary cards, ensuring players understand the impact of their actions on the team.
  4. Psychological Support
    Provide players with access to sports psychologists to help manage pressure, frustration, and impulsive behavior during matches.

Conclusion

Amir Ghalenoei’s tenure as Team Melli’s head coach has been largely successful, but the disciplinary issues facing the team are a glaring weakness that cannot be ignored. By addressing these challenges, Ghalenoei has the opportunity to lead Iran to even greater heights, ensuring that their on-pitch brilliance is not overshadowed by moments of indiscipline. The responsibility lies with him to instill a culture of professionalism and control, safeguarding the team’s success in the long run.

The full disciplinary records :

Here’s the data formatted as a clean, structured table:

PlayerYellow CardsRed Cards
Ansarifard10
Asadi20
Azmoun10
Beiranvand30
Cheshmi20
Daneshgar10
Ezatolahi20
Fallah10
Ghaedi10
Ghoddos20
Hajsafi20
Hardani11
Hosseini10
Jahanbakhsh20
Kanani-Zadegan81
Karimi10
Khalilzadeh32
Moghanlou10
Mohammadi10
Moharrami10
Mohebbi10
Pouraligangi10
Rezaeian30
Taremi41
Yousefi10
Total475

RED CARDS
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-11-01 vs. Korea DPR
Saleh HARDANI; 2024-10-10 vs Uzbekistan
Shoja’a KHALILZADEH ; 2024-02-07 vs. Qatar
Mehdi TAREMI ; 2024-01-31 vs. Syria
Hossein KANANI-ZADEGAN; 2023-06-20 vs. Uzbekistan

YELLOW CARDS

PlayerLastNameDateOpponent
YOUSEFI2024-11-01Korea DPR
AZMOUN2024-10-15Qatar
MOHEBI2024-10-15Qatar
GHAEDI2024-10-15Qatar
GHODDOS2024-10-10Uzbekistan
BEIRANVAND2024-09-10UAE
GHODDOS2024-09-10UAE
JAHANBAKHSH2024-09-10UAE
MOHAMMADI2024-09-10UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-09-10UAE
HARDANI2024-06-11Uzbekistan
JAHANBAKHSH2024-06-06Hong Kong
REZAEIAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-03-26Turkmenistan
FALLAH2024-03-21Turkmenistan
HAJSAFI2024-02-07Qatar
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
KHALILZADEH2024-01-31Syria
TAREMI2024-01-31Syria
EZATOLAHI2024-01-31Syria
BEIRANVAND2024-01-31Syria
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-23UAE
MOHARRAMI2024-01-23UAE
KANANI-ZADEGAN2024-01-14Palestine
HAJSAFI2024-01-05Burkina Faso
ANSARIFARD2024-01-05Burkina Faso
KARIMI2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-11-21Uzbekistan
KHALILZADEH2023-11-16Hong Kong
EZATOLAHI2023-10-17Qatar
BEIRANVAND2023-10-17Qatar
KHALILZADEH2023-10-13Jordan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-10-13Jordan
DANESHGAR2023-09-07Bulgaria
MOGHANLOU2023-09-07Bulgaria
POURALIGANJI2023-09-07Bulgaria
TAREMI2023-06-20Uzbekistan
REZAEIAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20Uzbekistan
CHESHMI2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
KANANI-ZADEGAN2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
TAREMI2023-06-20 Uzbekistan
CHESHMI 2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
REZAEIAN2023-06-16Kyrgyzstan
HOSSEINI2023-06-16Afghanistan
ASADI2023-06-16Afghanistan
CHESHMI2023-03-28Kenya
ASADI2023-03-28Kenya
TAREMI2023-03-23Russia

The Tale of Two Halves: Team Melli’s Victory Over North Korea

Team Melli triumphed over North Korea on Thursday, solidifying its position at the top of the group. With this 3-2 win, the Iranian team opened a three-point lead over Uzbekistan and a six-point cushion over third-place UAE. However, the victory was a tale of two contrasting halves—one showcasing Team Melli’s dominance and another marred by a collapse in discipline and defensive frailty.

