QUEIROZ HOPING FOR IRAN’S TO GET PAST ENGLAND
FIGHTING SPIRIT In Qatar, Iran’s dream is to reach the group stage for the first time in their World Cup history
TWO key facts stand out as hopeful as ever England take on Iran in their opening Group B match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday. One: England haven’t won in their past six competitive matches going into the game against Iran; Two: Iran are playing in their third successive World Cup (out of five appearances) but have never progressed beyond the group stage.
But England seem to have more worries for now than Iran. Gareth Southgate’s side will be without defender Kyle Walker and midfielder James Maddision and given the criticism the manager has faced about the team in the recent past, he will really need his team to make a telling start to their campaign.
Wales and USA are the other teams in the group and the former too are eager to take on the battle adding to the jostle for the Round of 16.
Iran’s seasoned coach Carlos Queiroz believes a fighting spirit is key if his side are to stand a chance against England.
Having faced the challenges of Spain, Portugal and Morocco back in 2018, walking away with four points and finishing third in the group, Queiroz’s young Iran side back then are four years more experienced now and look more capable of navigating the challenges presented in the current group stage.
“As was the case in 2014 and 2018, our expectation is the same, said Queiroz. “To play every game trying to win, to play good football, create entertainment for the fans. This is our goal and game by game, if we play as we want starting with this difficult game against England, we can get the number of points that give us a possibility to be in the next round. That is a dream.”
After a superb qualifying campaign that saw them concede just four goals in 10 games, Queiroz’s charges’ latest set of preparation matches saw them narrowly edge Nicaragua
thanks to a Mehdi Torabi strike, yet they fell short
against Tunisia, a 2-0 loss in which they managed to give 45 minute run outs for all players.
“England are one of the best teams in the world. They are a serious candidate to be in the final, to win medals and even to be world champions. They reached a wonderful position last time out by being in the semi-final.
“We can only be at the level of effort of England to produce a good game. We need to play every moment of the game with a unique spirit and a fighting mentality.”
Having been in charge for an eight-year reign that included the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, the Portuguese tactician only took charge of Team Melli for a second stint last September following spells in charge of Colombia and Egypt.
If there was is defining feature of Iran under Queiroz, it would be their impenetrable defence.
Prior to the 3-0 defeat that spelled the end of his first reign, Queiroz’s Iran did not concede a single goal in five AFC Asian Cup matches. In fact, his record in international competitions with Team Melli reads 10 clean
sheets in 16 matches
Under Queiroz, Iran lineup in a 4-3-3 formation with Saeed Ezatolahi anchoring the midfield, either partnered with a second defensive-minded midfielder or with two boxto-box players supporting in both phases of play. The trio of Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Sardar Azmoun and Taremi often bear the attacking burden with fullbacks rarely asked to charge into attacking areas.
The attacking trio of Jahanbakhsh, Azmoun and Taremi are Iran’s most valuable assets, but beyond them, a number of players will be crucial for Team Melli in a tournament where they will have to endure extended spells of opposition pressing.
Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand is primed to repeat his 2018 heroics which saw him save a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty while captain Ehsan Hajsafi is one of Queiroz’s most loyal lieutenants and his experience and flexibility will see him play a crucial role whether he starts at left-back, central midfield or left wing.
Should Iran need an impact sub, Queiroz can turn to the likes of Saman Ghoddos, Karim
Ansarifard or Vahid Amiri, with at least one of them set to start on the bench in each match.
England have had a stable base to build on since 2016 with Gareth Southgate at the helm, reaching the semi-final stage of the Russia World Cup in 2018 but ultimately finishing in fourth place, then taking a proverbial step further in reaching the UEFA European Championships 2020 final but lost out to Italy.
“We are in the middle of an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people,” said Southgate.
“We want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with the team that brings some real happiness. We are all hoping to focus on the football now. It has been a complicated build up with issues discussed for the last 12 months and beyond that for us.
“This is the biggest moment of our players’ careers to play in a World Cup.”
Indeed, for even as England fans and followers back home clamour over Qatar World Cup, they would need to be wary of their dangerous opponents.
As was the case in 2014 and 2018, our expectation is the same. To play every game trying to win, to play good football, create entertainment for the fans. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz