Tag: Mehdi Taremi

Ghalenoei Criticizes Lack of Suitable Stadiums for International Matches

Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of Iran’s national football team, expressed his frustration over the inadequate stadium facilities available for international matches in the country. Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Iran’s game against Kyrgyzstan, Ghalenoei did not hold back in addressing the shortcomings.

“There has been a clear lack of effort and attention to this issue, which has resulted in this unfortunate situation,” Ghalenoei stated. “However, I appreciate the efforts of Zob Ahan Club and its management for preparing Fooladshahr Stadium for this match. Their work has saved us from potential embarrassment.”

Ghalenoei further mentioned that other provinces, despite having larger and more suitable stadiums, refused to cooperate with Team Melli, leaving them with limited options. “Fooladshahr has a decent pitch, but it requires proper maintenance. The turf has an expiration date and should be regularly cared for to remain usable,” he urged.

Analyzing the Opposition

Turning his focus to the upcoming game, Ghalenoei praised Kyrgyzstan’s new head coach for his deep understanding of the nation’s football system, having coached at both grassroots and youth levels. “They are a hardworking team, especially strong defensively,” Ghalenoei remarked, noting that the match would be challenging.

The coach also commended the preparation of his own team, highlighting the success of their training camp. “The conditions have been excellent, and this has been one of the best camps we’ve held. The players are motivated and training with high intensity.”

Balancing Youth and Experience

Ghalenoei acknowledged the ongoing criticism surrounding squad selection, especially regarding the balance between experienced players and younger talents. “Every time we announce a squad, we face criticism. We are working to lower the average age and bring in younger players to support the national team in the future. But these changes must be gradual and measured, ensuring we still get results while protecting the young players’ development.”

He emphasized the importance of careful selection: “Our choices are based on thorough analysis. We’ve been watching the players throughout the league, and while mistakes can happen, our process is transparent. The national team is open to everyone.”

For Ghalenoei, age is just a number. “It’s about quality and readiness. Our goal is to field a team that can combine youthfulness with strong performances. If we don’t get results, the same people who ask for rejuvenation will criticize us for not winning. So, we remain focused on our work and welcome constructive criticism, which helps us improve. Some of our critics are our own advisors.”

An Offensive Football Philosophy

Ghalenoei reaffirmed his commitment to an aggressive, offensive style of play. “Systems don’t win matches; players do. My approach is to play attacking football. My teams have a strong scoring record, and we will maintain this style, even if it costs us a result tomorrow. I can’t change my philosophy because it’s what the fans want to see. I’m here to serve the national team, and the players understand that we have to play a dynamic, spectator-friendly game.”

He also spoke highly of Mehdi Taremi, stating, “We’ve given Taremi the freedom to move across the field, supported by another striker. The players know exactly what’s expected of them.”

He also spoke about the leadership role that experienced players like Taremi play on the field, describing them as the “arm of the coaching staff” who help manage the team during matches. “We don’t expect anything extraordinary from Taremi. We just want him to be himself.”

Reflecting on Challenges

Ghalenoei touched on the challenges faced by the national team, including the strength of teams from the CAFFA region and the high expectations of Iranian fans. “If the players don’t give their best, I will hold them accountable. We’re here to bring joy to the people.”

He recalled a past experience to illustrate the dedication he expects from his players: “I remember when Ali Daei got injured during a match against Bahrain. I was the first person by his side, and he played 70 minutes with that injury. That’s the level of commitment I expect.”

Venue and Federation Challenges

Regarding the choice of venues, Ghalenoei admitted that some of the options for hosting matches were less than ideal, while there were better options “We could have played in better stadiums, but we had to make do with what was available from the people who welcomed Team Melli.”

Despite the difficulties faced, including the fact that the coaching staff have not been paid for months, Ghalenoei remained optimistic. “Our priority is the people. When they’re facing hardships, it’s not right for us to worry about our own financial issues. The Federation and management are doing their best, and so are we. The people’s happiness is what truly matters.”

Mehdi Taremi scores on his debut for Inter.

Inter Milan, the Champions of Italy, played its first match preparing for the new football season with a friendly against the Swiss side Lugano. This match marked the start of the season for Inter and took place behind closed doors in Appiano Gentile. Team Melli center forward who recently signed for Inter Milan was a starter for the friendly match.