A Dominant First Half

Despite the challenges posed by a rough and uneven pitch, Team Melli began with a commanding display. Within the first ten minutes, Iran launched six attempts on goal, keeping the North Koreans on the back foot. Mehdi Ghayedi opened the scoring, and Mohammad Mohebbi added two more goals, assisted brilliantly by Mehdi Taremi, who seemed unstoppable. By halftime, Iran held a comfortable 3-0 lead, and fans expected more of the same in the second half.

Second-Half Collapse: A Familiar Story

The second half painted a different picture as Iran’s perennial struggle with discipline and defensive coordination resurfaced. The self-inflicted wounds began early, leading to a near-collapse that could have cost them the match.

Shojaa Khalilzadeh’s Red Card
Shojaa Khalilzadeh, the oldest player in the squad at nearly 35, proved to be a liability. His lack of pace was exposed once again, reminiscent of his costly foul against Qatar’s Akram Afif in the 2019 Asian Cup semifinal. Against North Korea, Khalilzadeh’s inability to keep up with a faster opponent resulted in another red card. This selection error raised serious questions about head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactical analysis. Despite claims of thorough preparation, the coaching staff failed to anticipate the Koreans’ speed and agility, leaving the Iranian defense vulnerable.

Taremi’s Nightmare Half
While Taremi shone in the first half with three assists, his second half was disastrous. It began with an own goal, as he deflected the ball into Iran’s net from an ill-advised position. Minutes later, Sardar Azmoun’s botched clearance ricocheted off a Korean forward, leading to North Korea’s second goal. Adding to the defensive woes, Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan’s error—failing to clear a simple ball—further destabilized the backline.

At 3-2, the threat of a North Korean equalizer loomed large with half an hour to go and one man down. The Koreans pressed relentlessly, hitting the woodwork twice and missing numerous chances. Iran’s fragile defense was exposed repeatedly, leaving fans on edge.

Penalty Drama
Iran was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, offering a chance to regain control. Azmoun, not known for his penalty-taking prowess, handed the responsibility to Taremi. However, Taremi’s weak attempt was easily saved, capping off his miserable second half.

What Did We Learn?

The match underscored familiar issues with Team Melli. While they are capable of brilliance, moments of indiscipline and defensive lapses continue to plague the team. Ghalenoei faces significant challenges in addressing these weaknesses:

  1. Defensive Fragility
    The defense’s inability to handle pacey opponents remains a glaring issue. Khalilzadeh’s inclusion despite his age and lack of speed highlights the need for better player selection and tactical adjustments.
  2. Midfield Shortcomings
    Iran’s midfield lacks cohesion and fails to bridge the gap between attack and defense. This imbalance often leaves the defense exposed and contributes to second-half collapses.
  3. Player Discipline
    Taremi’s erratic performance and Azmoun’s unconvincing display emphasize the need for psychological coaching and tactical discipline, especially in high-pressure moments.

Moving Forward

While Team Melli managed to secure a victory, the match exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger teams. Ghalenoei must instill discipline and address defensive frailties if Iran hopes to succeed against tougher opponents. Additionally, players like Taremi and Azmoun need to be more consistent and composed to avoid costly errors.

As for Taremi, his performance against North Korea was a mixed bag. While his first-half brilliance was crucial to Iran’s lead, his second-half errors could have undone all the good work. Counseling and support may help him regain confidence, especially with high expectations from both fans and his club, Inter Milan.

In the end, Team Melli survived a scare and held on to their lead. However, this match serves as a reminder of the need for better preparation, discipline, and adaptability to sustain success on the international stage.

Iran Edges Out North Korea 3-2 in World Cup Qualifier

In a thrilling showdown on November 14, Iran defeated North Korea 3-2 in their fifth Group A match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place at Vientiane’s New National Stadium in Laos.

Iran adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sardar Azmoun as the lead striker and Mehdi Taremi supporting just behind him. Ehsan Ghaeydi and Sadegh Mohebbi played on the left and right flanks, respectively, while Saeid Ezatollahi and Ali Karimi took on defensive midfield roles. The back line featured Rouzbeh Cheshmi and Shoja Khalilzadeh as central defenders, with Omid Mohammadi and Mohammad Youssefi positioned as left and right fullbacks. Alireza Beiranvand guarded the goal.

