Any news on Qatar's upcoming friendlies? So far see nothing, but wonder when their next match is against. They need in inaugurate Lusail Iconic Stadium someday....
Iran v Canada looks serious. The bad news is Canada wants to play the match on artificial turf in Vancouver. While Iran's preference was to avoid flying all the way to Canada for 1 single game on artificial grass, and wanted to instead either play 2-3 games in Canada but in a different stadium (Toronto), or to play in Qatar, it seems Iran has decided to go along with what Canada has in mind. Thus, for now, it seems we will play Canada on June 5 in Vancouver. The other games being discussed are v New Zealand and Albania.
I had a feeling Canada would play Iran in Vancouver as there is a sizeable Persian population here. My brother's wife is Persian, this may be a reason for us to all go catch a game. I will definately go to this match if it happens. I take it you are worried about injuries on the turf ?
That may explain why Canada's Nations League game against Curaçao will also take place in Vancouver: they'll just set up shop there for the month.
Beggars can't be choosers. Iran needs to play whoever comes around with a sparring offer. ECU is completely booked for June, too.
There is a sizable Iranian population in Toronto too. But, yes, I'm extremely worried about injury on artificial surface. I still hope Canada comes to its senses and agrees with Toronto. I don't even understand why Canada is scheduling matches in a stadium with artificial surface 4-5 months before the World Cup? It increases the risks of injury to their own players too.
Maybe you should try to get Venezuela if they are still available... Also, I am a bit surprised that New Zealand would want to play a game on June 9-10, just a few days before their match against Costa Rica on the 14th. Probably that game would have to be in Qatar...
New Zealand will be a closed door friendly in Qatar before their playoff match. Iran's coach, Skocic, wasn't interested in this game before but if confirmed, will likely use it to test players who are on the fringes of our roster.. We have played Venezuela several times already in the past. Given the composition of our group, I think Albania would actually be a better test.
Canada would be the ideal opponent for Iran. It is hugely regrettable that they are insisting on playing the game in Vancouver in a stadium with artificial turf. I don't even understand why they have scheduled their NL games there? Besides the turf, Vancouver is 4-5 hours of additional flying time away compared to Toronto. If the game proceeds on artificial turf, I would probably rest 3-4 players who are pretty much indispensable for Iran at the World Cup, especially Taremi but also Azmoun and Kanaani (CB). As for Ecuador, you are right and we won't be playing them even though earlier there was talk of playing them.
I believe that quality of artificial surfaces has improved over time, so you should not be worried. Having said that, anyone can get injured at any time. Hopefully, nothing will happen.
Ecuador has already lined up friendlies with Japan and Saudi Arabia for Septmeber. So, they surely won't go for a third AFC team.
This report puts the venue for the Canada game in Toronto, which I hope is the case but I have read that Canada was for some bizarre reason still insisting on Vancouver. https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/472453/Iran-likely-to-play-Albania-in-pre-World-Cup-friendly Iran likely to play Albania in pre-World Cup friendly May 10, 2022 - 18:10
I wonder where Albania - Iran takes place. We play on the 6th in Iceland away and on 10th at home against Israel in the Nations League. If it's held in Canada we would have to make a long trip. I don't see that happening. At least not before our two NL matches. Who knows maybe after. For us at least it doesn't make any sense to travel all the way to Canada in June.
Argentina v Brazil friendly in Australia has been postponed. As I posted before, Argentina never wanted to play this friendly, Brazil went on their own and announced it without consulting AFA.
Not sure if anyone already mentioned this but: 6/2 Korea Republic vs Brazil 6/6 Korea Republic vs Chile 6/10 Korea Republic vs Paraguay 6/14 or 6/15 Korea Republic vs TBD - rumored that it could still be Argentina but nothing confirmed yet.
Correct. According to the Brazilian press, Brazil is looking for an African opponent, and the game should take place in Europe. Argentina is appealing FIFA's decision, but unless things change, the WC qualifying game is going to happen. The tentative date is September 22.
I can understand why most of Canada needs artificial turf (because of the brutal winters) but as far as I can tell the climate of Vancouver is closer to that of London than it is to that of Toronto, it seems odd that they have artificial turf there.
Brazil reportedly looking to play Senegal, with Morocco and Ivory Coast backup options. This would replace the canceled Argentina match.