Inter gave debut of some other signings in this match. Beside Taremi, the Spanish goalkeeper Martinez experienced his first game in an Inter shirt. Both the new arrivals are eagerly awaited and are expected to play an important role in the team in the coming season.
Inter did not take long to score through Joaquin Correa in the 12th minute. Lugano, however, bounced back with two quick goals in a matter of five minutes both scored by Kacper Przybylko with a penalty lick in the 20th minute and then scoring on the 25th to put his club ahead 2-1. That was indeed the result of the first half.

In the second half, Mehdi Taremi scored the equalizer in the 59th minute. It was his first goal for the Nerazzurri. It came from the penalty spot, in the second half of the friendly. Taremi stepped up to the penalty spot and scored the goal that made it 2-2 for the Nerazzurri in the match against the Swiss club. Shortly after, Taremi made it 3-2 with a splendid shot in front of the opposing goalkeeper. It was his first Nerazzurri brace.

The match ended 3-2 for the Italian champions with Mehdi Taremi impressing and registering the goals that Inter will be eagerly waiting from him.

Taremi officially joins Inter Milan

Inter has confirmed the signing of Mehdi Taremi on a three-year contract following his departure from Porto.

The deal between Inter and the striker, who left Portugal after seeing out the end of his contract, was reached earlier this year and was confirmed after he completed his medical.

Taremi made 182 appearances for Porto after joining in 2020, scoring 91 goals in all competitions.

The Iran international enjoyed a distinguished four-year spell at the club, winning the Primeira Liga, two Portuguese Super Cups, three Portuguese Cups and the Portuguese League Cup.

Taremi is the third player to move to San Siro so far this transfer window, joining Piotr Zielinski and Josep Martinez at the club.

The Team Melli center forward has expressed his eight as the first Iranian player to join the Italian giants Internazionale of Milan. In his first interview in Milan, Taremi focused on helping his club win matches, score goals, and assist his teammates.

Striker Mehdi Taremi will weigh a total of €5.55 million on Inter Milan’s balance sheet for the fiscal year ending next June.

This is according to Italian outlet Calcio e Finanza. The outlet does note that the commissions involved in the deal are not known, however.

Now it’s official. Inter has completed the signing of Taremi on a free transfer.

The Nerazzurri confirmed the Iranian’s arrival yesterday.

Taremi has arrived on a free transfer. His contract with Porto had run out at the end of last month, meaning that he left the Portuguese giants after four years and was able to join another club without a fee.

Inter’s propensity for free transfer signings is hardly a secret.

That is the route via which all of Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Andre Onana, and Marcus Thuram have arrived at the Nerazzurri in recent seasons.

And this summer, Taremi is not the only big name free transfer signing that Inter have made.

The Nerazzurri have also brought in Piotr Zielinski after his contract with Napoli ran out.

Mehdi Taremi Weighs Around €5.55M On Inter Milan Balance Sheet

Of course, even without a transfer fee, it is not as though signing Taremi has cost Inter nothing.

Calcio e Finanza note that the commissions involved in the deal have not been revealed. However, it is safe to say that there were some.

But in terms of the wages for the Iranian, Taremi is earning €3 million net per season.

Inter will not be able to apply the Growth Decree to these.

In the past, the Growth Decree would have allowed Inter to spend less on the wages of a player arriving from a foreign league like Taremi.

This would have been the result of lower taxes on the wages.

However, the Italian government scrapped the application of the policy to football last year.

Team Melli Legionnaires: Navigating Uncertain Paths

As the end of 2023/2024 season, the future prospects of Team Melli’s legionnaire players hang in the balance. Unfortunately, their performances in European leagues have been less than stellar. Let’s delve into the individual stories of these key players:

Mehdi Taremi

In the 2022/23 season, Taremi dazzled as a key player for FC Porto, scoring 22 goals in 33 Primeira Division games. However, last season, contract negotiations and reduced playing time dimmed his star. Porto’s head coach favored other players, and Taremi featured in only 23 league matches, netting 6 goals. His heart now beats for a move to Inter Milan, although no official contract has been announced yet.

Sardar Azmoun

Azmoun’s loan spell at AS Roma in Serie A didn’t pan out as expected. Despite Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga triumph, Azmoun played second fiddle to Lukaku and Dybala. His 23 appearances included just 3 starts, with 20 substitute roles. He found the net 3 times. AS Roma’s contract with Azmoun ends soon, and Leverkusen seeks offers—preferably an outright sale—to recoup their investment.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh

Jahanbakhsh’s stint at Feyenoord was forgettable. In 16 Eredivisie matches, he failed to score. Starting in only 3 games, he spent most of his time as a substitute. Feyenoord has let go of the 30-year-old captain and winger. Jahanbakhsh’s agents are actively scouting West European clubs, though Turkish sides have shown interest at lower wages.