North Korea, in a 4-4-2 formation, had forwards Han Kwang-sung and Ri Jo-guk leading their attack. Kang Kook-chul anchored the midfield with support from Choi Joo-sung and Baek Chung-sung on the flanks. The defensive lineup included Kim Beom-hyuk and Choi Ok-chul as fullbacks, with Kim Yu-sung and Jang Kook-chul as central defenders. Kang Joo-hyuk stood as the goalkeeper.

First Half: Iran’s Dominance

Iran dominated the first half, applying consistent pressure that eventually yielded their opening goal. In the 28th minute, Taremi threaded a perfect pass into the box for Ghaeydi, who fired a right-footed shot past the North Korean keeper.

Iran’s offense continued to press, and in the 40th minute, Mohebbi doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. Just before the halftime whistle, Taremi found Mohebbi again, threading a pass behind the North Korean defense. Mohebbi calmly slotted the ball home, putting Iran up 3-0 and completing Taremi’s hat-trick of assists.

Second Half: A Shift in Momentum

A crucial turning point came early in the second half. Iran’s Khalilzadeh was shown a red card in the 50th minute for a last-man foul on a North Korean forward charging towards goal. This forced Iran to play with ten men, and North Korea quickly capitalized on their numerical advantage.

In the 55th minute, a North Korean corner led to a chaotic scramble in Iran’s penalty area, resulting in an own goal by Taremi. Just three minutes later, North Korea’s Kim Yoo-sung took advantage of Iran’s disrupted defense, slotting a shot into the bottom left corner, narrowing Iran’s lead to 3-2.

Iran’s Defensive Stand

Sensing North Korea’s momentum, Iran shifted focus to defend their lead, substituting key attacking players, including Taremi, Azmoun, and Ghaeydi, to stabilize the backline. Despite North Korea’s relentless attempts to equalize, Iran held firm, demonstrating late-game concentration to secure the 3-2 victory.

Group A Standings

With this win, Iran remains at the top of Group A, boasting four wins and one draw (13 points) in five matches in the third qualifying round. North Korea, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the group, with two draws and three losses (2 points).

Look back at Team Melli’s game plan.

Team Melli played a goal-less draw against Uzbekistan, its main rival in Group A of the third round qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Tashkent.

The match was not crowd-pleasing, with both teams playing ultra-cautiously, focusing on solidifying their defenses to avoid conceding the first goal.

Uzbekistan, even at home and without Head Coach Srečko Katanec on the bench due to illness, was surprisingly tame and lacked adventure. After the dismissal of Hardani, Team Melli seemed to play better, having more ball possession and control of the field. However, it was a low-risk game overall. Iran lacked the desire to play offensively, with the Uzbek defenses tightly compact and not allowing the Iranian forwards much breathing space.

One reason for the lack of effectiveness in Team Melli’s forward line, which is usually its most powerful, is the familiarity of Iran’s forwards amongst the opposing coaches. Having played together for several years, opposing teams can easily analyze and counteract their game plan. Lack of tactical variety in the Iranian game plan makes the opposing job even easier.

Since Amir Ghalenoei took over, it has been evident that Team Melli relies on long balls from the defense to the forwards, bypassing the midfield. This “route one” football is simple but also easily defendable and has a low yield in modern football. This strategy is particularly ineffective for Iran, where forwards like Sardar Azmoun and Mehdi Taremi lack the pace to make it work.

However, with the introduction of Mehdi Ghayedi and Ali Gholizadeh in the second half, the formula changed. Both players have pace and skills, making the long balls to the flanks more effective in feeding the center of attack. Two very good chances were created this way, with Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi both having their shots saved by the Uzbek keeper.

Iran still lacks a creative midfielder and playmaker. With Saman Ghoddos suspended for the match against Qatar, it will be interesting to see if Gholizadeh can inject some energy into the game which is a home game but played in Dubai. If Ghalenoei opts for a more cautious defensive approach he will probably start with Milad Noorafkan for a more solid, defensive-minded midfield.

There are still options left in the squad to fill the gap left by Ghoddos’ absence. Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who has experienced a dip in form, and Mohammad Mohebbi, recently recovering from injury, could fill that gap despite both being rusty. If Ghalenoei feels adventurous, Javad Hosseinnejad could be a fitting choice to add the style and finesse that many of the current midfielders lack.

