Damascus, Aug 31, IRNA -- National soccer squad of Jordan stunned the depleted side of Iran in the 2nd West Asian event Friday. Iranian striker Ali Karimi missed a penalty in the 8th minute but Mahmud Shalbieh slotted home to put Jordan ahead two minutes later. Jordan reduced to 10 men as Muhannad Mahadeen received his marching orders in the 15th minute. Iran missed two goalscoring chances in the second half and the Jordanian side possessed the ball and field to secure its victory until the last minute. To defend its championship, Iran faces a bumpy road and it will meet Lebanon Tuesday. Ebrahim Mirzapour, Sohrab Bakhtiarzadeh, Jalal Kameli, Ali Badavi, Mehdi Amirabadi, Javad Nekounam, Ali Karimi, Alireza Nikbakht-Vahedi, Mohsen Bayatinia (Javad Kazemian), Iman Mob'ali, and Saeid Lotfi (Moharram Navidkia) played for Iran. Talking to IRNA, Iran's Croat Head Coach Branko Ivankovic praised the spirit and performance of the Jordanian side. He said Iran missed good chances and the situation was aggravated when Jordan netted. IRNA
Did Iran ever have a dutch coach? Do u think dutch style of play would be better than the tride croat style?
Honestly, we would have to see to find out. I dont think is the fault of Professor, not to a big extent atleast. The current crop of players have come up under corrupt system with poor as hell facilities and learned football on the street. Some are just now learning basic things! Hopefully, theyll be able to catch on soon. It dosent seem like Branko would like to stay after Asian Games. A lot of inside sources have suggested his leave.