|
PFDC - Iran's U23 team is set to play against
the host, Qatar, in semi-final match of Asian Games 2006.
Iran will have the services of Sheis Rezaei for this match as he was
suspended for the match against China. Nevertheless, no changes in the line
up is expected from Iran's head coach, Rene Simoez.
Simoez made a few adjustments after the first two games to improve the team.
Nevertheless, his team has been the subject of heavy criticism by the
Iranian media despite the perfect record. The conservative style of the game
and lack of attractive football has been the main subject of discussion. In
today's interview with Iranian news agencies, Mohammad Panjali, Simoez
assistant, reiterated the fact that they will not compromise the result for
attractive football.
It is interesting to note that Simoez recent changes to the line up has made
his team resemble the national team's line up and formation, coached by Amir
Ghalenoei, with minor differences that could be observed. Just like national
team, this team is playing 3 1 in the back, with Jalal Akbari (read Vahedi)
moving back and forth along the left line. Simoez is staying with Maziar
Zare (read Nekunam) and Mohammad Nouri (read Teymourian) in defensive
midfield, and uses Adel Kolahkaj (read Karimi) to feed the offense in front
of them. The offensive right wing is covered by Hossein Mahini (read
Mahdavikia). Iran's three backs that hardly advance are Jalal Hosseini,
Pejman Montazeri, and Mohsen Arzani (read Rezaei, Fekri, Nosrati). While
both teams use same type forwards that do not complement each other well,
Iran's U23 team uses two "non-target" forwards, Arash Borhani and Mehrdad
Oladi, and the national team uses two "target" forwards Hashemian and
Enayati.
Qatar's U23 team is boosted by inclusion of three foreign-born players, led
by the excellent play maker Sebastian Quintana from Uruguay. Qatar is the
host country to the Asian Games, and will have the advantages in that
department. As the host, Qatar has been heavily criticized for having
referees favoring them in several other competitions of the 2006 Asian
Games, particularly, in Taekwondo where Iran's participant, Mehdi Bibak, was
rubbed of well-deserved gold medal in final match against the Qatari
counterpart, Hikame Sarhan, by ridiculous officiating.
While FIFA calls for fair play in all international football matches, it is
remained to be seen if this fundamental motto of FIFA would be respected in
tomorrow's semi-final match between Iran and the hosting country with
questionable record, Qatar.
Iran's possible line up: Hassan Roudbarian- Mohsen Arzani, Pejman Montazeri,
Jalal Hosseini, Jalal Akbari - Hossein Mahini, Maziar Zare, Mohammad Nouri,
Adel Kolahkaj - Mehrdad Oladi, Arash Borhani
|