It remains to be seen what Ghalenoi has in mind. He certainly has not stuck to his word about introducing an entertaining Team Melli. Perhaps the circumstances dictate that Iran should tread carefully until the qualification to FIFA World Cup 2026 is assured before the team goes full throttle and play attractive football.

The match against Qatar is on Tuesday 15th October at Rashid Stadium, Dubai.

Uzbekistan vs. Iran another draw!

Tashkent: Uzbekistan and Iran settled for a goalless draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A tie on Thursday.

The Central Asian derby saw Iran going down to 10 men in the second half following Saleh Hardani’s sending off but there was to be no winner in the evenly-matched contest as the two sides moved up to seven points.

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With the teams having met in the second round of the qualifiers, the match began on a cagey note as they sized each other up with half chances the best either side could manage in the opening 45 minutes. 

Shojae Khalilzadeh had a backwards header that proved to be a routine catch for Utkir Yusupov before Jaloliddin Masharipov’s penalty appeal was waved away by referee Shaun Evans, very little was created with both sides matching up each other well.

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Forward Mehdi Taremi and Eldor Shomurodov, who both play their club football in Italy, had a subdued first half with neither seeing much of the ball. 

The match took a turn in the 57th minute after Evans referred to the pitchside monitor, which led to a straight red card for Hardani for a studs up challenge on Shomurodov.

Uzbekistan seized the opportunity to increase their tempo with two chances just after the hour mark, Abbosbek Fayzullaev dragging his shot just wide before Masharipov ballooned his attempt over the bar after being teed up by Shomurodov.

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Pinned in their own half, Iran were forced to switch to a long ball approach with one such punt forward in the 72nd minute finding Sardar Azmoun who managed to toe poke the ball at goal but Yusupov was alert to the danger.

There was drama in stoppage time when Evans awarded a penalty to Iran after the ball seemed to have struck Rustamjon Ashurmatov’s hand but upon a VAR review, the decision was reversed as the sides shared the spoils.

Uzbekistan will host the United Arab Emirates next on Tuesday while Iran will meet Qatar. 

Uzbekistan vs Iran: AFC Asian Qualifiers Showdown

Tashkent: Uzbekistan will aim to get it right when they host Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to FIFA World Cup 26 on Thursday.

Both teams are tied on six points after opening their campaigns with two wins, with Uzbekistan leading the standings on goal difference.

Srecko Katanec’s Uzbekistan will be determined to avoid a slow start, having had to come from behind to force a 2-2 draw the last time the two teams met in Tashkent in the the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw with Iran going on to top the group but Uzbekistan, seeking to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, will be determined to maximise home ground advantage this time around.

Their opening wins mean both have a three-point lead over the United Arab Emirates and another three points on Thursday will be a tremendous boost to their qualification hopes – with the top two sides to earn automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Katanec has named a strong squad for the matches against Iran and UAE, which follows on Tuesday, and Uzbekistan will know that they will be well on course to book their ticket to the global showpiece if they take all six points.

Iran, however, will have similar designs as they seek a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.

While not at their free-flowing best against Kyrgyz Republic and UAE, the Central Asian side secured 1-0 wins and will be focused on winning, rather than performance, against Uzbekistan and Qatar, their Matchday Four opponents.

Amir Ghalenoei has named an impressive looking squad, with the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun to lead their attack.

Taremi has been making regular appearances for Italian side Inter Milan while Azmoun has settled in well at the UAE Pro League side Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, with the striker already on five goals five matches into the season.

Uzbekistan v IR Iran

Venue: Bunyodkor Stadium, Tashkent

Kick-off: Thursday, 19:00 (UTC+5)

Uzbekistan, the toughest test for Team Melli.

Team Melli Gears Up for Crucial Clash Against Uzbekistan

With just a week remaining before the pivotal match against Uzbekistan, Team Melli is banking on the strong form of its players across various leagues. As Iran prepares for the away fixture, head coach Amir Ghalenoei is expected to stick with a familiar squad, similar to the one fielded in the previous two matches. What bodes well for Team Melli is the impressive performances many of its key players have delivered at the club level in both domestic and regional competitions.