Saman Ghoddos

Brentford’s Premier League journey didn’t feature Ghoddos prominently. His one-year contract expires soon, and the club shows no interest in an extension. Ghoddos made 19 appearances, mostly as a substitute, but did manage a memorable goal. His versatility caught the eye, but his next destination remains uncertain. Sweden beckons, but Ghoddos hopes for a more ambitious opportunity.

The Crucible Awaits: Team Melli’s Legionnaires

As the 2023/2024 season draws its final curtain, Team Melli’s legionnaire players find themselves at a crossroads. Their lackluster performances in European leagues cast shadows over their prospects. The stakes are high—the FIFA World Cup 2026 looms on the horizon, and Iran eyes a coveted spot among the final 48 teams.

The Unyielding Challenge

While Iran’s group isn’t insurmountable, the team’s fate hinges on its key players. Their game time and exposure to strong leagues will reverberate through every match. Can they rise to the occasion and propel Team Melli to glory?

The Race Against Time

With the 2024/25 season kicking off in August, these players face a tight schedule. Settling into new teams swiftly becomes paramount. As winter approaches, the four World Cup qualifying matches await—a litmus test for their mettle.

The arena awaits, and Team Melli’s fate hangs in the balance. Will these legionnaires seize their moment or fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.

Taremi determined to power Iran to 2026 Finals

Taremi determined to power IR Iran to 2026 Finals
www.the-afc.com – AFC ASIAN QUALIFIERSTUE, 25 JUNE, 2024

Kuala Lumpur: The pain of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s semi-final exit at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ still stings for Mehdi Taremi but, as the striker tells the-AFC.com, he is choosing to look towards the future; to his impending move to Serie A giants Inter Milan and to what he hopes will be another FIFA World Cup Finals appearance.

No nation knows semi-final heartbreak at the AFC Asian Cup quite like IR Iran; on seven occasions since 1976 – the most recent of the country’s three consecutive continental titles – Team Melli have fallen one hurdle before the tournament’s deciding match.

The latest loss remains fresh in the mind of Mehdi Taremi, the talismanic striker whose goals in recent years have been one of the drivers of his country’s qualification for the last two FIFA World Cup Finals, but who continue to fall short of a fourth AFC Asian Cup.

The 3-2 defeat to hosts Qatar – the defending champions who would go on to retain the title – in February hurt so much that Taremi has refused to watch reruns of the game and shies away from discussing the defeat.

#AsianCup2023 | Semi-final : Islamic Republic Of Iran 2 - 3 Qatar

“After the Qatar game, I never saw the game and I haven’t talked until now about that game,” he tells the-AFC.com. “I don’t want to look back and think about the past.

“We’re always thinking about what is in front of us. We’re looking forward to the next step and who we are going to play against.

“It’s still painful. I think we deserved to win the Asian Cup. We created a lot of chances there, we missed a lot of chances but that’s football.”

Missing scoring opportunities is not a characteristic often associated with Taremi. The 31-year-old hit a hat-trick against Hong Kong, China earlier this month to record his 48th goal in 804 matches as he continued his long-standing run of form for Iran.

It is his ability in front of goal that has seen Taremi establish himself among the leading scorers in European club football since his move to Portugal to join Rio Ave from Al Gharafa in Qatar before a subsequent move to Porto, where he has spent the last four seasons.

Taremi’s time on the Iberian peninsula, however, has come to an end with the expiration of his contract with the Estadio de Dragao-based club, and a new adventure in Italy with Inter Milan awaits.

“That five years, it has created this Mehdi,” he says of his time in Portugal, where he scored 112 times in 217 games in all competitions.

“I have become a more experienced guy, I have become a more professional guy and all of those people who have helped me there I appreciate all of those guys, the staff the players at Rio Ave club and at Porto as well. They have created this Mehdi.

“When you play in Asia and in Europe it’s completely different. There you have to be more professional, otherwise you cannot play at a high level.

“In Asia you have to too, but how they play there is faster and quicker and the games are at a higher level. When you play in the UEFA Champions League you have to be ready, you have to play against big players, big teams and that has made me different.”

Taremi’s ability in front of goal led to significant speculation over his next destination and, while the rumour mill generated talk of numerous possibilities, it was the newly crowned Italian champions who won the battle for his signature.

