Iran (Team Melli) in Brazil……..
With a 5-1-2 (W-D-L) record in the fourth round of the AFC World Cup qualification, Iran will be entering the competition for a 4th try at the trophy.
The 3 time continental champions are yet to make a back to back appearance in the competition, or to advance from the group stage. Their only win in Fifa World Cup came in 1998, against the United States of America.
There are a lot of target areas Iran can improve in their World Cup records, this might be the year to do so.
The Venom
Reza Ghoochannejhad
Reza Ghoochannejhad is the target man for this team. His pace and skill gives him an edge over the opposition in defensive errors, such as a counter attack. He seems to find the net for Iran when he is on the pitch, and it is with very little doubt that the Iranian team will go with any other main striker.
Karim Ansarifard is another forward to look out for in the attacking assets.
The Control and Support
The midfield possess the star of the team. The captain, Javad Nekounam will be looked to as a source of inspiration for the Iranians. As a veteran in the team, his ability to read the game and keep control of the ball in the midfield area, will be a much needed asset for the team.
Javad Nekounam
Andrik Teymourian is a holding midfielder that will also be prominent in the Iranian midfield line-up. Keep an eye out for midfielders such as Ashkan Dejagah, Masoud Shojaei and Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
The Bouncers
Saying Iran will need to be strong in the defence will be an understatement. They are the weakest team in Group F, and should be expecting hails of offensive pressure from their group mates.
Some players that Iran will be looking to keep the structure of their back line will be
Jalal Hosseini,Steven Beitashour, Mohammad Nosrati, and Amir Sadeghi.
So how will it look for Iran? How will they fare?
Iran’s chances of getting out of the group is quite slim. Being the weakest team in their group, they will have to go into each game with a defensive tactical line-up, that will also allow for a counterattack break-way. They are aim will be to secure another win in a Fifa World Cup match, and that will be a difficult task on its own.
But this is futbol, there will always be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Iran will make any of their advantage during the course of the tournament, count.
