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Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iran. Show all posts

Thursday, 15 January 2015

IRAN vs QATAR: Match Report

Tens of thousands of Iranian fans descended upon Sydney's Stadium Australia for what was expected to be akin to a training ground match, after opponents Qatar were battered by UAE in their Asian Cup  opener.
But the Iranians met a commited opponent. Early on the Iranians had the better of play. Forward Sardar's glancing header had the fans on their feet and the Qataris looked lost in the noise and fanfare created by the large Iranian contingent in attendance. 

However, the Gulf Cup champions found a way into the match. There best outlet Lekhwiya midfielder Mohamad Ismail, made countless runs into the attacking third. Unfortunately for Qatar his crosses were either intercepted or of poor quality. 

Qatar's left back also found a way into the attacking third, and a measure of the seriousness of his threat was the manner in which Dejagah brought him down. His sliding tackle from behind could politely be described as disrespectful of a fellow professional. Unbelievably Dejagah got off scot free. 

With Qatar having the better of play by the half hour mark, a frustrated Nekounam could be seen gesticulating toward Masoud. While the experienced heads talked, Dejagah was busy in the action, reeling off a shot on the brink of half time, as Iran edged back into the contest.

At the commencement of the second half Iran asserted themselves. Midfielder Masoud forcing his opponent into a yellow card offence as he dribbled man on man toward the perimeter of the box. And when Qatar turned it over in their own half the rampaging Dejagah was on the scene to quickly feed Sardar. Sardar simply swivelled and lost his marker, before stabbing the ball into the far corner.

Iran were happy to sit back and attack on the break from that point on. Former Fulham midfielder Dejagah putting in an 'energizer bunny' performance as his teammates provided a free sample of Iran's award winning defence. 

Qatar threw everything at the Iranians, but Team Melli showed more evidence of their signature impregnable defence. Though early on Muntari was often short of a teammate in the attacking third, late in the second half, Qatar would have needed their whole complement to surge forward to match Iran's numbers at the back. 

The final minutes became a replay reel of Qatari long balls, launched in vein, as Iran's battalion at the back remained miserly. Iran now head into their match with UAE assured of qualification for the knockout phase, likewise their opponents. Both will march with trepidation toward a possible quarter final showdown with Japan.





Friday, 9 January 2015

ASIAN CUP SET TO PROVIDE SURPRISES

Son, Heung Min in action for Korea Republic.
With hosts Australia going through an identity crisis at the moment, and numerous other Asian Cup contenders taking on new managers recently, the continental tournament is set to provide plenty of shocks.

Last year East Asian Soccer said neither Australia nor Japan could win the tournament. Since then Japan has experienced a stunning form turnaround, whilst Australia is still languishing at 100 in the FIFA rankings. 

Yes, Japan are back on our contenders list but there has been nothing to suggest Australia can suddenly halt their steep descent through the rankings. Current manager Ange Postecoglou is defiant in his bid to play pressing and passing football, despite the results the tactics have yielded (2 wins from 12 matches). 

The Socceroos come into the tournament opener against Kuwait heavily dependent on Tim Cahill. "They've always been a difficult opponent for Australia . . ." Postecoglou told the media at a recent press conference. But the general public are totally unaware of the threat of Kuwait. One radio station had hosts talking about brining on substitutes against Kuwait if the Aussies are leading 3-nil or 6-nil.

Kuwait themselves have had a recent managerial change and their form is also on a downward spiral, winning 1 from their last 6. Boss Nabil Maaloul said the team had regained some confidence since he took charge on December 18, after a disappointing Gulf Cup. Head to head it's Kuwait 5, Australia 3, and 2 draws.

Winners of the Gulf Cup in November, Qatar do nothing but impress me, and they're the dark horse of the tournament. The Maroon are undefeated in their last 11 matches. Amongst the scalps they've claimed are Uzbekistan, Australia and Estonia. In a tournament full of questions, the form line of Qatar provides answers. They'll advance through Group C, but they need to win their group or they'll face Japan in the quarter finals.

Iran manager Carlos Queiroz.
Iran were an early favourite at East Asian Soccer but their disrupted campaign has us concerned. Team Melli has had just two friendlies since their decent showing at Brazil 2014. Though it should be noted they won those two friendlies. One against Korea Republic in November and the other against Iraq last week. 