It is a move the Bushehr-born forward is relishing as it presents him with another opportunity to feature once more in the UEFA Champions League.

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“Inter has a strong team and from what I’ve seen on the TV the players are friendly, the team are strong and they are compact, together,” he says.

“I think there is a good feeling there between the players and the coaches. Inter is a big club and because of that I chose Inter. I want to play in Italy, I want to show myself there too.

“Since I was seven, eight years old I saw a lot of games in Italy, Spain, England, everywhere. When you watch the games you’re a supporter of the big clubs and Inter is one of those. I remember many things of Inter in the UEFA Champions League, in the league and the history of Inter and that makes me happy to go there. It convinced me to go there.

“My goal is to help the team as I can. I’ll try to do my job, scoring and assists. So let’s see what’s going to happen.”

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While Taremi will be adjusting to his new surroundings at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – better known around the world as San Siro – he will also be attempting to ensure Iran qualify for another FIFA World Cup finals.

Having failed to score in his first FIFA World Cup appearance in Russia in 2018, Taremi was twice on target at Qatar 2022 against England and his aim is to improve on that tally in the Canada, Mexico and United States edition in 2026.

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“I always try to think about football and about my future,” he says. “I put a lot of effort each day into my job.

“The main goal is, first of all we have to go to the World Cup, and then my main goal is I have to try my best to score more than two goals at the next World Cup. So let’s see.”

Team Melli Aims for Top Spot in Group E Clash Against Uzbekistan

In tonight’s crucial match at Azadi Stadium, Team Melli faces Uzbekistan, both teams having already secured their place in the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The stakes are high as they battle for supremacy in Group E.

Key Points:

  1. Uzbekistan’s Confidence:
    • In the pre-match press conference, Uzbekistan Coach Srečko Katanec emphasized that his team feels no pressure after qualifying. They intend to take the game to Iran and aim for victory.
    • Two Uzbek players, Auston Aronov and Jalaluddin Masharipov, who play in Iran for Esteghlal and Persepolis, could pose a challenge for Team Melli.
  2. Head-to-Head History:
    • Team Melli and Uzbekistan have faced each other 13 times, with Iran holding the upper hand, having secured 10 wins against a lone defeat.
    • The previous encounter between the two teams ended in a 2-2 draw.
  3. Unbeaten Streaks:
    • Both teams have lost only to Qatar in their last 10 games, specifically during the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
    • Their overall form remains strong, with no defeats in other matches.
  4. Defensive Concerns for Team Melli:
    • Critics have raised concerns about Team Melli’s defensive system. Despite aging center-back Shoja Khalilzadeh’s inclusion, cohesion remains an issue.
    • Coach Amir Ghaleneoi has introduced young talent into the defense, but better coordination is needed.
    • Defending as a unit has not been very well executed, a job the Team Melli defensive coordinators like Rahman Rezaei, need to focus on.
  5. Midfield and Attack:
    • Defensive midfielder Mohammed Ghorbani has performed well in recent matches, while Saman Ghoddos orchestrates offensive moves.
    • Strikers Mehdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun are poised to strike if provided with quality service.
  6. Referee and Match Details:
    • The match will be officiated by Kim Jong Hyuk from South Korea.
    • Kickoff time: 20:30 local Iran time.

In summary, Team Melli faces a critical test against Uzbekistan, and fans eagerly await an exciting clash between these two talented sides. 🌟🇮🇷⚽️

Taremi Set to Elevate Inter Milan’s Attack in 2024-25

By Matteo Pifferi, Editor | June 8, 2024

Mehdi Taremi

Inter Milan is on the cusp of officially securing Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi. The Italian club has yet to officially announce the news of ex-Porto joining the club. Having already completed his medical, Taremi is poised to play a pivotal role for the Nerazzurri in the upcoming season.
Taremi is a free agent and would cost Inter Milan no transfer fee to be paid for Porto, although there is the customary signing-on fee that is usually awarded to players on joining.

Taremi scored a hat trick for Iran against Hong Kong in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying rounds.

A Determined Arrival

Taremi arrives at Inter with clear intentions. He emphatically states, “I’m not here to be a reserve player. I aspire to be more than just an option from the bench.” His ambition is palpable, and he aims to climb the ranks, leaving no doubt about his desire to contribute significantly from the first minute.