Key Players in Form

Sardar Azmoun has been in exceptional form for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE league, making headlines with his consistent performances. Likewise, Mehdi Ghayedi has impressed with his contributions for Ittihad Kalba, a smaller club, but one where he has made a significant impact.

Saman Ghoddos has also secured playing time after signing with Ittihad Kalba. Though the move from Europe to the UAE may seem like a downgrade for the midfielder who played all his professional career in Europe, regular minutes on the pitch are essential for his form, particularly with Team Melli in mind.

In Iran’s domestic league, most of Team Melli’s players have been solid, if not spectacular. However, one standout performer has been Javad Aghaeipour. His two goals in Sepahan’s AFC Champions League match against Istiklol of Tajikistan, coupled with his domestic league displays, make him a strong candidate for a recall to the national team. His form adds competition to an already crowded forward line.

Taremi’s European Brilliance

Mehdi Taremi had a standout performance for Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League win against Red Star Belgrade, where he was named Man of the Match. Taremi played the full 90 minutes, providing two assists for Arnautovic and Martinez, before scoring a penalty to seal a 4-0 victory. After a disappointing display in Team Melli’s last match against the UAE, this performance will give Taremi a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the Uzbekistan game.

Ghalenoei’s Selection Dilemma

Amir Ghalenoei is spoilt for choice when it comes to squad selection, as Team Melli is brimming with talent. The challenge lies in how he can mold these individuals into a cohesive unit that can withstand the pressure of facing a formidable Uzbek side.

Uzbekistan: A Tough Opponent

Although Uzbekistan has a poor head-to-head record against Iran, they are a difficult team to overcome. Led by experienced coach Srečko Katanec, Uzbekistan boasts a tactically astute and disciplined squad. Katanec is known for his ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, and his strategic acumen will be a key factor in this encounter. Uzbekistan, still seeking their first-ever World Cup qualification, have been undefeated in this campaign and currently top the group on goal difference.

Tactical Battle Awaits

The match is shaping up to be a tactical showdown between two contrasting styles. While a draw may seem the most likely outcome on paper, Uzbekistan’s home advantage could tilt the balance in their favor. Team Melli’s defense, which has shown vulnerability in previous matches, will need to be sharp and organized to handle Uzbekistan’s dynamic attack.

The high-stakes clash will take place in Tashkent on October 10, 2024, at 17:30 Iran time.

MATCH REVIEW: Iran vs Kyrgyzstan

Overview

Iran’s Team Melli played a historic match in Esfahan, marking the first time the team has played in this city since its inception in 1940. The sell-out, vociferous crowd of over 20,000 filled Fooladshahr Stadium in anticipation of a solid performance and result from the number one favorite of this group.

Team Line-up

Head Coach, Amir Ghalenoei, who has been sticking to the familiar names in his lineup, made an exception for the match against the Kyrgyz Republic sidelining team captain, Jahanbakhsh, central defender Kananizadegan and the defensive midfielder Ezatollahi.

Goalkeeper: Alireza Beiranvand retained his place despite some shaky performances in the league.

  • Defense:
    • Central Defense Partnership: Amin Hezbavi and Shoja’a Khalilzadeh.
    • Full-backs: Ariya Yousefi and Milad Mohammadi.
  • Midfield:
    • Midfield : Saman Ghoddos, Ali Gholizadeh, Omid Noorafkan, and Mehdi Ghayedi.
  • Forward Line:
    • Strikers: Sardar Azmoun, Mehdi Taremi.

Match Performance

Match Performance

As anticipated, Iran dominated possession, leaving little room for the Kyrgyz team to breathe. However, the hosts struggled to turn this domination into goals on a pitch more suitable for grazing than playing international football. The only goal of the match came in the 44th minute when Mehdi Taremi slotted the ball home after Noorafkan’s long-range shot was parried by the Kyrgyz keeper.

