IRAN

Ranking 37. Last time Group stage. Manager Carlos Queiroz — a familiar name to followers of English football from his time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United and also regular tournament viewers from his time in charge of Portugal and Iran. Is their longest-serving national coach having started in April 2011 and is the only man to guide them to consecutive World Cups. They’re a bit like Bournemouth — enjoying the experience but unlikely to trouble the big guns. Key man Alireza Jahanbakhsh (left) — one of the best performers in the Dutch Eredivisie this season having scored 22 goals for AZ Alkmaar, the winger has been linked with a move to Napoli. Rising star Saeid Ezatolahi — the 21-year-old midfielder spent the season on loan at Amkar Perm in Russia from his parent club Rostov. Became the youngest-ever scorer in Iran’s history back in 2015 at 19 years and 42 days. Standing 6ft 3in, he is good in the air. Prospects Unlikely to trouble anyone. Out at the group stage.