Beyond Luxury Alternatives

The Iranian forward won’t settle for a luxury role. Instead, he seeks to surpass expectations. Taremi’s mission is to become indispensable, not merely a backup to Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. Unlike Alexis Sanchez and Marko Arnautovic, who played supporting roles this season, Taremi aims for greater importance within the squad.

Instilling Confidence

Tuttosport highlights Taremi’s determination to win over teammates and fans alike. He plans to impress Inzaghi, ensuring that the coach considers him for every game and competition. Taremi’s debut in Portugal, where he scored a hat-trick for Rio Ave, serves as a testament to his capabilities.

Training Advantage

Unlike his national team-bound counterparts, Taremi can start training immediately. This advantage positions him well enough to convince Inzaghi of his readiness to lead Inter’s attack during a demanding season.

Mehdi Taremi’s arrival promises excitement and ambition at Inter Milan. Fans eagerly await his impact on the pitch.

1: Source: Taremi & Carboni to complete revamped Inter attack in 2024-25

H2H: Uzbekistan

On Tuesday, Team Melli will play its final match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round 2 qualification against Uzbekistan.

The match will determine who will lead the group as both teams have accumulated 13 points from their five matches with Iran leading by the +12 goal difference while Uzbekistan is +9.

The first time these two teams met was in the 1998 Asin Games in Bangkok, where Ali Daei single-handedly swept past the Uzbek with a hat trick, and Ali Mosavi completed the rout with a goal.

It took 14 years for Uzbekistan to register its first and only win against Iran in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Azmoun, Taremi, and Daei are jointly the top scorers against Uzbekistan with 3 goals each.

Group E standing

#TeamMPWDLGF/GAGDPTS
1IRAN541016-4+1213
2UZBEKISTAN541013-4+913
3TURKMENISTAN50144-14-101
4HONG KONG50144-15-111

All Time Heas2Head records

IDDateOpponentMatch TypeScoreResultScorers
21961998-12-14UzbekistanAsian Games4 – 0WDaei (3),Mousavi
23332007-07-11UzbekistanAsian Cup2 – 1WAzmoun, Taremi
23982009-09-05UzbekistanFriendly0 – 0D
24492012-06-03UzbekistanWorld Cup Qualifier1 – 0WKhalatbary
24572012-11-14UzbekistanWorld Cup Qualifier0 – 1L
24952015-06-11UzbekistanFriendly1 – 0WTorabi
25102016-10-06UzbekistanWorld Cup Qualifier1 – 0WHosseini
25162017-06-12UzbekistanWorld Cup Qualifier2 – 0WAzmoun , Taremi
25292018-05-19UzbekistanFriendly1 – 0WCheshmi
25382018-09-11UzbekistanFriendly1 – 0WTorabi
25632020-10-08UzbekistanFriendly2 – 1WAzmoun, Taremi
25942023-06-20UzbekistanCAFA Nations Cup1 – 0WAzmoun
25972023-11-21UzbekistanWorld Cup Qualifier2 – 2DRezaeian, Taremi

Summary

MPWDLGFGAGDwin%GPM
1310111851376.9%1.38

Scorers

ScorerGoals
Ali DAEI3
Sardar AZMOUN3
Mehdi TAREMI3
Jalal HOSSEINI2
Mehdi TORABI2
Javad KAZEMIAN1
Ali MOUSAVI1
MohamadReza KHALATBARY1
Rouzbeh CHESHMI1
Ramin REZAEIAN1

Taremi’shat trick sinks Hong Kong

Soft spot-kick turns the tide for Iran in the Fifa World Cup qualifier, but Hong Kong shows guts with new boys Timmy Ma and Anthony Pinto on target

Paul McNamara

Paul McNamara+ FOLLOW

6 Jun 2024

Hong Kong football christened two new heroes on Thursday night, but Wolfgang Luisser’s first game in temporary charge ended in a controversial 4-2 World Cup qualifying defeat at home to Iran.

Timmy Ma Hei-wai adeptly swept home a cross from Tan Chun-lok after 15 minutes of his senior international debut. Anthony Pinto was even quicker off the mark, dispatching a low effort past Payam Niazmand only two minutes after replacing Ma in the second half.

Ma’s stunning introduction was sandwiched by a pair of penalties from Mehdi Taremi, the second awarded after Yapp Hung-fai appeared to legally dispossess the striker in the box.

Taremi, on the verge of a transfer from FC Porto to Inter Milan, chipped in a Panenka kick before completing a hat-trick 11 minutes after half-time. But Pinto, released by English League One club Bolton Wanderers, soon fired home to give Hong Kong hope.

