Iran x Croatia: match review

Many Iranians may be celebrating this game result, after all Croatia was coming from great victories against Argentina and Austria. But I liked what I saw at this game yesterday.

Iran showed what we already knew: they have talented players on their offense. Ali Karimi can decide the game in one play like at the Iranians first and beautiful goal. Borhani also did a great game, replacing Hashemian on the 2nd half. He alone was more dangerous to the Croatian defense then the others two forwards together.

The Iranians play on the others teams mistakes. Their strikers are always alert on what the defenders may do, ready to take advantage of it. That means if Portugal does not get into the field aware of his opponent’s power from the first minute we might see the 2002 World Cup debut all over again. Iran has the skill to score in a couple isolated plays and wining even without dominating the game, like they almost did yesterday.

However, there is some good news. Their defense positioning is very bad and they always make mistakes on crossed balls. If Portugal play by the wings (and we do have some awesome wingers) it could score a lot of goals and make the game easy. It seems like every Iranian defender is on the wrong place when the play is done in the side of the field. Every Croatian chance was done there. They showed so many problems on their positioning that I doubt they will fixed in time for the World Cup.

Once they lack balance between their offence and defense, to defeat Iran, Portugal must be patience. We must be careful and not rush in to the first goal. That could leave us unguarded. That could be fatal. Playing by the sides, using our winger’s skills and throwing the ball from one side to the other will be our way to the victory.