WORLD CUP 2006
Iran
Introduction
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The World Cup is coming around quicker than usual for Iran. They have had to wait only eight years since their last qualification, in comparison to the 20-year gap between their first and second appearances (1978 and 1998).
The relative ease with which the team booked their ticket to Germany and the fact that they have been in FIFA’s top 20 for more than a year have raised expectations in the country. The media, including no fewer than 10 daily football papers, have been talking up the team’s chances of reaching the last 16 for the first time.
But amid all the optimism, it’s worth pointing out that Iran have not been tested by any of the top footballing sides, apart from a friendly against Germany in Tehran 18 months ago, which the World Cup hosts won 2-0.
As in most traditional footballing nations, the game in Iran has its roots in the back alleys of the poorer neighbourhoods of the major cities. A version of three-a-side, played with a mini plastic ball and a couple of bricks as goalposts, still thrives. European influences came to Iran in the 1970s in the shape of (mainly) British and Yugoslav coaches. The great challenge of harnessing the flair of the local players to tactical systems has been going on ever since, with varying degrees of success.
But despite the injection of European discipline, the public’s love of skilful, individualist attacking styles remains. This “emotional football” has been the main reason for the current national side’s unpredictability against stronger opposition. Although Iran produced some dazzling performances at the 2004 Asian Cup, where they finished third, they were far from convincing
in the World Cup preliminaries. Even the fact that they qualified with a game to spare did not appease the critics.
The pressure on Croat coach Branko Ivankovic was hardly eased by embarrassments in two friendlies – a 3-0 defeat by English second level club QPR last July and a 2-1 home loss to a second-string Macedonia in November.
The match order at the finals has not been particularly kind to the Iranians. They would probably have preferred to meet underdogs Angola first, in the hope of securing three points to take into the games against Mexico and Portugal. Instead, they must nick a point or two from the two group favourites before meeting the Africans.
Some fans were disappointed with the draw because Iran were not drawn with one of the traditional footballing powers such as Brazil or England. But Group D still has enough to excite the millions of Iranian football fanatics inside and outside the country.
Ivankovic’s main tactical concern will be the defence and, in particular, how to nullify Portugal and Mexico’s star strikers. As far as attacking inspiration goes, a lot will be weighing on the shoulders of Ali Karimi. But with his flair, Vahid Hashemian’s aerial power, Mehdi Mahdavikia’s crosses, Javad Nekounam’s tackling and Ali Daei’s experience, Iran are well-equipped to offer at least the hope of surprising a few people.
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