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FIFAworldcup - Iranian international
Mehdi Mahdavikia has been as a key figure for Bundesliga outfit Hamburg
over the last five seasons. The pacy winger scored five goals in 32
top-flight appearances at the north German club last term and topped his
club's rankings with nine assists. On Wednesday, the 26-year-old brings
his talents to the national cause as Iran meet Jordan in 2006 FIFA World
Cup™ qualifying in Teheran. With two games played, Iran top the Group 1
standings, level on points with Wednesday's opponents. FIFAworldcup.com
met up with the striker before the crucial showdown.
You've beaten Qatar 3-1 and Laos 7-0.
Could you have made a better start to your qualifying campaign?
I think the opening match against Qatar was vital. We lost to them in 1998
World Cup qualifying and they're a good side with a good coach at the
moment. We also had to play at home behind closed doors, but we did well
in the 3-1 victory. Laos aren't really in the same league so although it
was a good result, our 7-0 win was a routine affair.
You face Jordan in qualifying on
Wednesday. You've lost twice to them since they changed coach in 2002.
What are your chances this time around?
In 2002 we lost 1-0 to them in Syria, and then 3-2 last year in Asia Cup
qualifying. Jordan have a strong team, and they've also beaten Qatar and
Laos. The home fixture is crucial to our chances. Nothing less than three
points will do. Jordan are without doubt our most difficult opponents.
They're technically excellent and have an experienced Egyptian coach.
They've been very successful over the last two years, so it's a real test
for us.
How do you rate your chances of
getting to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and would it be special for
you personally?
I have two major goals with Iran. The first is this year's AFC Asian Cup
in China: we haven't claimed the trophy for more than two decades. We were
knocked out in the quarter-finals by South Korea in Lebanon in 2000, so
this is a very important tournament. The second target is to qualify for
the 2006 World Cup, my greatest dream because it's taking place in
Germany. I want to go to another World Cup finals, I really enjoyed the
experience at France 1998. We're determined to qualify for the 2006 World
Cup. We have a very good team right now and we're always among the
favourites in Asia. We have a great crop of youngsters and I just hope we
can realise our goal as it would be vital for the young players in
particular.
How would you describe coach Branko
Ivankovic? What does he bring to the team?
Branko Ivankovic is a highly competent and experienced coach who has got
us training like a European team. Over the years we've had big problems
with foreign coaches; Blasevic, Ivic and the rest. Coaches never get left
in peace here, the media demands instant success, and if that doesn't
happen the coach has to go. Blasevic only lasted four months, Ivic only
three or four. Ivankovic knows his way around Iranian football, the people
and the young players. He's been to the Olympics with Asian teams, so he
really knows everything. The national side is in good shape at the moment.
What's the secret of Iran's current
success?
After the World Cup we had a group of players operating on the European
stage, 13 in the German first and second divisions for example. But at the
moment there's only myself and Vahid Hashemian in the Bundesliga. It's a
bit disappointing to see so many players return to Iran. But if we qualify
for 2006 - and we have a talented enough squad to do it - you'll see more
of us in action for European clubs.
You've mentioned Hashemian, who's on
the move from Bochum to Bayern München this summer. He's refusing to play
for the national side at the moment. Do you think he'll return to
international action?
I've talked to him on the subject a number of times. We know each other
well after two seasons together in Hamburg. He fell out with the
association after failing to get off the bench in a handful of FIFA World
Cup qualifiers, so he's currently refusing to be considered for the
national set-up. He's in top form at the moment. He scored 10 times in the
Bundesliga two seasons ago, even more last term, and has signed a
three-year deal with Bayern München this summer, which is sensational. We
need Vahid in the national side. He's technically brilliant and a powerful
header of the ball. We need him because Ali Daei can't go on for ever.
Daei is 32 now and has maybe one or two more seasons in him. I hope we'll
see Vahid back in the national team some time next year. I read an
interview in an Iranian newspaper where he said he'd love to play for the
national team but not for the association as it stands. I just hope we can
solve these problems.
With Ali Daei approaching the end of a
long career, do you see yourself as the new leader in the team?
Our squad mainly consists of young hopefuls. There's only Ali Daei, Ali
Karimi and myself left from the old guard, the rest are all youngsters.
Once Daei hangs up his boots I'll be about the most experienced player
around, and I'm always ready to help my up and coming team-mates.
Where does football stand in Iranian
culture? Is it the most popular sport?
It's top of the pile in Iran at the moment, just like in all the Asian
countries. Everyone's into the game. The six and seven year-olds are
learning the trade the way I did, out on the streets. There'd be a real
public outpouring of joy if we succeeded in qualifying for the 2006 World
Cup.
How well organised is the game in
Iran, and what could be improved?
Professional football was introduced to the country two years ago and the
players are well paid, although naturally we need time to create certain
essential structures. We have work to do in terms of infrastructure, for
sure, but there are plenty of talented players out on the streets. We've
produced lots of new players in the last two to three years and we're
going to take another major step forward in the next few years. I'm very
optimistic. |
