Tag: Sardar Azmoun

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.

image content

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.

image content

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.

image content

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

Squad update ahead of Kyrgyzstan match.

Team Melli will leave for Bishkek at 5 pm local time on a direct flight to the Kyrgyz Republic capital for the first match of the return round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Missing from the squad will be three players.

Mohammad Mohebbi: The star of the game against Korea DPR and the scorer of a brace has received a knock and seems to be doubtful. It is not clear if he will fly with the team and if the coaching staff would utilize him for the game against Kyrgyzstan after passing a fitness test. His absence will be a blow for the team, especially as he has scored four goals in two games in the qualifiers.

Saman Ghoddos, whose injury has been diagnosed as more serious than initially thought, will not accompany the squad and instead will head back to the UAE for observation and treatment by his club medical team. Ghoddos did not play against North Korea on Thursday.

Shoja’a Khalilzadeh: His red card against Korea DPR means an automatic suspension, and he will not accompany the team to Bishkek.

Doubtful cases:
Sardar Azmoun: The center forward of Team Melli who has been in excellent form recently, received a knock in the last game against Korea DPR. Coach Ghalenoei p[ted to substitute him in the middle e of the second half. No further report of complications or the extent of the injury has been made public. Azmoun. however, is on the passenger manifest of the flight. His game time will be decided by Ghalenoei on Tuesday.

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.

Sardar Azmoun Injured During UAE Cup Match, Faces Possible Team Melli Absence.

Sardar Azmoun, the star center forward of Team Melli and Shabab Al-Ahli, sustained an injury during his club’s UAE Cup match against Diba Al-Hisn.

Azmoun, who recently impressed by scoring twice and assisting Mohebi in Iran’s victory over Qatar, continued his fine form with an early goal in the 9th minute of the match. However, his night was cut short when he was forced to leave the field in the 32nd minute due to injury.

In the dressing room, medical staff conducted an initial evaluation, quickly assessing the severity of his condition. Fortunately, after further examinations, it was confirmed that Azmoun had not sustained damage to his cruciate ligament. His injury, though requiring treatment, is not expected to sideline him for an extended period. The estimated recovery time is less than a month.

Despite the relatively short recovery period, Azmoun is at risk of missing Iran’s next two World Cup qualifying matches in November — away games against North Korea, which are likely to take place in Laos and Kyrgyzstan.

Team Melli currently tops Group A in the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 10 points, closely followed by Uzbekistan. The top two teams from the group will qualify directly for the finals, while the third-placed team will have to navigate a playoff to secure their spot in the tournament.

Team Melli Dominates Qatar in 4-1 Victory, Strengthening World Cup Hopes

In a commanding performance, Team Melli triumphed 4-1 over reigning AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in a crucial home game in Dubai. This victory gives Iran a significant advantage in their quest to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the fourth consecutive time.

Key Milestones and Table Standings

The win propelled Iran to the top of Group A with 10 points and a two-goal advantage over Uzbekistan. More importantly, it opened up a crucial six-point gap between the top two teams and the third-ranked side, which could prove decisive as only the top two teams directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

This match also served as sweet revenge for Team Melli, who narrowly lost 3-2 to Qatar in the semi-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in Doha.

A Match Full of Drama

The match delivered plenty of excitement for Iranian fans, despite an early scare. Almoez Ali stunned the crowd with a thunderous shot that found the back of Beiranvand’s net, giving Qatar a 1-0 lead. However, Iran quickly regained composure, demonstrating their strength, skill, and resilience to score four goals and secure the emphatic victory.

Positives from the Match

While there were challenges, Team Melli showcased its potential and ability to dominate:

1. Sardar Azmoun’s Resurgence:
After a string of lackluster performances, Azmoun was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance. He scored twice and assisted the third goal, demonstrating his value to the team. Playing on his club’s home ground, Azmoun’s performance was a timely reminder of his quality and class as a forward.

2. Defensive Agility:
Despite conceding early, Iran’s makeshift defense—missing two key players—showed impressive resilience. They managed to neutralize Qatar’s dangerous forwards, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, providing little room for further threats.

3. Winning Mentality:
The team displayed a relentless drive to win. Even when leading 3-1, Team Melli pressed forward, securing a fourth goal in injury time. This offensive mindset reflects a growing belief in the squad’s abilities, something that will be crucial as they continue their qualifying campaign.

Areas for Improvement

Despite the impressive victory, there are still aspects that need addressing:

1. Route One Football:
Coach Ghalenoei has relied heavily on the ‘Route One’ tactic, which involves long, direct passes to the forwards. However, this approach has seldom yielded results for Iran, and ironically, Qatar’s opening goal came from a similar tactic. Once Iran shifted to a more creative passing game—utilizing the wings and feeding the ball to power forwards Taremi and Azmoun—they found success. This match proved that Team Melli is far more effective when they focus on building play rather than relying on long balls. Hopefully, Ghalenoei will reconsider his use of Route One football going forward.

