There is no doubt that Team Melli played a flawless first half against Uzbekistan in the World Cup qualifiers. Everything and all the lines were near perfection. The home team, rarely threatened Iran’s solid defenses, while Ghoddos was ruling the midfield, The two dependable front players, Taremi and Azmoun provided a goal and an assist in this half.

However, in the second half, which is the half of the coaches, Team Melli was unrecognizable. It was not the same team that went to the dressing room 15 minutes earlier!

That slick passing was gone, Runs from the flanks, and penetration up front was also lacking. The players looked like they were content with defending the two-goal lead and work on the counters. Ghalnoei failed to read the match properly and if he intended to sit on the two goals and defend away from home against a tough Uzbek team with vociferous crowds behind them, then it was a tactical blunder. However, the loss of Ghoddos to injury did not help Team Melli’s cause. Karimi, the replacement, is nowhere near the standard ad form of Ghoddos. Meanwhile, Ezzatolahi is the lowest-rated player in Team Melli’s squad and not much can be expected from her. In essence, the control of the midfield in the second half was given to Uzbekistan.

Once again, the pundits and observers can see the cracks in the team. An aged squad with no real quality replacements for the starting players, except for a few posts, can not go far in the AFC Asian Cup. If we have to believe what Ghalenoei says about the youth, then there is little hope of having any youngsters, more energetic and perhaps daring players no matter how good are they, be given playing time in Team Melli.

Interstingly, Brasil played Argentina this morning in the Maracana, and none of the defenders have reached 30 years of age. The eldest was Marquinhos (29) while the three others were all 25 or below. It seems that young players work for Brazil but not Iran! Brazil had a 17-year-old in the squad and mostly 26 years and below. Apart from the keeper, the eldest player on the pitch was Marquinhos.

Recurring issues:

Midfield lack of creativity: like the match against Hong Kong, If it wasn’t for the presence of Saman Ghoddos, the midfield would have been dominated by Uzbekistan who have some good players with speed and agility. When Ghoddos was replaced, that was exactly what happened.

Teamwork: The first half was a world of difference, compared to the last match. In fact, it was a 5-star performance, but that just crumbled in the second half. If that was a tactical decision by the coaching staff, then we hope that they learned a lesson.

Simulation: It is indeed shameful for Iranian players to act in such a manner. There is too much of that in Team Melli. Taremi is becoming a nuisance in this department. It is no wonder that he is a player with ill repute in Portugal where he plays for Porto and is famous for getting penalties by diving. Only the charlatans will approve of such acts of cheating, a proud Team Melli fan will certainly disapprove of such misconduct that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

PLAYERS RATING

1 –Alireza Beiranvand: Was solid when he needed to be. Not really responsible for the two goals, although he might have done better in the equalizer goal. [6.0]

23 Ramin Rezaeian: By far the best player in the back line. If only he gets rid of his silly acts on the pitch. Scored a lucky goal, but they all count. His acts and quarrels with the Uzbek player and arguments with the referee all the time are NOT wanted and unpleasant. His simulation was embarrassing too when he fell on the ground.  [7.3]

4 Shojaa Khalilzadeh: Not much can be said that was not said about this player. He gives 100% and coordinates well with his partner in the middle of the defense, but there are certain physical limitations, and aging is clearly an issue so is the pace. He played very well in the first half, but like the rest of the team, he fell apart in the second. . [6.1]

13 Hossein Kananizadegan: Played well in the first half, while in the second he was lost under the Uzbek pressing game. He was awarded a yellow card for pulling Uzbek’s player jersey, Responsible for the two goals conceded due to poor positioning. [6.0]

5. Milad Mohammadi: solid as a defender with a natural advantage of pace. No Uzbek player could pass him in the first half and he kept his area clear of danger. In the attacking phase, he was less prominent and did not contribute much to the offensive moves. [6.8]

6 Saeid Ezzatolahi: A lot has been said about this player’s ineffectiveness. It is the combination of a lack of skills and concentration along with perhaps a role given to him that he does not feel comfortable with. He remains the lowest-rated Team Melli player. There are many options in Iran’s league but we all know by now that youth are out of bounds with Ghalenoei’s team. [4.0]

14. Saman Ghoddos: Another brilliant display that unfortunately ended just before the halftime whistle with an injury. He remains the only creative and visionary player in the midfield are, His loss will be costly to Team Melli. Provided a gem of a pass for Taremi to go through to score [8.5]

 19 Mohammad Mohebi: Not much improvement from the last match. Was hardly noticed in the match until his forced replacement due to a suspected concussion [6.5]

9 Mehdi Taremi: Much more effective especially in the first half. He was seeking passes from his teammates and seemed to be enthusiastic. A black mark for his simulation. Lucky not to get a yellow card. Scored Team Melli’s second with a fine finish. He disappeared in the second half which was dominated by the home team. [7.9]

20 Sardar Azmoun: Continues his exellect run of form. Provided an assist with a visionary pass to Rezaeian. He was not on the scoresheet but that did not blemish his fine performance.  [8.2]

9 Mehdi Torabi: started the match in the absence of injured Alireza Jahanbakhsh. He had a fine game in the first half with good runs, He could have done better if his teammates served him better. Faded in the second half and was eventually substituted.  [7.0]

Substitutes

18 Ali Karimi: introduced in the last minute of the half as a replacement for the injured Saman Ghoddos. He had no influence on the match and was lost in the midfield with little coordination with his teammates. Generally a poor game and he awarded the first goal to the Uzbek with his clumsy pass that was intercepted by Orounov and ended up with Iran conceding the first goal [4.5]

15 Rouzbeh Cheshmi: Replaced Sardar Azmoun to supplement the Team Melli defense which was looking vulnerable and unable to sustain the pressing game of the host. Although the idea was sound the execution was not as good. Cheshmi failed to impress and it was in his shift that Iran conceeded the second. [5.8]

7 Mehrdad Mohammadi: The twin of Milad replaced Mohebbi with 15 minutes to play. Although he was fast, his forays into the Uzbek all failed to yield results. Overall, a disappointing match for Mehrdad [5.0]

11 Reza Asadi: and 3–Ehsan Hajisafi are not rated due to the little time played.

Coach: Amir Ghalenoei: His master plan for the first half was near perfection However, the second half was a vast contrast from the first. He failed to react to the pressing game that the Katanec team applied. His substitution sounded timely but did not yield a result he aimed at and that is a win away. [7.5] 

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