Those who followed the recent matches would have found it hard to ignore the worrying signs in Iran’s performances; against Qatar, numerous chances were made by the proficient midfield but all were squandered by the forwards.
Against Indonesia, all three goals came from the midfield with Nekounam providing a brace while against Qatar the stellar center back Aghili provided the goal; as a matter of fact both center backs have been consistent goal threats; just as Aghili was at both ends of the pitch against Qatar. Furthermore, three of the last four goals scored have come from dead ball situations but unfortunately this will not suffice against the bigger and better organized Asian teams and will undoubtedly make world cup qualification just as tense and nerve racking as the last time.
Not so long ago Iran were blessed with a merciless forward in Ali Daei who buried every half a chance he was given in his 13 years of national service; and in his prime he would have thrived in the current Iran setup who make chances with infinite comfort but cannot finish them with the same vigour and excellence that they once possessed.
The candidates applying to fill that role are not providing the strongest case at the moment, the last 8 strikers that were called up for national duty all carry question marks above their ability to score goals internationally, they largely boast exceptional goal scoring records in the IPL but for the national team there seems to be a perpetual drought.
Nevertheless, all is certainly not doom and gloom up front for Iran; the gifted Wolfsburg forward Ashkan Dejagah has recently re-iterated his desire to play for Iran and Osasuna’s dynamic forward Masoud Shojaei is imminent as he is nearing the end of his recovery from an injury sustained with the Pamplona outfit.
Ansarifard is also just 21 years of age and I have no doubt that he will live up to the expectations that come with the number 10 shirt. Ultimately though, the main solution to Iran’s current problems lie with the slowly ticking hands of the clock; only with time can the entire squad completely come together in harmony and comprehend the expectations of their new coach who has only been at the helm for less than six months.
Iran’s next qualifier is against Bahrain on Tuesday October the 11th 2011.
Bamdad Garzin