A pleasant acquaintance to the World Cup in recent editions (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022) Iran makes his sixth appearance at the international tournament in Qatar. “Team Melli” has never made it out of the group stages, but this year they’ll have extra motivation due to recent non-football related events. The Iranian National Team aims to achieve this challenging objective, and qualify in an uncertain group.
Tricky Group That Could Be Full Of Surprises
IR Iran will make their debut on Qatar on Monday, 21st of November against England. This is without a doubt their toughest test. “Team Melli” opens against the strongest squad in the group, but this could certainly be a make or break scenario for the Iranian side. If they can compete against the struggling English side this could certainly boost their morale, even if no points are earned, they will release all the extra pressure this team is carrying around. IR Iran has players with plenty of experience and the team played rather well in the last international break (Win vs Uruguay, Tie vs Senegal). Iran could manage to scrap points against Wales on match-day 2, and set-up an all or nothing game against non-other than the USA.
Experienced European Manager
“Team Melli” is coached by well known Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz, who has been in charge of team for over 8 years (2011-2019, 2022). He has led IR Iran to two World Cups (2014, 2018), and has also been at the helm of different national teams in the international tournament (South Africa 2002, Portugal 2010), so his experience could prove to be invaluable. Queiroz has very interesting highlights in his manager career; Real Madrid, Sporting CP, and assistant coach for Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Well Balanced Team With Established Players
The IR Iran National Team has several key players that will certainly make the difference for this squad, some of the most important names to follow during the tournament include three very prolific forwards; Sardar Azmoun (Bayern Leverkusen), Karim Ansarifard (Omonia), Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto). The trio has scored a combined total of 98 goals for their country.
This squad also has very intriguing wingers who can create plenty of opportunities up front; Alireza Jahanbakh (Feyenoord), and Saman Ghoddos (Brentford) both have been terrific while playing for the national team, and are looking to provide this squad with the much needed spark it has lacked over the years.
“Team Melli” is led by experienced captain Ehsan Hajsafi (Left-Back, AEK Athens) who has 121 caps for the National Team.
What A Time To Make Their Mark
We are counting on this Iranian team to come into the tournament highly motivated, and ready to make a statement on the field. If “Team Melli” can ease their nerves and find the football they have displayed since the Asian Qualifiers, this could certainly be a team that can give the first surprise of the tournament, because they are by far the team who arrives in better form in Group B. Make no mistake, IR Iran will play with courage and determination like no other. Reaching the last 16 for the first time in their history will be an astounding accomplishment for this squad, after that who knows how long the dream can last.
