Soccerly - Soccerly was fortunate to catch up with Orange County Blues FC head coach and former Iranian international, Daryuosh Yazdani, for an exclusive interview where we dig into Iranian football culture and explore their chances in Brazil this summer.

Soccerly: What was it like playing Soccer in Iran growing up?

DY: "It's special to grow up in Iran and play the game.  Iranian people love it and we have very talented players.  It's in our blood.  I started playing at a very young age and when you're young, you dream of playing in the Azadi Stadium in Tehran in front of 100,000 people."

Soccerly: What was it like when you signed your first professional contract?

DY: "I signed my first professional contract with my hometown team, Bargh Shiraz FC, at 13 years old but you cannot play for the first team until you are 16.  So I had to wait a couple of years before I could make  my official debut but I played my first game for the club against Persepolise FC in Tehran in front of 85,000 fans.  It was an incredible feeling and I managed to score 2 goals during the match.  It's something I will never forget.  I played well in my next couple of games and by the 5th match, the national team came calling.  From there, I earned 43 official caps playing for my country."

Soccerly: You've had a storied career playing in Iran, Germany, Belgium and United Arab Emirates.  Where was your favorite place to play?

DY: "I enjoyed everywhere I played but they all had different feelings for me.  Obviously it was special to play for my home town club (Bargh Shiraz FC).  It was a dream come true really.  Germany was very challenging.  The people were very nice but it was tough to adjust to that style of play.  Belgium was probably my favorite place I played because I really enjoyed the overall culture there.  I fit in well and the people were very welcoming.  I enjoyed my most successful form with Charleroi scoring 7 goals and making 72 appearances."

Soccerly: Let's get right into it.  What are Iran's chances in Brazil this summer?  

DY: "None", he said with a smirk.  "Iran has already achieved success by qualifying for the World Cup finals.  We are happy to be there.  It's a big step in the right direction but we are in a building stage.  Like I said earlier, Iran has great talent but we have not been able to show that to the world over the years.  Now we have that chance and a more firm foundation for the national team to continue to build its program."

Soccerly: Who are you most worried about in the group stage?

DY: We are in a challenging group.  We face Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.  All are tough competitors so I'm not sure there is just one team I am worried about in particular.  Iran should respect all opponents and strive to build on the success of qualifying for the World Cup finals."