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Iran - Team Profile
30/03/2006
Ranked 18th in the world by Fifa, Iran are coached by Croatian Branko Ivankovic who has moulded Team Melli into a skilful and fairly disciplined side. Many of their stars already play in Germany in the Bundesliga.
They have played at two World Cups in the past beating the USA 2-1 in 1998 and upsetting and ultimately derailing Scotland by drawing 1-1 in the Scot's second game. One of their greatest strengths is in goal where home-based Ebrahim Mirzapour of Fould has been the regular for a while. The back four could consist of Rahman Rezaei who plays in Italy; Yahya Golmohammadi for home club Saba Battery; the two full backs could Hadi Shakuri at right back and Ali Bavadi on the left.
The choice of two defensive midfielders is rare in international football but coach Ivankovic prefers it this way and can choose any two from three of Hamed Kavianpour (Perpolis), Javed Nekounam (Pas) or the German-based Moharram Navidkia (Bochum). The undoubted star of the team, Ali Karimi, faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup Finals. The Bayern Munich star was injured in early March having had a successful season at the German champions. Such has been his form that his contract has been extended to 2007. Also playing in Germany is Mehdi Mahdavikia at SV Hamburg. A powerful runner and an accurate crosser of the ball, Mahdavikia has been one of Iran's best exports in recent years. His form is crucial to Team Melli's chances of progressing out of Group F. Kaiserslauten star Ferydoon Zandi had an option of playing for Germany or this side deciding on the latter after heavy petitioning from fans. He has progressed well and will be an important member of the Iran World Cup squad. Other midfielders who could figure include Arash Borhani, old-timer Khodadad Azizi, Iman Mobali and perhaps Edmund Bezik.
Although in his late thirties Ali Daei remains a legend in Tehran and should still feature at this tournament. Formerly with Bayern Munich this talismanic figure is scoring regularly for home-based side Saba Battery and was top scorer in qualifying. He is the leading scorer internationally with over 100 goals for his country. If Ali Daei becomes injured or cannot last the full 90 minutes then Vahid Hashemian of German club Hanover is an able, if out of form, deputy.