World Cup Preview - Group D - Iran

Iran:

Coach: Croatian Branco Ivankovic.

Game Schedule:
June 11 – Iran vs. Mexico (12 p.m. EST)
June 17 – Iran vs. Portugal (9 a.m.)
June 21 – Iran vs. Angola (10 a.m.)

Prospects: Iran qualified for its third tournament with little trouble, qualifying top of a weak Asian confederation group with a game to spare. It helped that they had the biggest average attendance in world football – 110,000 crammed into their Tehran stadium for qualifiers! Their previous tournament highlight was defeating “The Great Satan” U.S. side in 1998 – still their only win at the WC finals. With a side heavy on forwards but with very little balance, they're unlikely to repeat that feat this year, even in a weaker group.

Big Media Story: A campaign is afoot to have Iran bounced from the tournament on the basis of controversial comments made by new Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Several sides have already cancelled planned friendly matches with Iran.

Key Player: Bayern playmaker Ali Karima – the 2004 Asian footballer of the year.

Youngster to watch: In an aging squad, 21 year old defender Hossein Kaabi is the youngest around.

Who Will Get the Goals: Captain Ali Daei – nine goals in qualifying. At thirty seven he’ll be the oldest outfield player in the competition this time.

Who Will Get the Cards: 35 year old center back Yahya Golmohaddi may get caught for pace.

Funniest Name: They’re all pretty special but I’m particularly fond of Vahid Telebloo.

Prediction: They’ll be happy to get a single win. Out first round.

~Bob