Yapp Hung-fai dives to meet Mehdi Taremi in the incident that led to the second penalty. Photo: Sam Tsang

Sardar Azmoun finally killed off the hosts when he escaped the attention of Leon Jones to slip home Iran’s fourth with 25 minutes left.

There were no complaints about the first penalty. Jones, another full Hong Kong debutant, used his arm to block a floated 11th-minute cross from Mehdi Ghayedi. Taremi ignored the howls to place his penalty into the bottom-left corner.

There was a 137-position gulf between the teams in the Fifa world rankings, but after a slow start, the hosts gave as good as they got on a stirring night at Hong Kong Stadium.

They had an early let-off when Helio Goncalves deflected a Taremi strike onto the crossbar. Iran sustained the attack, and Azmoun’s volley had Yapp tumbling to his left to tip behind.

Hong Kong’s anemic opening gave way to a gutsy, ambitious performance, sparked when Tan stole possession on the quarter-hour. The midfielder was allowed to progress down the left and measure a delivery to the near post, where Ma arrived from the opposite flank to steer a finish across goalkeeper Niazmand.

Eastern attacker Ma was so far out of the international reckoning until recently that he did not make the squad for the under-23s’ Asian Games campaign last September.

Yapp needed a strong hand to beat out an effort from Azmoun, but Iran’s discomfort was laid bare when Amin Hazbavi sliced a panicked clearance past a post.

The visitors were given a break, however, when Qasim Matar Al-Hatmi, the referee, awarded a spot-kick for a foul by Yapp. The goalkeeper seemed to make clean contact with the ball as he dived at Taremi’s feet in the 32nd minute, but Hong Kong’s protests were waved away.

Before kick-off, the home fans had hoisted a banner emblazoned with images of Jorn Andersen, accompanied by the words “thank you”, in tribute to the Norwegian, who last week resigned as head coach.

Fans unfurl a banner to thank Jorn Andersen, the former head coach. Photo: Sam Tsang

And their backing created a wall of noise throughout as their team, in keeping with the progress made under Andersen, battled to recover from Taremi’s second penalty. Songs stuck in the throats of most of the 9,992 crowd when the dead-eyed Taremi angled a sidefooted shot into the corner to claim the match ball.

Pinto pounced on ponderous efforts to clear and caressed a first-time left-foot shot inside Niazmand’s right post, but Azmoun extinguished any comeback hopes. This was a night, however, that will be recalled for Luisser’s impressive first audition for the job, and the birth of two new Hong Kong stars.

Iran’s Victory in Ashgabat Secures AFC Asian Cup 2027 Berth

In an intense showdown, Team Melli clinched a crucial 1-0 victory over host nation Turkmenistan in Ashgabat. The lone goal, orchestrated by Mehdi Ghaedi, surged Iran ahead just before halftime, sealing their triumph.

Ghaedi’s decisive strike, facilitated by a well-timed assist, underscored Iran’s resilience and determination on the pitch. With this resounding win, Team Melli not only secured a coveted spot in the finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, set to take place in Saudi Arabia but also advanced to the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, alongside Uzbekistan, who narrowly trails on goal difference.

Despite the triumph, the match itself was marked by a lack of fluidity, with both sides struggling to orchestrate cohesive moves. While Iran exhibited marginally better form, missed opportunities plagued their performance, epitomized by Ghaedi’s near miss in the first half from an open goal, courtesy of a precision pass from Taremi. Turkmenistan, on the other hand, failed to mount any significant offensive threats throughout the game.

The subpar quality of the artificial turf emerged as a significant impediment to the players’ performance, with several Iranian players sustaining lacerations on their legs during the course of the match. Critically, questions arose regarding FIFA’s decision to permit international fixtures on such hazardous surfaces, prompting concerns for player safety and well-being.

Despite the challenging conditions, Team Melli showcased their tactical prowess, primarily relying on long-ball strategies to penetrate the opposition’s defense. This approach yielded dividends in the form of Ghaedi’s pivotal goal, emanating from a strategic long pass by Hossein Kananizadega, deftly headed by Taremi to set up the decisive play.

Furthermore, the match witnessed the promising debut of Mohammad Ghorbani, who earned his first cap for the national team, signaling a bright future for Iranian football. Additionally, despite the promise of new players, Shoja Khalilzadeh and Ramin Rezaeian were both in the starting lineup and playing the full 90 minutes.