Mahdavikia takes aim at AFC Asian Cup

AFC - Iran are the only team to have won the AFC Asian Cup™ thrice in a row in 1968, 1972 and 1976 and led by captain and rightwinger Mehdi Mahdavikia, Team Melli will be aiming to reclaim their lost glory this time round.

www.the-afc.com spoke to Mahdavikia, who is at a critical crossroads as far his club future is concerned, about Iran’s plans for the continental showpiece and how Team Melli would be striving to fulfil the soaring aspirations back home.

www.the-afc.com: What do you think of the changes in Team Melli since last year’s World Cup?

MAHDAVIKIA: After the World Cup we were upset for a long time. Our exit from the group stage was really disappointing. Although we were never together completely (as a team) during the AFC Asian Cup™ qualifying rounds we could revive ourselves especially against Korea Republic and Syria. Now I am waiting for a good training camp in Tehran before going to Malaysia.

www.the-afc.com: But you seem to be suffering from a lack of friendly matches. Also, most of the Europe-based players were not available in Mexico when Iran lost 4-0.

MAHDAVIKIA:We had the same problem last year before the World Cup. We need proper warm-up matches if we want to find out our weaknesses. I hope the Iranian Football Federation will arrange at least two more matches before the AFC Asian Cup™.

www.the-afc.com: Will all seven Europe-based Iranian stars play for the national team in the AFC Asian Cup™?

MAHDAVIKIA: Sure. And that makes us very different this time. Iranian players in the AFC Asian Cup 2007™ come from the Iran Pro League, Bundesliga, Premier league, La Liga and Seri A. We will be integrated.

www.the-afc.com: Fan expectations are already sky-high. Your comments.

MAHDAVIKIA: That is natural. The only thing that Iranians want is for us to win the AFC Asian Cup™. It is not easy but we will aim for it.

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi and others are working hard too but we are traditional powers.

I believe Team Melli deserved to be champions in the last edition of the AFC Asian Cup. But no worries. We are going to make it in 2007 for the fourth time in our history.

www.the-afc.com: You are the team captain. How is your personal motivation level?

MAHDAVIKIA: It is not about me. It is about the hopes of a nation. It is about Iran. Every Iranian wants us to bring home the AFC Asian Cup™ trophy.

www.the-afc.com: How do you evaluate Group C which also has China, Uzbekistan and co-hosts Malaysia?

MAHDAVIKIA: I think it is not a very difficult group compared to the others. Playing against China will be exciting for both sides. Our last meeting with Uzbekistan dates back to 1998 in the Asian Games. They are physically strong and patient until the final minute (of the game). Malaysia is not known for us but they are hosts and will be supported by their fans.

www.the-afc.com: Are you worried about the high humidity levels expected in Kuala Lumpur?

MAHDAVIKIA: I never liked it (the humidity). We had the same problem in China in 2004. But we have to deal with it. We will try not to think about it. It is better to think positively and we can be successful if we enhance our teamwork.

www.the-afc.com: Your contract with HSV Hamburg has expired. What are you future plans?

MAHDAVIKIA: Some Clubs from France, Spain and Germany have made offers. I will decide by the weekend before coming back to Tehran for the Team Melli training camp.

I prefer to stay in Germany as I have been here for nine years now.