In their favour is the fact they meet Bahrain first, who we see as the weakest of their group opponents. Manager Carlos Queiroz has been coy since arriving in Australia and you get the feeling Iran is ticking along fine behind the smoke and mirrors.

Korea Republic is another definite contender. The Taeguk Warriors have too much class to not make an impact here in Australia. They haven't won the tournament since 1960 and it's high time for them to taste success again. 

With European based stars Ki Seung Yong, Lee Chung Yong,  Son Heung Min it's silly to think the Reds won't click at some stage of the tournament. After their wretched performance at Brazil, they'll be out to make amends. 

New manager Uli Stielike was a surprise choice for many, given he's had an on-off experience as boss. Most recently at Al Arabi in the Qatari Star League, the German should not have a problem with getting the Korean to click. Their glamour is backboned by some experienced campaigners, Cha Du Ri, Lee Keun Ho and 29 year old goalkeeper Jung Sung Ryong.

Korea Republic will advance through their group and most likely face China or Uzbekistan, from their they'll face Iran or Qatar in the semi final, before going all the way in front of a ravenous crowd of expats in Sydney. 

The Asian Cup is sure to provide plenty of surprises over the next three weeks. I'm crossing my fingers the hosts can advance beyond the group stage. 

Sunday, 7 September 2014

THE PAINS OF POSTECOGLOU

After a World Cup tournament that saw the Socceroos exceed expectations, the mood around the national team was notably positive. But there are plenty of questions to be answered. Manager Ange Postecoglou was elected under a banner of 'better football', but with no concrete sign of that in Brazil, the Victorian has a limited time to implement his patented 'Roarcelona' style, if at all. After a fifth successive defeat and seven matches without a victory, the managerial honeymoon is about to end.

Postecoglou
Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou
While some hailed a brand new style in Brazil under the new gaffer, there were others including myself who failed to see any significant change. In the World Cup, Ange put his tactical ideologies aside in order to preserve national pride. The crossing and fewer passes completed provide evidence of that. But three losses from three didn't ring alarm bells for some pundits. Hence the familiar commiserative sentiments from overly positive types. Craig Foster's blog summarised the performance as, ". . . two close and competitive matches where Australia surprised many and gained a high level of respect and one football lesson." It's the phrase 'high level of respect' that has a familiar sound of satisfaction in defeat, that concerns me. As Robbie Slater's column in the Sunday Telegraph outlined today, punching above your weight and earning respect means nothing, unless combined with victory.  

The Socceroos have a limited time in preparation for the Asian Cup in January, and if Ange plans to implement the 'Roarcelona' style in that short period, he puts Australia's hopes in peril. Most alarming about a style revamp, is the timeline and ability to implement a football philosophy when your playing staff return to club outfits, that play in contrasting styles. Australia has a match against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning (5am AEST), and two listed for October against UAE and Qatar. These fixtures will provide evidence of the manager's intentions. With Australia expected to win all of those matches, Ange could be tempted to take the style over substance approach.

Public expectation is high, and the Asian Cup presents a situation diametrically opposed to the 2014 World Cup. The pressure is on, and players shouldn't feel compelled to play the ball out from the back if they're not capable. Fortunately, Postecoglou's Aussies have not mirrored his Brisbane Roar outfit. However, it's quite likely that the Roarcelona style is part of the 'Ange agenda'. With teams like Iran, whose style of pragmatism partnered with technical ability await, I'm crossing my fingers the manager puts style aside for now, and chooses trophies over ideology.  

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

ASIAN CUP DRAW AND BRISBANE ROAR

Mike Mulvey
Mike Mulvey - Brisbane Roar
Over the weekend Brisbane Roar claimed the A-League Premiership. It was the Queensland club's second A-League Premiership and first under management of Englishman Mike Mulvey. In Australia since the 1980s the Manchester born manager has proven the entrenched ideology that prevails in this country's soccer community is wrong. Yes, an Englishman can be a successful manager, and yes an Englishman can manage a team that plays attractively. Mulvey took the helm at Brisbane Roar in December of 2012 after Rado Vidosic's short lived tenure came to an end. The club had previously won two championships 2010/11 & 2011/12 (Postecoglou managing before moving to Melbourne) and a premiership 2010/11 so it would come as no surprise that their was an expectation for success. Mulvey managed to rescue the 2012/13 season with a respectable finish, just one win from a grand final berth. But the season wasn't void of the usual fan sub groups calling for the manager's head.
Mulvey Out
Brisbane fans a little premature in 2013
Brisbane Roar returned in 2013/14 as good as ever. Their memorable goal against Melbourne Victory involving 21 passes will be the goal of the season for any purest. Despite the absence of Besart Berisha for much of the season due to injury and suspension the team has jelled to a level comparable to the Postecoglou period. Although due to the ideology of the community here, Mulvey's deeds will probably need to double those of Postecoglou for him to get the same kudos. Good luck converting the un-believers Mike.

ASIAN CUP DRAW 

Tomorrow the Sydney Opera House plays host to the 2015 Asian Cup Draw. The competition will be hosted by Australia, with host cities including: Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne. There have already been many predictions of disastrous groups for the home team as the seedings have already become publicised. There are three teams Australian is certain not to face in the Group phase due to seedings though, and they are Iran, Japan and Uzbekistan. The proverbial 'group of death' would combine Australia, Korea Republic (Sth Korea), and Iraq plus any team from Pot 4.

Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour Bridge & Sydney Opera House
The draw will take place on Wednesday, 26th March, at 7pm AEDT. The draw is telecast live on cable television provider Foxsports.


Monday, 16 December 2013

KOREA REPUBLIC WITH DREAM DRAW FOR BRAZIL 2014

Of Asia's participants in Brazil 2014 Korea Republic are the most fortunate. The Taeguk Warriors have been drawn in what I label the 'Group of Fluff', while Japan have also been rather fortunate in contrast to Australia and Iran.
Park Chu Young - Korea Republic

Brazil 2014 has gifted Korea Republic with a dream draw including: Belgium, Algeria and play-off qualifiers Russia. Unfortunately the lucky draw has come at a time when Korea Republic is at a low ebb, with a world ranking of 54, and more importantly only just scraping through to qualify automatically for Brazil 2014. They finished second behind Iran and narrowly avoided a play-off on goal difference. Meanwhile, Russian manager Fabio Capello has put himself under pressure by labelling his team as favourites to win the group. The Italian tried to hide a contempt for his opponents by then saying he wouldn't underestimate them. "Belgium are an excellent team consisting of young and skilled players . . . Korea are also very serious opponents . . ." Capello said.

Japan were almost as fortunate as Korea Republic, drawing Greece, Cote d'Ivoire and Columbia. Greece limped into Brazil 2014 via a play-off, after managing a huge tally of 12 goals from their 10 qualifiers against European giants such as Liechtenstein, Latvia and Lithuania (yes, I'm being sarcastic). Cote d'Ivoire were pretty comprehensive in qualification, remaining undefeated and winning their last round match against Senegal 4-2, over two legs. At least Japan weren't drawn with Nigeria who downed Cote d'Ivoire 4-1 in July just as Mexico did in August. Columbia were second in South American qualification off the back of the stingiest defence on that continent, but on the bright side Japan didn't receive Brazil or Argentina.


Australia are in arguably the toughest group of the tournament, placed alongside Spain, Netherlands and Chile. Even without the shocking draw Australia were going to do it tough as they're in a transitional phase, but really . . . drawing 2010's finalists Spain and Netherlands, it couldn't get worse. New manager Ange Postecoglou was typically defiant, and upbeat. Postecoglou has had repeated success domestically with Brisbane Roar, winning two titles in a row, before rejuvenating Melbourne Victory. Aware of the enormity of the task, the Socceroos manager gave a steely response in his written statement on the FFA website, ". . . we will embrace the challenge head on with the spirit and bravery that are hallmarks of our country and the Australian people." The Aussies will face Chile first up and it's do or die for both teams in this match. Chile will no doubt look upon Australia as their three point pick-up, and possibly underestimate them. But Chile have some great form behind them this year, drawing with Brazil, drawing with Spain, and giving England a 2-nil touch-up in London. The match against Netherlands may be Australia's best hope, with the Socceroos never defeated by a Dutch outfit. Spain will be a bridge too far, but overall the Aussies are familiar with the role of underdog, and it often brings out the best in them.

