Well, Zob Ahan have yet to win the Iranian Pro League, right? You think they'll risk tiring out their key players and risking injuries because of a grudge and for no real advantage in the competition?
Sepahan already won the Iranian title, but Zob Ahan need 3 more points in their next two domestic matches on May 15th and 20th to secure an ACL spot for next year. So chances are, they'll rest most of their key players against Shabab. That said, they might choose to approach the match differently, with the purpose of eliminating Shabab who would pose a bigger danger to them in latter stages of the play-off, than the UAE club.
Resting players or not, either way who ever plays for the teams wants to do well and win. The 2nd string lads have a point to prove. It could well be harder playing a 2nd string who you know nothing about than a respected 1st string where you know the strengths and weaknesses. Zob Ahan have hit a sticky patch recently in their league campaign, so mayeb the coach will continue with a winning ACL side to maintain confidence on one level at least.
Al Nasr have a very real chance of not making it to next years ACL. So there are two scenrios: 1. Nasr conserve their strength to win their last two league games and qualify for next year. 2. Nasr through everything into making their ACL romp this year a success.
They were without 6-7 starters, resting their main goal keeper, and several regulars who were on yellow cards.
Ittihad 1-1 Bunyodikor. Only 2 point from last three games.Watching the play, I can predict we are going no where beyond last 16 or atleast last 8.
Ittihad were on cruise control. They already secured qualification quite easily, no need to go all out when a draw is needed.
But so also..When you are on cruise control you atleast put your hands on steering..But Ittihad were just passing the ball from left to right..Even the fans started shouting against the team after some time..
Eshteghlal[Iran] 2-1 Nasser [KSA] Another Saudi team dumps iranian team out due to goal difference thanks to drubbing of Pakhtokar in Riyadh..Seriosly speaking Eshtaglal somewhat deserves to qualify.Nassers defence was pathetic with defencers allowing forwards easily to take ball between there legs..Fairly the referee was also in side of Eshgthlal showing a blind eye to handball in Eshgthlal area and many small fouls created by the Iranians.Secondly,the 6minutes injury time given was too much as the match was not interupted many times.. Anyways both teams showed good spirit and strangely no fights happen as i expected.
lol This is what I was taking about earlier. A small group of Basijis (Islamists) were there again to chant political slogans and stir shit, and they were once thrown out by the police and fans. In this video, the Esteghlal fans are chanting "Basiji, shame on you, leave football alone" and "Basiji, your mother's vagina" [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeXTqVY9Z0A&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - ????? ??? ?? ????? ??????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ??????‎[/ame]
Strangely AFC does not take actions on this type of problems.If you do this in europe you are fined heavily..
^ controlling the fans is a very hard job , its not Eshteghlal's fault or the FA , i'v been reading about them lately they are a minority , they always ruin matches played on Iran not just against saudi teams .
Esteghlal vs Al Nasr Highlights [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs0gns0Gxas&feature=player_embedded"]YouTube - AFC Champions League 05/11/11 Esteghlal vs Al Nasr[/ame]
Thanks serro- It was Noor who completed destroyed Hilals defence with unpredictable passes..Hopefully atleast I am hoping for Shabab to win tommorow against Sadd. For Nasser I am expecting thrasshing from Zobahan,