5/17/2006
Afshin Afshar, lastkick.com

Ali Karimi

Nicknamed “The Wizard of Tehran” or “The Magician” by his adoring Iranian fans, the Bayern midfielder is undoubtedly the most technically gifted player of his generation in Iran. Before he joined Bayern Munich, many questioned his ability, commitment, and desire to fulfill his defensive responsibilities. However, in a short year that he has trained under Bayern coach Felix Magath, Karimi has shown that he can be very effective on both ends of the field.

His creativity and vision is vital to Iran’s success. The question is whether he can fully recover from his ankle surgery and get back to full fitness in time for Germany.

Mehdi Mahdavikia

Dubbed “The Rocket” for his speed, Mahdavikia is a fixture in Hamburg SV’s right defensive position. In Team Melli, however, he plays right midfield.

His quick runs up the right side or across the middle, and his ability to take on defenders add a sharp edge to Iran’s attack. Along with Ali Karimi and defender Hossein Kaebi he forms a formidable triangle that can cause disarray within any defensive line.

It would be interesting to see if Ivankovic opts to use Mahdavikia in the midfield as he has over the last few years, or move him back to solidify his defensive line. Should he decide to do the latter, he has the option of moving speedy Hossein Kaebi up to the midfield, or bringing in Perspolis midfielder Javad Kazemian instead.

Rahman Rezaei

The 30 year old Messina defender has been an island of stability in a Team Melli defensive line that has had its share of turmoil. Having faced some of the world’s best attackers in the Italian Serie A, Rezaei has the experience and capability to effectively neutralize all those he will face in this year’s World Cup Group D.

A solid performance by the “Minister of Defense”, a nickname given to him by Messina fans, is essential to Iran’s success.

Javad Nekounam

The 26 year old midfielder established himself as an essential part of Team Melli under Ivankovic’s tutelage, and for a period of over two years he was the most consistent player on the squad.

Nekounam can play both ends of the field, has the ability to strike from long distance, and is strong in the air. In 2005 he attracted suitors from the German Bundesliga while playing for Pas FC of Iranian Pro League. However, an agreement could not be reached and he ended up in UAE a few months later. Some have questioned his recent form, but if when on top of his game Nekounam has been the midfield glue that holds the team together.