Double blow for Team Melli

6/8/2006
AFP

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany – Iran's World Cup campaign was dealt a serious blow with two players looking set to miss the crucial opening clash with Mexico through injury and sickness.

Left back Sattar Zare was carried from the training field after twisting a right knee while midfielder Ferydoon Zandi is still recovering from a fever.

"I'm scared it's not so good for both players and I'm not so sure they will be passed to play," said coach Branko Ivankovic.

With dynamic front-runner Ali Karimi and playmaker Mehdi Mahdavikia both returning from ankle and back trouble respectively, a double withdrawal would raise doubts over Iran's ability to compete with the Group D seeds.

Iran are desperate for points against Mexico before facing group favourites Portugal and then Angola as they bid to reach the knock-out stage for the first time in three attempts.

Sattar's injury came after Mexico's first-choice goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez flew home following his father's sudden death.

"It's a 1-1 draw now," quipped Ivankovic.

8 Responses to “Double blow for Team Melli”

1. Adrdavan Saidi Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 5:27 pm

   Sattar Zare may be feeling better and fit to play
   for sunday. So is Zandi. Who knows. Let us all hope so.
   With the Mexican golee out, this may be an advantage for the Iranian squad.

2. tarkaba Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 9:38 pm

   Oswaldo will be back on time for the opener.

   Mexico 3 – Iran 1

3. Adrdavan Saidi Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 9:50 pm

   Go Iran!

4. admin Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 10:24 pm

   Oswaldo or no Oswaldo Iran 2:1 Mexico

5. K1_Khan Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 11:16 pm

   Hello all,

   Does not matter who plays for Iran, they are all qualit player as they have proven themselves in the freindly games.

   So Iran 3:2 Mexico. Go Iran

6. K1_Khan Says:
   June 8th, 2006 at 11:17 pm

   Hello all,

   Does not matter who plays for Iran, they are all quality player as they have proven themselves in the freindly games.

   So Iran 3:2 Mexico. Go Iran

7. Ehsan Says:
   June 9th, 2006 at 3:48 am

   I think Sadeghi at left back and Teimourian in mifield will do a better job than the two injured players.

   Iran needs to play its quickest players to take advantage of the slow Mexican defenders. All being well, Iran should win by one or two goals.

8. Ardavan S. Says:
   June 9th, 2006 at 1:14 pm

   I do agree with you Ehsan. The substitutes are as capable as the other players. Except Zandi who is a left footer.