2. Discipline Issues:
Iran’s players continue to struggle with discipline. In this match, Mehdi Ghayedi narrowly avoided being sent off for a reckless tackle, and three yellow cards were needlessly conceded by Azmoun, Mohebbi, and Ghayedi. This indiscipline is a worrying trend—Team Melli has accumulated 10 cards (9 yellow, 1 red) in just four matches of the World Cup qualifiers. Such poor discipline could prove costly in future matches, and it’s an issue that requires more oversight from the coaching staff.

3. Lack of Trust in Young Players:
Coach Ghalenoei has spoken of integrating young talent, but his reluctance to give them significant playing time was evident. Promising players like Amin Hezbavi, Javad Hosseinnejad, Yousefi, and Amir Hosseinzadeh were either sidelined or given minimal minutes, while older players like Jahanbaksh and Moghanlou—who have struggled to make an impact—were given preference. If these young players are to develop, they need meaningful opportunities to prove themselves on the big stage.

4. The Ali Gholizadeh Mystery:
The decision to keep Ali Gholizadeh on the bench remains puzzling. His pace and skill could have been crucial in breaking down Qatar’s defense, especially on the flanks. Hopefully, his absence was not due to an injury, as his talent would have made a significant difference.

Looking Ahead

Despite the criticisms, Team Melli’s performance against Qatar was largely positive. However, consistency will be key as they prepare to face North Korea, the lowest-ranked team in their group, and Kyrgyzstan in November. North Korea, while not as formidable as Qatar, will present a different challenge. Anything less than six points in these upcoming matches would be a disappointment for a team with such high aspirations.

TEAM MELLI TROUNCES QATAR TO GO TOP OF GROUP ‘A’

Iran’s Team Melli Triumphs 4-1 Over Qatar in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Team Melli soared to the top of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 3 qualifiers after a commanding 4-1 victory over Qatar on Tuesday. The win was powered by braces from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammad Mohebbi.

The match began with an early scare for Iran when, in the 17th minute, Almoez Ali broke free from his marker, Ali Nemati, and fired a shot into the roof of Alireza Beiranvand’s goal to put Qatar ahead. Iran responded late in the first half with Azmoun’s powerful header, which left the Qatari goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Omid Nourafkan delivered a precise cross from the left, and Azmoun’s clinical finish drew Iran level. Before that equalizer, Azmoun came close by rattling the crossbar, marking Iran’s best chance in the first half. Despite this, the opening 45 minutes ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with neither side fully controlling the game.

In the second half, Iran took command with fluid passing and excellent ball distribution, creating multiple chances and dictating the pace against the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions. Just three minutes into the half, Qatar’s goalkeeper Meshaal Bersham collided with his own defender while attempting to clear the ball, gifting Azmoun an easy opportunity to tap home his second goal and put Iran ahead.

In the 66th minute, Mohammad Mohebbi further deflated Qatar’s hopes with Iran’s third goal. A well-placed through ball found Azmoun just inside the Qatari half, and his blistering run into the box ended with a perfectly timed pass to the onrushing Mohebbi, who slotted the ball into an open net.

Mohebbi sealed the victory late in stoppage time with a second goal, heading home from Nourafkan’s corner to make it 4-1. The win lifted Iran to the top of the group, surpassing Uzbekistan on goal difference.

This was a crucial and comprehensive win for coach Amir Ghalenoei, who had been facing criticism and pressure to shake up the lineup amid injuries, suspensions and dips in form. Despite a few key absences, the coach fielded a balanced and powerful lineup. Mohammad Karimi, Nourafkan, and Nemati, despite Nemati’s early lapse that led to Qatar’s opener, performed well in their roles as replacements, proving Ghalenoei’s tactics effective on the day.

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.

Rashid Stadium, Dubai will host Iran vs Qatar game.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that Rashid Stadium in Dubai, UAE, will host Iran’s home match against Qatar on October 15. This match is part of the fourth round of the third stage of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the AFC’s official website, the match will kick off at 7:00 pm Doha time. The decision to relocate the match from its original venue, Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, Iran, was made due to the current geopolitical situation, necessitating a neutral ground for the fixture.

Dubai, known for its significant Iranian diaspora, offers a familiar environment for Team Melli. The city’s Rashid Stadium, home to Shabab Al-Ahli, where Iranian stars Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatollahi play, is expected to provide a supportive atmosphere for the Iranian team. This relocation not only ensures the safety of the players and fans but also maintains the competitive integrity of the qualifiers.

The match is highly anticipated, as both Iran and Qatar are strong contenders in the Asian qualifiers. Fans from both nations are expected to turn out in large numbers, making it a vibrant and exciting event.

Team Melli landed in Dubai this evening after a flight from Tashkent, via Tehran for re-fueling and then Dubai.

Iran will be without 2 players due to injury, Jalali and Kannani and two due to suspension, Hardani and Saman Ghoddos.

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.

image content

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.

image content

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.

image content

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)