Iran national football team

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For current information on this topic, see Iran national football team season 2008.

Iran
ایران

Nickname(s)	Team melli (Persian: تیم ملی) "The National Team"
Association	IRIFF
Confederation	AFC
Head coach	Ali Daei
Asst coach	Erich Rutemöller
Captain	Karim Bagheri
Most caps	Ali Daei (149)
Top scorer	Ali Daei (109)
Home stadium	Azadi Stadium
FIFA code	IRN
FIFA ranking	43
Highest FIFA ranking	15 (July 2005)
Lowest FIFA ranking	122 (May 1996)
Elo ranking	21
Highest Elo ranking	15 (May 2005)
Lowest Elo ranking	73 (January 1964)
Home colours Away colours
First international
Afghanistan 0 - 0 Iran (Kabul, Afghanistan; January 1, 1941)
Biggest win
Iran 19 - 0 Guam  (Tabriz, Iran; November 24, 2000[1])
Biggest defeat
Turkey 6 - 1 Iran (Istanbul, Turkey; May 28, 1950)  Korea Republic 5 - 0 Iran (Tokyo, Japan; May 28, 1958)  Hungary 5 - 0 Iran (Munich, Germany; August 27, 1972)
World Cup
Appearances	3 (First in 1978)
Best result	Round 1, 1978, 1998, 2006
AFC Asian Cup
Appearances	11 (First in 1968)
Best result	Winners, 1968, 1972, 1976

The Iran national football team (Persian: تیم ملی فوتبال ایران) represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation. The Iranian national football team is known as Team Melli, and is one of the strongest teams in Asia according to the FIFA World Rankings.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early years 1.2 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina 1.3 After Revolution 1.4 1998 FIFA World Cup in France 1.5 2002 FIFA World Cup 1.6 2006 FIFA-World Cup in Germany 1.7 Temporary Suspension 1.8 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa 1.8.1 Group 5 1.8.2 Group B 2 Home stadium 3 Kit 4 Media coverage 5 Tournament records 5.1 World Cup record 5.2 Olympic Games record 5.3 Asian Cup record 5.4 Asian Games record 5.5 West Asian Football Federation Championship record 5.6 RCD Cup/ECO Cup record 5.7 Other Achievements 6 Results and fixtures 6.1 Previous matches 6.2 Next matches 7 Managers 8 Technical Staff 9 Players 9.1 Current squad 9.2 Recent call ups 9.3 Previous squads 9.3.1 World Cups 9.3.2 Asian Cups 9.4 Notable past players 9.5 Most capped players 9.6 Top goalscorers 9.7 Iran World Cup captains 10 See also 11 References 12 External links

[edit] History

[edit] Early years

The very first match that the Team Melli played was on January 1, 1941 away at Afghanistan.

Before the 1979 revolution, Iran have won the Asian Cup three consecutive times (1968, 1972, 1976), a championship record to which the team could not add ever since, although they finished third four times.

[edit] 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina

In 1978, Iran made its first appearance in the World Cup after defeating Australia in Tehran to qualify. Iran lost two of their three group stage games against the Netherlands and Peru.^[2] However, they managed to create a surprise^[3] by drawing 1-1 against Scotland with a late Iraj Danaeifard goal.^[4]

[edit] After Revolution

After the 1979 Revolution, football was somewhat neglected and cast aside. During the 1980s, the Iranian national team did not feature in World Cup competitions due to the Iran–Iraq War (1980-88) and domestic football suffered the inevitable effects of conflict. The national team withdrew from the Asian qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup, and refused to participate in the qualifiers for the 1986 World Cup because of having to play on neutral ground. The war and political upheavals left Iran without major club competitions until 1989 when the Qods League was established. A year later, the Qods League was renamed the Azadegan League. Despite failing to qualify for either the 1990 or the 1994 World Cups, it was during this period that a number of quality players burst onto the Iranian football scene, laying the foundation for their second stab at World Cup glory in 1998.^[5] Iran could count on new talents such as Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Khodadad Azizi and Karim Bagheri.

[edit] 1998 FIFA World Cup in France

Abedzadeh Mohammadkhani Pashazadeh Khakpour Zarincheh Minavand Estili Bagheri Mahdavikia Azizi Daei

Iran lineup during the 1998 World Cup

Additional information: 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (play-off AFC-OFC)

Additional information: 1998 FIFA World Cup - Group F

In November 1997, Iran qualified for the 1998 World Cup after eliminating Australia in a close playoff series. Both games finished undecided, but Iran managed to qualify due to the away goals rule. Iran held Australia to a 1-1 draw at home, and a 2-2 draw in Melbourne; however, since Iran had scored more away goals, they were able to qualify for the Cup.^[6]

At their first game of the Group F at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Iran played well against Yugoslavia, losing narrowly 1-0, only to a free kick goal by Mihajlović.^[5]

