6/4/2006
Kaveh Mahjoob, footballmedia.net

Prelude

Sometimes it is better to review a game as a fan than trying to analyze it.

Reading the headlines across the internet and newspapers following Iran – Bosnia match, one would get the impression that Iran played one of its best ever matches:

“Iran Hammers Bosnia…”
Iran … to Thrash Bosnia”
Successful … as Iran Thrash Bosnia”

Those internet colleagues of mine apparently watched a match that I didn’t see or understand. Granted, we scored 5 goals and showed an offensive power rarely seen against a European side, but just days before the Iran – Mexico match, we have enough questions about Iran’s teamwork, team discipline and game tempo that should make us worry.

We should enjoy the victories against Bosnia and Costa Rica and the questionable tie (deserved to win) against Croatia but we should also come back to earth just a bit and acknowledge that not everything is rosy.

First the Positives

I am not a pessimist and actually have found a lot of goods in Iran’s last three friendly/warm-up matches. I’d even glance over the fact that they were the only friendly matches Iran played.

Team Character

Iran was playing on the road against Croatia but managed to play them evenly and with poise. The fact that Croatia is a mid. level European power adds to the credibility of the entire Iranian team.

Despite a horrendous start, down 2 – 0 against Bosnia, the team didn’t give up and managed to come back

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Branko’s Attacking Team

We scored 10 goals in 3 games. More importantly, all five forwards in the roster, Hashemian (2 goals), Daei (1), Borhani (1), Enayati (1) and Khatibi (1), scored. Other goals were scored by midfielders (3) and defenders (1).

Likely substitute strikers, Borhani, Enayati and Khatibi, took advantage of their limited times to show their skills.

Midfield is filled with attack minded players. Madanchi, Karimi, Kia, Kazemian and the newcomer Shojaei are all eager to contribute to the offense.

A healthy Karimi and a healthy Kia will contribute significantly in making Iran a world cup level team. These two are on the road to recovery and that is the best news for Branko (and therefore Iran)

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Young and Talented

Maadanichi who played in place of Zandi has shown enough to seriously threaten Zandi’s starting position. Maadanchi lacks international experience but you couldn’t observe that shortcoming with the spark and confidence in his game.

Taymoorian has shown that he could play the defensive midfielder position well.

Borhani energizes the offense when given a chance. Interestingly, many in Iran believe that Khatibi is even better than Borhani in quickness and inside the box penetration.

Shojaei didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his talents but from Branko down, he has been the subject of high praises

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The “Will” to Win

The team has demonstrated that it has the will to play hard and with the heart to win. Branko has surprised many by choosing offensive minded players and pushing for goals in all three games. The result is the belief of the players and now the fans that if Iran falls behind, she could come back

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Second: It Is Not All Rosy

We allowed 6 goals in 3 matches and could have easily seen 9 goals scored against us in these games. All these goals were due to mishaps of defense or the goalkeeper.

Our defense is not ready for the world cup. I will not open the topic too much but we have serious deficiencies in both end of the defensive line. Rezai is as solid as they come but Golmohammadi is not the right person to compliment him. He is slower than adequate and has made costly mistakes

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I am not a coach but have my opinions and have some suggestions.

o To solve the left and central defender problems - I would suggest:

• Place Bakhtiarizadeh who is comfortable in the middle of the defense as a central defender in place of Golmohammadi.
• Have Rezai to lean slightly to the left.
• Take a chance and use Sadeghi in place of Zare as the left back. Nosrati is unable to play on the left side and is not the man. Sadeghi has played little to none with the national team but at his club, he plays the position.

o To solve the right defender problem – No need to point the deficiencies. I actually think fixing the left side will go a long way to help the right back position. Still, we have the option of using Mahdavi Kia in the right defensive position and use Kazemian or Kaebi in Kia’s midfield position.

o The combination of Mahdavi Kia, Bakhtiarizadeh, Rezai and Sadeghi is a better defensive line than what Iran has used over the last 2 years.

Goalkeeping – Mirzapoor is what we have as the keeper. We have not tried anyone else over the last 5 years for any significant period of time. Mirzapoor is great in blocking shots and one on ones. He also has his weaknesses. Branko chose not to test Talebloo when he could. As such, he wouldn’t use him or Roodbarian in a regular match. Suggestion – Have a defender take the goal kicks.

Defensive Midfielder – Nekunam needs a shot in the arm. He has not played anywhere near his past and his potential. This is one player Branko would need to personally motivate.

Zandi is not there – It has been difficult to see how Zandi’s performance has declined due to injuries, becoming a bench player in Bundesliga and other factors. His game is simply not what it used to be. Maadanchi should be seriously considered in Zandi’s place. This move and Maadanchi’s speed will strengthen the left side both offensively and defensively.

Daei / Hashemian combo – We all know that pairing these two has not worked well. We also know that Daei is no longer a 90 minute player but Daei’s experience in big matches is of extreme value. Suggestions:

o Start with Hashemian and Borhani (Khatibi) combo and build around Hashemian as the center forward.

o Depending on the situation on the field, sub-in Daei or Enayati. The world cup is the place to line up your very best at that moment. Daei has created much honor for Iran. At this world cup, use him selectively. It is important to note that Branko showed some courage by subbing Daei in the last two games.

Final Words

The only one who has all factors at his disposal to arrange Iran’s national team is Branko. Branko must have learned from the recent warm-up matches that he has a good deal of talent in midfield and offense to work with. Branko must also be equally concerned about 4 of the 6 defensive positions (4 defenders and 2 defensive midfielders).

Iran will aim to earn at least a tie against Mexico. That means our offensive plan has high importance. A disciplined and organized defense is even more important.

When Iran used press against Croatia by using forwards and midfielders in Croatia’s half to slow them down, we saw what Branko may have in mind against Mexico. If Branko takes just a bit of chance and use a line up with a few fresh faces, he would increase the possibilities of getting the desired result mixed with better team execution on the field.

Yes, Iran “Thrashed” and “Smashed” and forced Bosnia to “Crash.” Those were all fine to emotionally charge the fans and the team. Back to earth, Branko has the hard job of monitoring the players and selecting the starters.

We all wish nothing but the very best for our national team, coaches and players.

As the excitement builds, I too also feel like my 15 year old self in 1978 as another national team was preparing for another world cup. Back then, being there was everything.

Today, we would wish and hope for the Round 2 of world cup, but; at the minimum expect good games from our Team Melli.

You may contact Kaveh at Kaveh_Mahjoob@hotmail.com