Ange Postecoglou - Socceroos manager

Iran find themselves up against Argentina, Nigeria, and first timers Bosnia-Herzegovina. For me Nigeria are the dark horse of the tournament, and Iran may get a stern lesson in their first match pitted against the Super Eagles. Manager Carlos Queiroz spoke of qualifying as being a hellish experience and looked forward to Iran's challenge. "For my players it should be an honour to play against these rivals and it is important they go out and enjoy every minute of every match, eager to make it to the second round," the former Manchester United assistant said. Team Melli have never advanced past the group phase in three attempts, but positives in this campaign come from their ability to take points away from home, and their tight defence. They won three of four away matches, including wins against Uzbekistan and Korea Republic, and conceded a miserly two goals in eight matches.

If Japan can get something from the Cote d'Ivoire clash, and as expected beat Greece, they'll be on the path to advance. The rest of Asia will struggle. Korea Republic may have received a dream draw but they're not in a position to take advantage of it, and it will surprise me if they advance. Australia has the bright and shiny Tom Rogic, but even the lowest ranked of their opponents, Chile (15th) have strong form. Iran have a great defence, and are strong away from home, but matches against teams from outside Asia haven't been so impressive (defeated by Albania and drew with Tunisia 2012). It's left to Japan to carry the flag for the continent, and unfortunately in a tough campaign for Asian teams they will face Italy, England, or Uruguay if they advance through the group stage.

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Asian World Cup Hopes on Tenterhooks

Can the Socceroos finish the job? Is Uzbekistan set for its first appearance in a soccer World Cup? Which two Asian teams will play off to face South America's fifth placed qualifier? All these questions are set to be answered on Tuesday night, 18th June 2013.

The Socceroos are finally playing with momentum and it couldn't come at a more fortunate time. Throughout the 2014 World Cup qualification tournament, Australia's form has been patchy, and frustrating for fans. No doubt manager Holger Osieck has been frustrated too. But the turning point arrived when Australia took a point away from the Japan clash, and just last week dealt with Jordan convincingly. Most poignant in these two matches has been the emergence of Robbie Kruse, Tommy Oar and Tom Rogic as genuinely influential members of the  2014 World Cup squad. Assuming that Australia wins against Iraq tonight, manager Holger Osieck has the luxury of the East Asian Cup tournament in July (played in Korea), in which to give these and other youngsters more valuable experience.

Nashat Akram - Iraq
The clash against Iraq sees a glut of factors favouring Australia. The match is set to be played in front of a sell-out  80,000 strong crowd in Sydney; striker Younis Mahmoud (age 30) with over 40 goals for Iraq has retired from international soccer as of last week; Nashat Akram (age 28) the star of the 2007 Asian Cup tournament retired from international soccer as of last week; Iraq are out of contention for Brazil 2014, and new manager Vladimir Petrovic is on the nose. Petrovic has overseen losses against China in February and the woeful display against Oman a fortnight ago. In Iraq's favour is the unknown quantity that they present themselves as in Sydney. Made up primarily of the under 20 Iraqi side, goalkeeper Noor Sabri said, "We've got Humam and other players in our squad who we have a lot of faith in." The keeper was speaking specifically about midfielder Humam Na'oush just 17 years old with ten international caps to his name already.

Meanwhile, in Group A Uzbekistan host Qatar at home, while they cross their fingers that Korea Republic take care of Iran, in Ulsan, Korea. The Uzbeks are coming off a narrow defeat to Korea Republic in Seoul last week, where they went down 1-nil through an own goal. Manager Mirdjalal Kasimov has stated ominously that, "There is no reason to look for people who are responsible for the defeat." The midfielder responsible for the own goal, Akmal Shorakhmedov will be crossing more than his fingers that his manager is as forgiving as he paints himself to be. Their opponents cashed-up World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar, sit helplessly adrift of qualification, four points away. The Uzbeks have it all to play for and should get 'the cash'.



Interestingly it is Iran who have been the only team to inflict defeat upon Korea Republic during qualification. If they repeat the effort away from home they're headed for Brazil. Korea Republic have nothing to play for with a superior 'for and against', which would see them fend off the Uzbeks, unless there was a disaster. Korea are currently plus seven in goal difference while Uzbekistan are plus one.


If I was a betting man, I would say that Iran are headed to their first World Cup since 1998, when they famously knocked out Australia, in a play-off for the final position in France '98. Along with them will be Korea Republic from Group A and Japan and Australia from Group B. The Asian play-off should see Uzbekistan take on Oman.