international arena after the Iranian legend was recently included in an expanded 41-man roster by new coach Afshin Ghotbi. Charged with helping Iran's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ fortunes, the 30-year-old midfielder is expected to take the field for his first international match for over a year in his nation's next outing on 6 June against second-placed Korea DPR.
With just three matches to play in Asia's final round, and with Team Melli languishing in fourth, Iran are unquestionably facing one of the most critical periods in their FIFA World Cup qualifying history. However with the talismanic Karimi back to pull the strings, the Iranian fans will have good reason to believe that they can again turn the corner to book their fourth appearance at the global extravaganza at South Africa 2010.
The pivotal man
Karimi's emergence as one of Iran's most talented players came in their qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002. Despite Iran's failure to reach Asia's first global showpiece, Karimi made his name as the ‘midfield wizard', having mesmerized fans across the continent with his dazzling dribbling, surging runs and an uncanny ability to score important goals.
Fur years later Karimi had developed into a driving force behind Iran's successful bid for Germany 2006. He played a key role in Iran's crucial 2-1 win over Japan in the qualifying final round, perfectly crossing for Vahid Hashemian to grab the winner.
He went on to showcase his creative talents in the next back-to-back against Korea DPR, setting up Javad Nekounam to seal an away 2-0 before steering Iran to a solitary-goal win at home. These results laid solid foundation for Iran's campaign with another three points against Bahrain in the next penultimate match sealing their qualification with a game to spare.
Yearning for a return
The outspoken Karimi received a five-month suspension last May for criticizing the national team and five months later he announced retirement from international football. With Iran struggling in the qualifying finals, the former Bayern Munich play-maker decided to end his self-imposed international under new coach Afshin Ghotbi.
Prior to this, the former Persepolis manager had also brought Karimi back to play with the Iranian giants on loan from Qatar Sports Club captaining Persepolis to Iranian championship. "We have tried to invite the best and most experienced players to shore up our defense and offense, and needless to say, Karimi is one of the greatest players Iran have," said Ghotbi who will be hoping Karimi will be fully recovered from a recent ankle injury
Iran will play three warms-up against Syria, Vietnam and China before traveling to Pyongyang to challenge Korea DPR in a game they must win. Despite the formidable task, with Karimi likely to be fully fit and looking to boss the midfield alongside the likes of Mehdi Mahdavikia and Karim Bagheri, Ghotbi believed they can come away with the much-needed points.
"It is said that the Koreans will host us on artificial turf but it doesn't matter at all where we play," says the 45-year old Ghotbi. "We will have to beat them even if we were playing on the moon."