Iran recorded their first World Cup victory in the second game^[4], beating the United States 2-1, with Estili and Mahdavikia scoring goals for Iran. The Iran vs USA World Cup match was preheated with much excitement because of each country's political stance after the Iranian revolution. However, in an act of defiance against all forms of hatred or politics in sports, both sides presented one another with gifts and flowers and took ceremonial pictures before the match kickoff.^[7] Following defeat with Iran the United States were eliminated from the World Cup.^[8]

Iran played against Germany in the third game. The game was lost 2-0. The goals were scored by Bierhoff and Klinsmann.^[9] The one win and two losses meant Iran became third in the final group standing and failed to make it to the next round.^[10]

[edit] 2002 FIFA World Cup

Additional information: 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification

Iran failed to qualify for World Cup 2002 after an aggregate defeat to the Republic of Ireland, losing 2-0 in Dublin and winning 1-0 in Tehran. The elimination saw manager Miroslav Blažević step down from the top spot to be replaced by his assistant Branko Ivanković, who stepped up from assistant coach.

[edit] 2006 FIFA-World Cup in Germany

Main article: Iran at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Additional information: 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)

Additional information: 2006 FIFA World Cup seeding

On June 8, 2005, Iran together with Japan became the first country to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, making it Iran's 3rd appearance on the world stage of football. The qualification round both in 2001 and 2004-05 resulted in mass celebrations, hysteria and rioting, causing internal chaos and unrest between youth and government officials. The Iran versus Japan leg of the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers in Tehran was the highest attended qualifying match among all confederations.

Iran started their 2006 FIFA World Cup appearance with high expectations from fans and media. Their first match was against Mexico in Group D. The game was level 1-1 at the half-time, but Iran lost at the end because of a defensive mistake. The final score, 3-1, was brought about by goals from Omar Bravo and Zinha for Mexico, with Yahya Golmohammadi scoring the only Iran goal.

Iran played against Portugal in the second game. The game was lost 2-0. The goals were scored by Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo (penalty). The two losses meant Iran was eliminated from the competition, before their third and final game against Angola. Iran drew 1-1 with Angola on the 21st of June 2006, Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh scoring the Iran goal.

[edit] Temporary Suspension

In November 2006, Iran was suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, on the grounds of governmental interference in the national football association.^[11] The ban lasted less than a month, ^[12] and as a dispensation was given to allow the Iran under-23 team to participate in the football competition of the 2006 Asian Games, ^[13] fixtures were unaffected.

[edit] 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Additional information: 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - AFC Third Round

Iran under the guidance of legendary player Ali Daei^[14] are in the same FIFA World Cup qualifying group as Kuwait, Syria and United Arab Emirates. They will play home and away against each of the other three teams in the group 5. Ali Daei was chosen to become the new coach after Spanish coach Javier Clemente had been close to signing on as Iran's national team manager but talks collapsed when he refused to live full time in the country.^[15]

[edit] Group 5

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts  Iran 6 3 3 0 7 2 +5 12  United Arab Emirates 6 2 2 2 7 7 0 8  Syria 6 2 2 2 7 8 −1 8  Kuwait 6 1 1 4 8 12 −4 4

Iran  – 2 – 0 0 – 0 0 – 0 Kuwait  2 – 2 – 4 – 2 2 – 3 Syria  0 – 2 1 – 0 – 1 – 1 United Arab Emirates  0 – 1 2 – 0 1 – 3 –

In the next stage of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification Iran will play in group B. ^[16]

[edit] Group B

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts  Korea Republic 3 2 1 0 7 2 +5 7  Iran 3 1 2 0 4 3 +1 5  Korea DPR 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4  Saudi Arabia 3 1 1 1 3 4 −1 4  United Arab Emirates 4 0 1 3 4 9 −5 1   Iran  – 2 – 1 11 Feb 28 Mar 10 Jun Korea DPR  6 Jun – 1 – 1 11 Feb 28 Mar Korea Republic  17 Jun 1 Apr – 10 Jun 4 – 1 Saudi Arabia  1 – 1 17 Jun 0 – 2 – 1 Apr United Arab Emirates  1 – 1 1 – 2 6 Jun 1 – 2 –

[edit] Home stadium

Main article: Azadi Stadium

Iran play their home games at Azadi (Freedom) Stadium which was built in the mid 1970s with a capacity of over 100,000. A record was set in Azadi for the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign in Iran's home match against Japan, in which the whole stadium was filled.

[edit] Kit

Iran's current jersey is provided by Daei SWE, replacing the Iranian provider Majid in 2008. The table below shows the history of kit providers for Iran national football team.

