Possession just a number in Iran’s success
KOCHI: Placed with Germany, Guinea and Costa Rica in Group C, not many expected Iran to cruise to the knockout stages.
But Iran didn’t just do that, they edged out Mexico in the last 16 to face European champions Spain in the quarters on Sunday.
This is Iran’s best show in this tournament. And a win over Spain will pit them against Ghana or Mali in the semis.
A striking aspect of Iran’s success has been how they have let rivals enjoy possession.
Iran’s average possession of 41.5 % across four games doesn’t illustrate their domination.but Iran were ruthless going forward. They racked up 89 attempts on goal, 31 of them on target. They had more attempts on goal in each game.
Possession may be everything in a universe dominated by Barcelona, but managers like Jose Mourinho have won by blocking waves of attacks by rivals. Leicester City won the 2015-16 Premier League title with a possession of only around 35-40%.
Against Guinea, Iran had only 40 % possession, but 23 attempts on goal, six of them on target. They won 3-1. In their 4-0 win over Germany, Iran had 25 shots, 12 on target (43% possession).
Against Costa Rica, Iran had 48% of the ball, but 23 shots (five on target). They allowed the rivals just five shots on goal.
In the 2-1 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, Iran had 35% possession.
While they allowed 17 shots, with five on target, Iran had 18 tries with eight on target.
“Although spending so much time behind the ball definitely saps your energy, we give our all for the team’s success, and winning the match means we’ve achieved our goal,” midfielder Mohammad Sharifi told FIFA.COM.
It is a ploy that is likely to come in handy against Spain. Iran scored 12 goals, but let in just two in four games due to organised defending. “Our first objective is to keep a clean sheet. The second is to score a goal, and the third is to defend our advantage and win,” defender Taha Shariati told FIFA.COM.
Strikers Allahyar Sayyad and Younes Delfi have scored five of Iran’s goals, but the key to Iran’s success has been patience off the ball and speedy counter-attacks.
Iran allowed Germany time on the ball, but little space. German coach Christian Wuck attributed the loss to Iran’s ability to win tackles.
Against Spain, the Iranian backline will be keen to impose its physical presence on the skilful Sergio Gomez and Ferran Torres, so effective on the flanks.
Targeting Gomez and Torres will be key to stopping the supply to forwards Abel Ruiz and Cesar Gelabert.
However, it remains to be seen whether Spain coach Santiago Denia drops one of his forwards for a midfielder to counter Iran’s aggression at middle of the park. KOLKATA: The myth that the worst outfield player in any Brazilian football team stands in goal was busted long back. From Manga, who played in the 1966 World Cup, Flumeninse’s Castilho, Emerson Leao, Rogerio Ceni, Dida and Julio Cesar, there have been many shot-stoppers who have done remarkable service.
Whether Gabriel Brazao’s name would be added to that list will be known in due course, but he has kept a clean sheet in three of the four games this World Cup.
The Cruzeiro player – his role model is Fabio who has been at the same club since 2005 and made 426 appearances – has had 14 shots on goal and the only time Brazil conceded was Wesley’s self-goal against Spain.
“That’s because, for us defending starts with our forwards. The way they recover and run is important to there not being too many shots at my goal. We work really hard for it to be that way and are working in the same manner before the game against Germany,” said the baby-faced Brazao, after training in pouring rain on Friday.
With there being little activity around his penalty area, does it get difficult to stay focused, especially going into what should be their toughest match, Sunday’s quarter-final against Germany?
“Every match I play, I think it would be my last so I can’t afford to lose concentration. I have worked at clubs and with the national team to get ready for 90-120 minutes of football. That’s what you prepare for.”
With Vinicius Jr conspicuous by his absence and rumours of Alan joining him at Real Madrid swirling, Brazao was asked about his plans.
“I would like to thank god for everything that has happened in my life. For now, the World Cup is all I am focused on. The consequences of where I play in future will depend on what I do here.”
Brazao said his team has had a number of messages of support from senior team players such as Gabriel Jesus when Brazil were playing the last World Cup qualifier. And Brazil head coach Tite met and spoke to them at a preparatory camp in Teresopolis.