Few surprises in Queiroz's provisional squad
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Few surprises in Queiroz's provisional squad
Few surprises in Queiroz's provisional squad
Posted by Afshin Afshar
Carlos Queiroz is looking to become the first man to guide Iran into the World Cup second round.
Coach Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man provisionary list was released on Monday evening by the Iranian football federation (FFIRI). It was anticipated that two more names might be added to the list when the team arrived in Austria on Monday for a three-week camp leading to the start of the World Cup, but it appears the final 23 will be selected from those on the list.
There are no real surprises, but two noticeable exclusions are Esteghlal FC’s experienced goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati and Traktor Sazi FC’s star midfielder Ali Karimi.
The 31-year-old Rahmati had a public falling out with the coach a few months ago and, despite being the most experienced goalkeeper up for selection for the national team, was subsequently dropped from all the following matches. Karimi, on the other hand, is 35 and has been struggling with his fitness as of late.
The chosen players have either shown good form toward the end of their respective domestic leagues or have produced in their previous caps under Queiroz.
Of the four goalkeepers on the list, it is very likely that three will go to Brazil. Daniel Davari seems to be Queiroz’s No. 1 and Rahman Ahmadi his second. It will be a tough choice between Sousha Makani and Alireza Haghighi for the third spot. Although Haghighi plays in Europe -- and Queiroz prefers Europe-based players -- Makani has performed well enough to establish himself as the third choice.
In the defensive line, the absence of Payam Sadeghian of Persepolis may come as a slight surprise to some. The 22-year-old had a great final stretch for his club this year. Of the 11 defenders on the list, seldom-capped Ahmad Alenemeh and Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh are least likely to make it.
In the midfield Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian and Ashkan Dejagah are guaranteed starting spots. Queiroz seems to favor Masoud Shojaei as a fourth midfielder. Reza Haghighi and Ghasem Hadadifar have proved to be capable backups and that leaves Bakhtiyar Rahmani as the most likely candidate to be sent back home.
Up front, Reza Ghoochannejhad and Mohammad Reza Khalatbari are likely to start. Karim Ansarifard could come off the bench and 19-year-old Sardar Azmoun will go along for the experience. However, it appears that Mehdi Sharifi will not make the final cut.
Team Melli will be training in Bad Waltersdorf for the next three weeks, and playing three pre-tournament warm-up matches against Montenegro, Belarus and Angola during this period. By then, we should have a much clearer picture of who Queiroz’s favourites will be.
http://www.espnfc.com/blog/_/name/iran/id/14?cc=5901
Posted by Afshin Afshar
Carlos Queiroz is looking to become the first man to guide Iran into the World Cup second round.
Coach Carlos Queiroz’s 28-man provisionary list was released on Monday evening by the Iranian football federation (FFIRI). It was anticipated that two more names might be added to the list when the team arrived in Austria on Monday for a three-week camp leading to the start of the World Cup, but it appears the final 23 will be selected from those on the list.
There are no real surprises, but two noticeable exclusions are Esteghlal FC’s experienced goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati and Traktor Sazi FC’s star midfielder Ali Karimi.
The 31-year-old Rahmati had a public falling out with the coach a few months ago and, despite being the most experienced goalkeeper up for selection for the national team, was subsequently dropped from all the following matches. Karimi, on the other hand, is 35 and has been struggling with his fitness as of late.
The chosen players have either shown good form toward the end of their respective domestic leagues or have produced in their previous caps under Queiroz.
Of the four goalkeepers on the list, it is very likely that three will go to Brazil. Daniel Davari seems to be Queiroz’s No. 1 and Rahman Ahmadi his second. It will be a tough choice between Sousha Makani and Alireza Haghighi for the third spot. Although Haghighi plays in Europe -- and Queiroz prefers Europe-based players -- Makani has performed well enough to establish himself as the third choice.
In the defensive line, the absence of Payam Sadeghian of Persepolis may come as a slight surprise to some. The 22-year-old had a great final stretch for his club this year. Of the 11 defenders on the list, seldom-capped Ahmad Alenemeh and Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh are least likely to make it.
In the midfield Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian and Ashkan Dejagah are guaranteed starting spots. Queiroz seems to favor Masoud Shojaei as a fourth midfielder. Reza Haghighi and Ghasem Hadadifar have proved to be capable backups and that leaves Bakhtiyar Rahmani as the most likely candidate to be sent back home.
Up front, Reza Ghoochannejhad and Mohammad Reza Khalatbari are likely to start. Karim Ansarifard could come off the bench and 19-year-old Sardar Azmoun will go along for the experience. However, it appears that Mehdi Sharifi will not make the final cut.
Team Melli will be training in Bad Waltersdorf for the next three weeks, and playing three pre-tournament warm-up matches against Montenegro, Belarus and Angola during this period. By then, we should have a much clearer picture of who Queiroz’s favourites will be.
http://www.espnfc.com/blog/_/name/iran/id/14?cc=5901