Period	Kit Manufacturer
1997	Saipa
1998–2000	Puma
2001–2004	Shekari
2004–2005	Daei SWE
2006–2008	Puma
2008	Majid
2008-Current	Daei SWE

[edit] Media coverage

Iran home matches (both qualifiers and friendlies) are shown live on Channel 3 and satellite television network Jame Jam 2. All matches are broadcasted with full commentary.

[edit] Tournament records

Further information: Iran national football team records

[edit] World Cup record

World Cup record Year Round GP W D L GS GA 1930 to 1970 Did not enter - - - - - - 1974 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1978 Round 1 3 0 1 2 2 8 1982 Withdrew - - - - - - 1986 Disqualified for refusal to play at neutral sites - - - - - - 1990 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1994 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1998 Round 1 3 1 0 2 2 4 2002 Did not qualify - - - - - - 2006 Round 1 3 0 1 2 2 6 Total Best: Round 1 9 1 2 6 6 18

World Cup matches (by opponent) Against Wins Draws Losses Total  Peru 0 0 1 1  Germany 0 0 1 1  United States 1 0 0 1  Portugal 0 0 1 1  Mexico 0 0 1 1  Netherlands 0 0 1 1  Serbia and Montenegro 0 0 1 1  Scotland 0 1 0 1  Angola 0 1 0 1 Total 1 2 6 9

World Cup history Year Round Score Result 1978 Round 1 Iran 0 – 3 Netherlands Lose Round 1 Iran 1 – 1  Scotland Draw Round 1 Iran 1 – 4  Peru Lose 1998 Round 1  Iran 0 – 1  Yugoslavia Lose Round 1  Iran 2 – 1  United States Win Round 1  Iran 0 – 2  Germany Lose 2006 Round 1  Iran 1 – 3  Mexico Lose Round 1  Iran 0 – 2  Portugal Lose Round 1  Iran 1 – 1  Angola Draw

[edit] Olympic Games record

Olympic Games record Year Round GP W D L GS GA 1900 to 1960 Did not enter - - - - - - 1964 Round 1 3 0 1 2 1 6 1968 Did not enter - - - - - - 1972 Round 1 3 0 1 2 1 9 1976 Quarter Finals 3 1 0 2 4 5 1980 Qualified but boycotted the event - - - - - - 1984 Did not enter due to boycott - - - - - - 1988 Did not qualify - - - - - - Total Best: Quarter Finals 9 2 1 6 6 20

Olympic Games matches (by opponent) Against Wins Draws Losses Total  East Germany 0 0 1 1  Mexico 0 1 0 1  Romania 0 0 1 1  Hungary 0 0 1 1  Denmark 0 0 1 1  Brazil 1 0 0 1  Cuba 1 0 0 1  Poland 0 0 1 1  USSR 0 0 1 1 Total 2 1 6 9

Olympic Games history Year Round Score Result 1964 Round 1 Iran 0 – 4  East Germany Lose Round 1 Iran 1 – 1  Mexico Draw Round 1 Iran 0 – 1  Romania Lose 1972 Round 1 Iran 0 – 5  Hungary Lose Round 1 Iran 0 – 4  Denmark Lose Round 1 Iran 1 – 0  Brazil Win 1976 Round 1 Iran 1 – 0  Cuba Win Round 1 Iran 2 – 3  Poland Lose Quarter Finals Iran 1 – 2  USSR Lose

• As of 1992 Olympic Games campaign onwards U23 Team played in qualification.

[edit] Asian Cup record

AFC Asian Cup Record
Year	Round	Pld	W	D*	L	GS	GA
1956	Did Not Enter	-	-	-	-	-	-
1960	Did not qualify	-	-	-	-	-	-
1964	Did Not Enter	-	-	-	-	-	-
1968	Champions	4	4	0	0	11	2
1972	Champions	5	5	0	0	12	4
1976	Champions	4	4	0	0	13	0
1980	Third place	6	3	2	1	16	6
1984	Fourth place	6	2	4	0	8	3
1988	Third place	6	2	2	2	3	4
1992	Round 1	3	1	1	1	2	1
1996	Third place	6	3	2	1	14	6
2000	Quarterfinals	4	2	1	1	7	3
2004	Third place	6	3	3	0	14	8
2007	Quarterfinals	4	2	2	0	6	3
Total	3 Titles	54	31	17	6	106	40

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
*Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

[edit] Asian Games record

Year	Round
New Delhi 1951	Runners-Up
Manila 1954	Did not enter
Tokyo 1958	Round 1
Jakarta 1962	Did not enter
Bangkok 1966	Runners-Up
Bangkok 1970	Round 1
Tehran 1974	Champions
Bangkok 1978	Did not enter
New Delhi 1982	Quarterfinals
Seoul 1986	Quarterfinals
Beijing 1990	Champions
Hirosima 1994	Round 1
Bangkok 1998	Champions

• As of 2002 Asian Games Campaign onwards U23