2018 FIFA WC QLF, AFC: Group B

007GS · Sep 19, 2017

HomokHarcos · Sep 19, 2017

Iranian Monitor said: ↑

The negative side of the equation when it comes to Iran is clear and have mentioned this before: there is no doubt that in the past few decades, Iran's team has failed to win major tournaments or achieve notable success internationally in football. For a team that, except for a brief period between 1992-1996, has always been ranked among the top 3-4 teams in the AFC and often its top ranked team, this is indeed a remarkable failure.

Equally clear, however, are the following facts: first, Iran has among the best overall records in Asian football, which is why it is not just now but typically and historically ranked either the best or among the best teams in the AFC. In fact, even having failed to win the Asian Cup since 1976, Iran's win-loss record in that tournament remains unrivaled and Iran enjoys the most points and the best overall record in the Asian Cup. Indeed, the last time Iran lost a match in regulation in the Asian Cup was in 1996!

Second, no side in Asia has proven to be as difficult to defeat as Iran internationally. Iran has never experienced anything like the 8:0 Saudi defeat to Germany in World Cup 2002, or the 5:0 S.Korea loss to Holland in World Cup 1998, or the 4:0 Saudi defeat to France in World Cup 1998, or the 4:0 Saudi defeat to Ukraine in World Cup 2006 or the 7:0 loss by North Korea to Portugal. In fact,unlike all other teams in the AFC even during this same period, Iran has never allowed itself to lose by more than 2 goals to any team in the World Cup in the past 40 years. Indeed, with the exception of our last World Cup match against Bosnia, no team has even enjoyed a halftime lead against Iran at the World Cup during this period. Not Yugoslavia [0:1 (0:0)], nor USA [2:1 [1:0)], nor Germany [0:2 (0:0)] in World Cup 1998; not Mexico [1:3 (1:1)], nor Portugal [0:2 (0:0)] nor Angola [1:1 (0:0)] in World Cup 2006, and neither Nigeria (0:0) nor Argentina [0:1 (0:0)] in World Cup 2014. While most of these teams, with the exception of USA in 1998, Angola in 2006, and Nigeria in 2014, ended up beating Iran, all of them had to sweat to beat Iran. None rolled over Iran the way some of our Asian rivals have seen themselves being steam rolled in the World Cup in some of their matches.

And the 3rd fact about Iran is the quality of players it has actually introduced and showcased. Names such as Ali Daei, Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavakia, Khodadad Azizi, Karim Bagheri, Javad Nekounam, among many others, are enough to belittle the notion that Iran has not done much of anything for Asian football internationally. We have failed to accomplish as much as a side with Iran's record would be expected to accomplish. And that is something we desperately need to change in World Cup 2018.
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I think Asia needs a quarterfinalist in Russia. Since 2002 a CONCACAF team (Costa Rica) and African team (Ghana) have reached the quarterfinals.

AIL1998 · Oct 5, 2017

Great Green said: ↑

ah I see your point. I could understand the appeal of having China in the world cup. Especially with the Chinese public turning to the game in droves. Btw, you are one of the nicest Iranians here. Good luck to your team in the world cup. You had a magnificent campaign.
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I was extremely busy with work. That is why I could not reply earlier. Sorry.
Thank you and good luck at the WC too. We all represent Asia and should cheer for all Asian teams at the WC. Saudi Arabia did a great job too although It was not surprising for me. Right after the draw, I had strong feeling that Saudi Arabia will finish top two. It was not easy to finish top two when you have both Australia and Japan in your group but your team deservedly did it and happy for you and your fans.

al ittihady said: ↑

I hate the idea of 46 nations tournament..Completely hate it..I hope some miracles happen and we get back to 32 teams..This will eventually more feed towards people liking club football more than the national team football as you know your team is surely gonna make it then why up ur pressure by supporting them..
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In terms of sporting perspective, the tournament with 32 teams is fine and It is perfectly balanced too. They expanded because of money and giving chance to some smaller or weaker football nations.