Team Melli in 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Can Iran justify favouritism at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup? Taking part in the tournament for the 14th time, many are predicting Team Melli as the team to beat in the U.A.E.

Iran have a proud record in the AFC Asian Cup, winning the 1968 tournament which they were hosting for the first time. It was the first of three victories Asia with Team Melli triumphant in Thailand in 1972 before another win at home in 1976.

In ten AFC Asian Cup’s contested since, Iran’s best efforts were third place in 1980, 1988, 1996 and 2004. At the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia, Iran won all three group games but fell in the quarter-finals after an ill-tempered and poorly officiated match against Iraq.

Taking the lead through Sardar Azmoun, defender Mehrdad Pooladi was sent off before half-time as the match ended 3-3 after added time. Reza Ghoochannejhad came off the bench to equalise in the 119th minute, but didn’t take a penalty as Iraq triumphed 7-6 in the shootout.

Iran have become consistent participants at the FIFA World Cup having qualified in 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018.  Iran faced a tough group in Russia but got off to a good start following a 1-0 win against Morocco. However, a 1-0 defeat against Spain and a 1-1 draw with Portugal ended their tournament early despite picking up four points.

Four friendlies have been played since with three wins against Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago and the latest a 1-1 draw vs Venezuela. Manager Carlos Queiroz has been in charge since 2011 and possesses a deep and talented squad, including up and coming stars and experienced campaigners in key positions.

Three important players are currently leading a revival for Tractor Sazi FC in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Captain Masoud Shojaei and Vice-Captain Ashkan Dejagah add strength in midfield while left-back Ehsan Hajsafi has tremendous experience with the national team, expect all three to play big roles in the U.A.E.

25-year old forward Saman Ghoddos has been contributing goals and assists at lowly Ligue 1 club Amiens after impressing at Swedish side Oestersunds. There is also great news that Sardar Azmoun reversed his decision to retire from the national team following the 2018 Russia World Cup because of social media abuse.

Azmoun has started this season well for Russian Premier League club Rubin Kazan with five goals and four assists. The 23-year-old striker has scored 23 goals in 38 appearances for Iran, is Team Melli’s most influential player and could have a big tournament in U.A.E.

Iran have strength at the back with goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand who recently helped Persepolis reach the AFC Champions League final. 22-year-old central defender Majid Hosseini earned a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor where he has done well including scoring a recent goal in the Cup. 

Formerly at Real Madrid, Manchester United and Portugal, Queiroz had to worry more about defensive organisation at the World Cup. Team Melli start their 2019 AFC Asian Cup campaign against Iraq, Vietnam and Yemen which presents Queiroz the chance to play on the front foot.

Despite going out in the group stage at the World Cup after collecting four points, Iran’s performances against heavyweights Portugal and Spain were encouraging. 

It’s not going to be easy at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with South Korea, Japan and Australia vying for the title alongside Saudi Arabia and hosts United Arab Emirates. However, with an experienced manager and a talented squad , Team Melli have every chance in the latter stages of the tournament.