“I am excited but not very optimistic”, says Keyvan Mahinfar, a 44 year-old IT Consultant who lives in Birmingham, England and is visiting Iran for first time in 27 years.
He is watching Team Melli practice on Monday. On a fine day, and under the watchful eyes of a cheerful crowd of 40 young fans, Team Melli shrugs off the disappointment of the North Korea game and prepares for another crucial match against UAE on Wednesday.
Hamid Davoodi, an auto Mechanic in his early twenties, talks with confidence about the upcoming game. “We will beat them 2-0 for sure!” says Hamid.
Hassan Bavar, a 34 years old school teacher from Karaj, who has brought his child to watch the Lions practice.He believes Iran can beat UAE but qualification depends on other game’s results.
"We had the control of our destiny, but tossed it away earlier, and now have to hope others slip and screw up.”
Sattar, the veteran Team Melli fan with his famous drum, was among the crowd, carrying a banner asking Team Melli players to mend the fans broken hearts by qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
Heated discussions among the fans who blamed former Coach Ali Daei for being a bad coach, and those who pointed to Ghotbi’s mediocre result against North Korea are interrupted when Ghotbi, his assistant Piutner, midfielders Javad Nekounam and Ali Karimi approach the sideline after the practice and shake hands and chat with the enthusiastic crowd.
“By god, we never saw such a move by Daei or Ghalenoei! “Daameh Ghotbi Garm (Good on you Ghotbi)!” shouted Amin, an 18 year old high school graduate, who rates himself a hardcore Team Melli and Persepolis fan.
The security around the team is more relaxed and it seems as if the guards are instructed to be more flexible with the crowd.
With the Presidential Election fever reaching fever pitch, people’s minds are half occupied with Team Melli’s fortune.
“I liked what I saw, and am convinced that we still have a chance to reach South Africa” said Mahinfar, at the end of the practice session, clearly pleased with Ghotbi’s friendly gesture towards the fans.