Tag: Mohammad Mohebbi

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).

Analyzing Ghalenoei’s Tactics for Team Melli’s Success

Team Melli’s Commanding Position in World Cup Qualifiers

Iran’s national football team, Team Melli, currently sits at the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-round qualifiers, with 10 points from 4 matches. While Uzbekistan also holds 10 points, Iran maintains an edge through superior goal difference. The upcoming match against North Korea is crucial in solidifying Iran’s lead in the group and moving closer to securing a spot in the Canada/Mexico/USA World Cup. This fixture marks the end of the first round of qualifiers, with each team poised to complete their initial schedule before starting the return leg just five days later.

While five matches remain, a victory against North Korea, coupled with a Qatar defeat by Uzbekistan and a UAE loss to Kyrgyzstan, would put Team Melli in a strong qualifying position. An anticipated win over Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek would provide even greater confidence as Iran heads into a break, with qualifiers resuming next year.

Beyond qualifying mathematics, Team Melli’s recent performance against Qatar marked a turning point. Their impressive 4-1 win against the AFC Asian Cup champions showed a surge in form after three prior matches saw only two goals scored in total. Against Qatar, Team Melli displayed tactical sharpness, capitalizing on both skill and strategy. Now, Iran aims to replicate that cohesive performance against North Korea, who have historically posed a physical and tenacious challenge.

Ghalenoei’s Strategy and Selections: A Consistent Approach

Much debate surrounds Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei’s tactics and player selections, but it appears he is committed to his game plan. Ghalenoei, who values stability and consistency, continues to rely on a familiar roster and strategy. While he has faced criticism, he maintains that as long as results meet the team’s objectives, Team Melli should be exempt from critique. This strategy, though conservative, has proven effective, as evidenced by Iran’s undefeated standing so far.

In Vientiane, Ghalenoei is expected to retain much of the lineup that excelled against Qatar. The defense held firm, save for a single lapse that led to a conceded goal, and successfully contained two of Asia’s top forwards, Akram Afif and AlMoez Ali. In attack, Sardar Azmoun delivered a standout performance, while Mohammad Mohebbi filled Mehdi Taremi’s typically prolific role, showcasing his ability to step up under pressure.

However, Iran’s midfield continues to present challenges. Lacking creative playmaking and efficient distribution to the forward line, this area remains a potential vulnerability. Despite a more assured defensive role, the midfield has struggled to effectively support the attack. Hopes are high that Alireza Jahanbakhsh will remain on the bench in favor of a trio of Mohammad Karimi, Saman Ghoddos, and Saeid Ezatollahi in the center, with Ali Gholizadeh adding an offensive edge from the wing. This combination may provide the balance and dynamism Iran needs to unlock North Korea’s compact defense.

PLAYERS PERFORMANCE


Facing North Korea: Physicality and Discipline

North Korea, known for its tenacity and physical style, has had a mixed record in this qualifier stage. While their defense remains tightly organized, a lack of clinical finishing has hampered their results. Despite these limitations, they are a resilient side that has given Iran tough matches in the past, rarely backing down from challenges and often engaging in a physical style of play.

To succeed, Team Melli must avoid unnecessary physical confrontations, maintain composure, and remain disciplined—especially with a view to avoiding yellow and red cards that could weaken the squad in critical moments. Staying focused and maintaining an 11-man team on the field will be essential to handling North Korea’s aggressive tactics.

This encounter will be pivotal not only for Team Melli’s qualifying aspirations but also for maintaining their momentum and confidence as they progress in the World Cup qualifiers. With an opportunity to lock in a commanding lead, Iran heads into this clash with determination and focus, aiming to take a definitive step toward the 2026 World Cup.

Rostov Midfielder Mohammad Mohebi Shines Despite National Team Commitments

Rostov, Russia — In a thrilling match during the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League, Rostov secured a resounding victory over Dynamo Moscow, triumphing with a 4-1 scoreline. The standout performance of the day came from none other than Mohammad Mohebi, Team Melli, and Rostov’s talented midfielder.

Rostov remained the only RPL team that did not lose points after the winter break. In the previous two rounds, Karpin’s team beat Krylia Sovetov (2-0) and Krasnodar (2-1).

After 22 rounds, Rostov are in 7th place in the RPL with 30 points. Rostov are one point ahead of Rubin and Krylia Sovetov (29 points each), who have one game in hand. In the 23rd round, Valery Karpin’s team will host Sochi. The meeting will take place on April 6 in Rostov-on-Don and will begin at 20:00 Moscow time.

Mohebi’s Remarkable Double and Assist

Mohebi’s impact on the game was undeniable. He not only scored a brace, finding the back of the net twice but also contributed an assist that helped secure Rostov’s dominant win. His versatility and ability to create opportunities for his team were on full display.

National Team Commitments: No Hindrance for Mohebi

Despite recently representing the Iranian national team in two matches against Turkmenistan, Mohebi showed no signs of fatigue. When asked about his readiness for the match against Dynamo Moscow, he responded confidently:

“I talked with the physical training coach both in the national team and in Rostov. They gave me a plan that I followed. I have recovered. Three days ago, I played a difficult game against Turkmenistan on an artificial pitch that was not of the best quality, but today I was fresh. Thank God we won.”