Despite Iran initially controlling most of the play in the first half, the final balls from the midfield players were poor, failing to provide quality passes to Azmoun and Taremi up front. Apart from Noorafkan’s shot that led to Taremi’s goal, there were no shots on target by the Iranians. The atrocious pitch with multi-colored patches was possibly a factor, but the main blame should go to the ineffective midfield, poor basic passing, and some arrogance issues. The trio of Ghoddos, Ghayedi, Noorafkan, and Gholizadeh were at their worst. Much was expected from Ghoddos in this game, but his lack of match practice was evident. Noorafkan, usually a right back, was deployed in the midfield, which proved to be a bad idea. Gholizadeh huffed and puffed and executed a few dribbles, but his final balls were wasteful. Remarkably, Team Melli had just one shot on goal, which was the one scored by Taremi.

Despite leading 1-0 at halftime, Ghalenoei was visibly upset by the poor performance of his team. It was a poor show for Team Melli against a solid, disciplined team with compact defending.

The second half was not much better despite the substitutions forced on Ghalenoei, where Ghoddos and Gholizadeh were replaced by Jahanbakhsh and Ezatollahi. With Team Melli failing to add to their single goal, the Kyrgyz team became bolder and more effective. The brilliance of Beiranvand prevented Joel Kpjo from equalizing after he cleverly left Hizbavi and Khalilzadeh chasing shadows. Beiranvand’s timely interception was a face-saving act.

Overall, this was a shaky start by Iran. Ghalenoei was less than pleased by some of the players’ antics. His changes may not have yielded results, but most of the blame goes to the players who failed to turn up and were found wanting by a team they beat 5-1 the last time they met.

In the same group, UAE is leading the table after the first round, having beaten Qatar 3-1 in Doha, while Uzbekistan narrowly defeated North Korea 1-0 in an earlier match.

Iran’s first goal came in the

Iran vs Kyrgyzstan: Match Review

On Thursday, Team Melli will face Kyrgyzstan for the fifth time at Fooladshahr Stadium in Esfahan. The two teams last met in the CAFA Nations Cup, where Team Melli secured a dominant 5-1 victory in Bishkek.

There have been few changes in both squads, with the most significant being the appointment of Maksim Lisitsyn as the new head coach for Kyrgyzstan, replacing Š. Tarkovič.

The teams first crossed paths in the preliminary round of the FIFA World Cup France 1998 in Damascus, where Team Melli comfortably defeated the newly independent Kyrgyz side with a 7-0 win.

With almost all key players available for Amir Ghalenoei, Team Melli is expected to secure a convincing victory. The forward line of Team Melli is arguably the strongest in Asia, featuring the likes of Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun up front, with Ali Gholizadeh, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, and Mehdi Ghayedi operating on the flanks.

However, concerns remain in defense, particularly with an aging center-back duo and a lack of defensive cohesion that has seen Team Melli concede goals against various opponents. Alireza Beiranvand, a stalwart in goal for many years, has experienced a dip in form, making his position less secure.

The midfield also presents challenges, as players like Saman Ghoddos, Jahanbakhsh, and Saeid Ezatollahi have struggled with match fitness and practice, with the first two currently without clubs. The team will rely on Gholizadeh to inject creativity and dynamism.

Despite these issues, Team Melli should have little trouble winning this match, and anything less would be considered a significant setback, especially in a competitive group that includes AFC Asian Cup holders Qatar and strong opponents like Uzbekistan and the UAE.

Teams Last 5 matches

Kyrgyzstan

Iran

25/01/24Oman1 – 1D
21/03/24Chinese Taipei0 – 2W
26/03/24Chinese Taipei5 – 1W
06/06/24Malaysia1 – 1D
11/06/24Oman1 – 1D
Kyrgyzstan
07/02/24Qatar2 – 3L
21/03/24Turkmenistan5 – 0W
26/03/24Turkmenistan0 – 1W
06/06/24Hong Kong2 – 4W
11/06/24Uzbekistan0 – 0D
Iran

Head2Head Results

H / A / NMatchesWDLGoals+ / –
H22009 – 1+8
A11005 – 1+4
N11007 – 0+7
Total440021 – 2+19
DateComp.H / A / NFinal scoreVenue CityAttendance
16.06.2023CAFA Nations Cup A5 – 1Bishkek10000
07.06.2016FriendlyH6 – 0 Tehran4500
09.06.1997World Cup QualifierH3 – 1Tehran50000
04.06.1997World Cup Qualifier N7 – 0Damascus25000
The matches