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Most people have never been to Iran, but still believe they have a pretty clear idea of what the country is like.
But what is largely concealed and unknown from the public eye is a country steeped in football tradition and history.
The Princes of Persia are actually one of Asia’s most remarkable and great footballing sides: three time Asian champions, four time West Asian Football Federation champions, home of one of the continent’s most fiercest rivalries – the Surkhabi Derby between Persepolis and Esteghlal, and birthplace to unforgettable legends such as the world’s all time leading goalscorer in international matches Ali Daei.
But can this current generation best their illustrious predecessors by becoming the first side to achieve group stage progression?
Under Carlos Queiroz, a very well-recognised name in football, Iran have become a defensively solid, disciplined and well organised side that is tough to break down conceding only two goals in eight matches in the final qualifying phase leading up to this tournament .
Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Team Melli relies on the solidity and tightness of its back-line dependent on ever-present central defensive duo, Amir Hossein Sadeghi and Jalal Hosseini, who are very likely to start.
Both are strong, old-fashioned center backs: powerful in the air, and tough on the ground, who aren’t afraid throw themselves into a challenge or tackle if needed. They’ll be asked to man-mark and stick like glue to their opposing frontmen at all times.
On the other hand, the full-backs and goalkeeper positions remain in question, but will probably be occupied by the young, energetic Mehrdad Pooladi on the left while the right back position will possibly be fought between Khosro Heydari and Steven Beitsahour, and for the goalkeeping spot: a likely toss-up between Rahman Ahmadi and Germany-based Daniel Davari.
The two midfielders ahead of the defense, who will sit tight, will likely be experienced skipper Javad Nekounam and Andranik Teymourian, who had a short stint with Bolton in the Premier League.
Queiroz will think defence first and I can see Iran being difficult to break down, but where will the goals come from?
Iran will look to Fulham’s Ashkan Dejagah as a source of creativity, pace – particularly on the counter – and a goal scoring outlet with his keen eye for goal and very fine left foot. While his likely partner to the right will likely be Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who, like Dejagah, both offer pace which would assist in the team’s counter-attacking endeavors.
In front of him, Charlton’s Reza Goochannejhad will be the likely frontman. Goochannejhad, also known as ‘Gucci’, is another quick, pacey player who boasts fine scoring record of 10 goals in 14 international matches.
Another possible source is the extremely inconsistent and enigmatic, but undeniably talented and creative Masoud Shojaei, who, when in the mood, can be quality and an extra boost for the side attack-wise and likely to play right behind Gucci in the center of the midfield trio.
Despite the odds firmly stacked against them, Iran have proven to be a tough team to break down and with a quality manager like Queiroz on their side, Team Melli shouldn’t be underestimated and should prove to be an awkward opponent even for the likes of Argentina