Mohebi’s dedication to maintaining peak performance levels is evident. His commitment to both club and country is commendable.

Team Effort and Personal Rituals

When questioned about his consistent goal-scoring prowess, Mohebi humbly deflected the praise:

“This is the merit of the whole team; we play as a unit. Sometimes you can score one, sometimes two. Today, we succeeded. Let’s move forward. After the game, I always talk to my mother. She’s my rock, regardless of the result.”

Indeed, Mohebi’s pre- and post-match ritual of calling his mother underscores the importance of family support in his career.

Memorial Match in Memory of Tragedy

The match against Dynamo Moscow held deeper significance. It was a memorial match dedicated to the victims and survivors of a terrorist attack in Crocus. Mohebi expressed his unwavering commitment to the cause:

“Even if the team did not go to the scene of the tragedy, I would go alone or with an interpreter. Having played in Russia for about seven months now, I’ve experienced the warmth and kindness of the people. I can only be grateful for this.”

Mohebi’s compassion and empathy extend beyond the football pitch, reflecting the spirit of unity and resilience.

As Rostov continues its campaign in the Russian Premier League, fans eagerly anticipate more stellar performances from the Iranian. His dedication, skill, and heartwarming gestures make him a true asset to both the club and the community.

Mohebbi leads Rostov to victory over League leaders.

In the 20th round of the Russian Premiere League, Rostov FC hosted the league leader Krasnodar, on Friday evening and managed to win thanks to a brace by Iranian forward Mohammad Mohebbi.

The hosts won a landslide victory with a score of 2 -1, to upset the top of the table as both Zenit St. Petersburg (37 pts) and Dinamno (38 pts) are yet to play their matches in round 20.

Rostov started the game after the break in the RPL very energetically: they scored and played an excellent game against the league leaders. I expected them to have difficulties

Now Krasnodar must emotionally survive the previous draw and defeat from Rostov. If they can handle it, then they will fight for gold. If they sink into depression, then it will be the end – we will lose the option of a new champion,” Chervichenko commented in an interview with the correspondent of Championat.

After the victory, Rostov climbed to 9th place in the RPL table, Krasnodar remained at the top of the table..

in the 49th minute, Krasnodar‘s player Olakunle Olusegun was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

Mohebbi was part of Team Melli squad that participated in the recent AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar where Iran was defeated by the eventual winner Qatar in the semi-finals.

Football. Russia. RPL. 20th round.

“Rostov” – “Krasnodar” – 2:1 (1:0).

Goals: Mohebi (25, 62) – Cordoba (66).

Red cards: Olusegun (49).

Team Melli to the semi-finals of AFC Asian Cup 2023

In one of the grandest performances of an Iranian team for many years, Team Melli defeated the mighty Japanese 2-1 in regulation time at the Education City Stadium on Saturday.

The quarter-final match was an early final between the Number one and two teams in Asia.

A late Alireza Jahanbakhsh penalty was the difference as Team Melli Iran came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 and booked their place in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ semi-finals on Saturday.

The two teams had met in the semi-finals of the previous edition, with Japan emerging 3-0 winners and they looked on course to repeat the win when they took the lead before the half-hour mark, but two second-half goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Jahanbakhsh turned things around for the Iranians at Education City Stadium.

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Captaining Team Melli on the day in the absence of Ehsan Hajsafi, Jahanbakhsh nearly opened the Iranians’ account in the 13th minute when he picked up Saeid Ezatolahi’s pass down the left flank and curled a shot that nearly caught goalkeeper Zion Suzuki off-guard, but fizzed just over the crossbar.

The first test for Suzuki came after 18 minutes when Hidemasa Morita lost possession on the edge of the Japanese penalty box, allowing Ezatolahli to control the ball and hit with his left, but his shot was too central and the Japanese goalkeeper had no problems in dealing with it.

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Morita more than made up for his mistake 10 minutes later. The central midfielder embarked on a solo run to beat three Iranian defenders and arrive into the box before drilling an effort that made its way into the back of the net despite goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand’s best efforts to make the save.

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IR Iran’s biggest chance to equalise before the break was a Saman Ghoddos half-volley after he controlled the ball with his chest, but the Brentford midfielder narrowly missed the target.

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Nine minutes after the restart, Team Melli were able to restore parity after a long pass from Suzuki was interrupted and the ball fell to Sardar Azmoun who supplied a through pass to Mohebi. The forward was left with just the goalkeeper to beat and coolly slotted into the bottom corner for the equaliser.

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IR Iran thought they had completed their comeback in the 64th minute when Azmoun latched onto a long ball, dribbling expertly past two defenders and powering past Suzuki into the near post, but the AS Roma forward had strayed marginally offside and the goal was overruled.

The Japanese goalkeeper was called into action again to stop a spectacular Ezatolahi volley from the edge of the box and confidently produced the required save with just six minutes left to the end of 90.

