FIFAWORLDCUP - Just four
days ahead of their crucial 13 October FIFA World Cup
qualifier against Qatar, Iran will face a significant
friendly opponent when 2006 hosts Germany come to Tehran.
With 100,000 rabid supporters cheering them on, Team
Melliwill be looking for a bit of revenge from their 2-0
defeat at France 98 to the Mannschaft.
But, despite the high-profile tune-up, the match pales in
importance to the Group 1 encounter in Doha the next
week. Coach Branko Ivankovic and his team know that the
test will be stiff and in a campaign that has already
thrown up more than its fair share of struggles, they
will need to hit peak form to claim three points and hold
off the substantial challenge.
Ivancovic's contract renewed
With Iran’s recovery in Germany 2006 qualifying,
Ivankovic's contract has been extended by the IRIFF for
two more years until after the FIFA World Cup finals. The
experienced Croatian, who had previously hinted at his
desire to get back into club football when his contract
with Iran expired, is now delighted to stay at helm of
Iran team.
"I am very glad
that I will stay with the team that I started with,"
He said after the contract announcement. "I am proud
of my players who have achieved many good results so far.
I also would like to thank the Iranian fans as they keep
encouraging us. Their support is necessary for the team's
progress and I hope it will continue.
"I am happy that I will be guiding the team for two
more years until the end of Germany 2006 as our goal is
the next FIFA World Cup," he added.
Daei possibility ruled out?
Iran skipper Ali Daei expressed his happiness that
Inankovic would be staying on. "He is the best man
for the job, and the team have achieved well so far under
him. I hope he continues well into the future."
Unfortunately for Melli fans, the tremendously
influential Daei is a question mark for the crucial match
against Qatar due to injury. The 35-year-old has been
included in the 28-player squad for the Germany friendly,
but he may not be able to appear. "I am trying to
get fit for the match but I am not sure if the conditions
will allow it,” he said.
Even without Daei, Iran are spoiled for choice in attack
with the returned Vahid Hashemian, Mehdi Mahdavikia and
Ali Karimi taking care of the offensive job.
Another must-win
The decisive 2-0 win over Jordan has injected some
much-needed confidence into the team, but for coach
Ivankovic, the second-phase qualifying campaign is far
from over as there are two matches with Qatar and Laos
still to go.
Ivankovic recently told FIFAworldcup.com that his side
were in no way underestimating the Qataris despite
meeting Juergen Klinsmann’s team just four days
earlier. "The match will be as tough as that against
Jordan,” said the Croatian. “We have to get
well-prepared, as we will have a hard time winning in
Doha."
Daei revealed even more caution when talking about their
next opponents: "The match will be even harder than
the last one with Jordan. Our players have to collect all
their strength, spirit and professionalism for the match.
A win will ensure our spot for the final qualifying
stage."
Iran squad:
Goalkeepers: Ebrahim Mirzapour (Foolad Khuzestan), Hassan
Roudbarian (Pas Tehran), Mehdi Rahmati (Sepahan Esfahan)
Defenders: Yahya Golmohammadi (Persepolis Tehran),
Mohammad Nosrati (Pas Tehran), Ali Badavi, Masoud
Shojaei, Morteza Kashi, Jalal Kameli Mofrad (Foolad
Khuzestan), Rahman Rezaei (FC Messina), Mehdi Amir Abadi
Midfielders: Ali Karimi (Al-Ahly Dubai), Javad Nekounam
(Pas Tehran), Sattar Zare (Barghe Shiraz), Mehdi
Mahdavikia (Hamburg SV), Mohammad Alavi (Foolad
Khuzestan), Iman Mobali (Foolad Khuzestan), Farzad Majidi
(Esteghlal Tehran), Mehrzad Madanchi, Hossein Kaebi
(Foolad Khuzestan), Ali Badavi (Foolad Khuzestan), Mehdi
Amirabadi (Saipa Tehran)
Forwards: Ali Daei (Persepolis Tehran), Arash Borhani
(Pas Tehran), Khodadad Azizi (Pas Tehran), Vahid
Hashemian (Bayer Munich), Reza Enayati (Esteghlal
Tehran), Javad Kazemian, Ali-Reza Nikbakht, Rassoul
Khatibi
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