Second opponent: Iran

Iran has today their most talented squad ever. They are considered the Asia’s third power and they even have their own “magical square”. They also gain Bob’s confidence in his infallible predictions. The “Team Melli” is hoping to be one of the biggest surprises this summer. So let’s take a minute to analyze them.

To me, that might mean they will do better then 98, where they almost tied with Yugoslavia in a heroic appearance and defeated the U.S. However the Iranians have to improve a lot to earn the chance to qualify to the last 16 this year. Let’s not forget: the World Cup is not an Asian competition where you need to match Jordania or Barhein.

Goalkeeper

Ebrahim Mirzapour seemed like a risky choice at the beginning. Many people in Iran prefered a more experienced goalie. Although he starter nervously, he showed why he was trusted to be Iran #1. However he lacks consistence, having failed in some important moments during the Qualifies.

Defense

To me, it’s the team’s weakness. Although the Iranians seemed to love the Messina’s defender Rahman Rezaei and much hope rely on their right back Hossein Kaebi, they lack defensive power. Golmohammadi is already 35, and Rezaei is 31 years old. They aren’t that fast anymore and it won’t be easy for them to hold young players like Cristiano Ronaldo. The right back is Kaebi. He is very fast and could be a surprise at the attack but he lacks a little bit of defensive power too. The left part of Iranian’s defense is their weakest part. Neither Nosrati nor Zare are left-footed. Nosrati might be the first choice, although he seems misplaced at the left wing. Between July and October last year, he scored 4 own goals. What a record! The defense isn’t tall either. Plus, their goalie biggest weakness relies on high crosses balls. So, they have only 2 months left to figure out how to stop Jared Borgetti’s headers.

Midfield

If the defense is the Iranians weakness, their midfield is their strength. Zandi and Nekouman help the weak defense. Born in Germany but son of an Iranian father, Zandi adds to Iran some European style. He has good defensive skills and yet can be a talented playmaker and a long shooter. At the offensive line, Bayern München’s midfielder Ali Karimi is the team’s biggest star. But the talented player is now recovering from an injury and won’t be at his best form at Germany. If he doesn’t attend this World Cup at his best, it could be deadly for Iranians chances. At his side, plays Mahdavikia one of the most successful Iranian players who at the present, plays for Hamburg (GER). He is fast, therefore he can help the attack and get back in enough time to not leave the defense uncover.

Offense

Also part of “Team Melli” magical square (among with Mahdavikia and Karimi) there are Hashemian and Ali Daei. Daei is FIFA’s all time top international scorer. The 6’3” Iranian striker is already 37years old but yet a key part of the team. His skills in the air are his strongest attribute but his leadership among the players is not what it’s supposed to be. We should also pay attention to Hashemian. He is strong in aerial duels and played some significant games at the Qualifies.

Replacements

Replacements are the Team Melli second weakness. They have none. With some old players, Karimi injured and an often booked defense, they should be concerned. At a friendly in 2005 against England’s 2nd Division team Queen’s Park Rangers without their main players, Iran lost by 3-0.

To me, Iran arrives this year in Germany with a much more improved team than their last appearance in France. However it won’t be enough to defeat well prepared and consistent teams like Portugal or Mexico. They have more chance than Angola to surprise us but I can’t see them holding strong players like Borgetti, C. Ronaldo, Figo or Pauleta. Maybe if they were facing France or Germany they would have a better chance. Iran lacks consistence and I just can’t trust a team who lost to Jordania during the Qualifies to be between the last 16.

So, the Portuguese people can’t expect a game as easy as they hoped it would be, but yet, not a strong opponent as Bob predicted.

You can also take a closer look at Angola.