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Deep into four minutes of added time, IR Iran got a golden chance to win the game when Ko Itakura brought Hussein Kanaani down inside the box. Jahanbakhsh stepped up and emphatically dispatched it into the top corner to earn coach Amir Ghalenoei’s side the all-important victory.

Team Melli beats Bulgaria in Plovdiv

Iran’s Team Melli defeated Bulgaria 1-0 in international friendly match at Hristo Botev Stadium, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on Thursday evening. The only goal of the match was scored early in the first half by FC Rostov forward, Mohammad Mohebbi from an immaculate first time cross by Saman Ghoddos.

Team Melli has taken its winning run to five and will be meeting Angola next at Azadi to continue its perfect run ahead of the challenging time in AFC Asian Cup in Qatar in January 2024.

Iran began the match in a fine style distributing the ball smoothly and opening up the Bulgarian defences many times over. However, Mehdi Taremi, who perhaps had his worst match in Team Melli jersey, failed to capitalize on the services of his teammates as he was a shadow of himself failing to connect for the final shots at goal or stumbling over.

The goal scored in the 14th minute, had some element of luck as a long ball was sent towards the Bulgarian goal. The half back misjudged the flight of the ball as it lazily flew over his head towards the far end near the corner. An opportunistic , Ghoddos read the situation perfectly and gallantly reached out for a half volley type to send the ball towards the goal. Mitov the Bulgarian keeper was already out of his goal thinking he will receive the pass from his defender. Mohammad Mohebbi , coolly headed the ball by Ghoddos into the empty net.

The Bulgarian defense was quite lax and a Iran should have scored more than they did in the first half. Ghoddos was doing a fine job distributing the ball and creating chances but the final ball was disappointing.

In a freak accident, Beiranvand who caught the ball right on the D, cleverly saw an opportunity for a counterattack. He fully stretched himself to send one of his famous balls all the way to Taremi in Bulagria half. In the process he seemed to have over-stretched himself pulling a muscle. It was a double blow as that ball should really have been scored by Taremi who was profligate and also led to substitution of Beiranvand.

In the second half the Bulgarians were more aggressive and looking for the equalizer, but that created more scoring chances for Team Melli that again was marred by loose ending and misjudgment of the final balls.

The absence of Sardar Azmoun was truly felt in this half.

The Iranian defense was majestic and thwarted many attacks without really allowing the hosts to seriously bother Niazmand. , the star was Shojaa Khalilzadeh in his return to Team Melli whose immaculate defensive work steered the team to yet another a clean sheet.

Team Melli will return back to Tehran to Face Angola next Tuesday.

Omid Team training is at full throttle.

Omid team is actively preparing for the crucial AFC U23 Championship 2020  by conducting constant practice sessions under the direction of Hamid Estili.

Today’s (Sunday) session which started at 9:30, Hamid Estili briefed the players on the objectives and details of today’s practice session. Then Mohammad Sharifi, Sina Zamiran and Mohammed Mohebbi left the group to conduct the fitness tests which all other players went undertook.

The training of the rest of the squad started with all members of the technical staff supervising the proceedings and giving the required tactical and technical advice.

This session which was carried out in the National Football Training Center included a light physical program. The next practice is scheduled for tonight at 9 pm.

Meanwhile, Omid Noorafkan and Mohammad Mohebbi (Sepahan) Reza Shekari and Mohammad Reza Azadi (Tractorsazi) Aref Aghasi and Mojtaba Najarian (Foolad Khuzestan) Ali Shojaei and Reza Dehghani (Nasiji Mazandaran) Ali Shahsavari and Mohammad KhodabandehLo (Peykan) and Sina Zamehran (Shar Khodro ) have joined the squad after their respective teams released them to Omid team.

Mohammad Mehdi Khani who plays for the Croatian side  NK Varaždin will also join the Omid (Olympic) squad on Monday.

“The initial list of Olympic team players, including 50 players, according to the AFC’s regulations. ” Hamid Estili said on the eve of the training camp’s inauguration. “After shortlisting the number to 30, the squad departs to  Qatar, where we will have an 8-day training camp and two friendly matches in Doha.”

“After returning to Tehran, we will announce the list of the final 23 players which form the Omid Team that will be competing in the AFC Asian Championship also the Olympic qualifiers scheduled to be held in Thailand. In some of the posts, we are still looking for the final option, such as the right-back, which was vacated due to the injury to  Aghajanpour and we are reviewing the names of 1 or 2 options to decide the final squad,” Estili added.

The coach of the Omid team once again called on the clubs to cooperate and assist with the team by saying: “Our plan during these 18 months of engagement was comprehensive. We tried to invite players for training or matches in FIFA days. We were aware of their special circumstances and situation, but at this juncture we expect the clubs to understand our situation too. Invited players will return to the clubs before the 16th week but after the end of the week it is necessary for the clubs to abandon their squads and allow our training to start. There are legal measures we can refer to, of course, but there should not be such issues among colleagues, and we need to all work in a friendly manner. I am sure my good colleagues at the clubs are on the side of the Omid team, preferring the national interest to everything else and helping us at this point.”