PFDC - TEHRAN, Mahdavikia, Hashemian, Rezaei, Nikbakht-Vahedi, Navidkia, Farzad Majidi and Ma'danchi will all be missing, when Iran take on minors Laos in the decisive World Cup Qualification match in Tehran's Azadi stadium on Wednesday (19:30 local time). Also playmaker Azizi and defender Kameli are doubtful for the clash. However, that Laos did not manage to win a single point so far, also conceding 26 goals in 5 matches, additionally to the circumstance Iran (also without several key players) thrashed Laos 7-0 in the first leg, everything but a clear Iranian victory would be a surprise. With any win, Iran would be through to the next and final stage of Asian World Cup qualificication, where the top 8 of Asia will battle for 4.5 World Cup spots (the 5th of Asia will meet the 4th of North and Central America in a two-legged playoff). Should Iran lose points to Laos, Jordan could still overtake the Persians with a win in Qatar. One of the players making the headlines before this encounter was veteran skipper Ali Daei, who after not being able to participate in Iran's last two international games, will be back and eager to score a brace in order to reach the magic 100-international-goals mark. Headcoach Branko Ivankovic will probably modify his favourite 4-2-3-1 system to a more offensive 4-1-3-2 formation, in which Daei will be supported by supertalent Arash Borhani upfront. While Mobali, Karimi and Kazemian are expected to build the offensive midfield trio, Javad Nekounam will fill the defensive midfield spot. While Kaabi will surely again start on the rightback position, with Golmohamadi, Nosrati and the still doubtful Kameli, three excellent central defenders are available. Sattar Zare is the most likely option for the left defensive side, but also Ali Badavi is an alternative. Ebrahim Mirzapour, who missed out on the last match in Qatar due to an injury will start in goal. The Iranian Federation has announced tickets for the upper stands will be free of charge for this match. Iran - Laos World Cup Qualifier, Group 1, 19:30, Tehran, Azadi Stadium Live on TAPESH TV, IRIB 3 (in Iran), IRIB Jam-e jam 2 (Europe & Northern America), IRIB Jam-e jam 3 (Australia) Possible Iranian lineup: Mirzapour - Kaabi, Golmohamadi, Nosrati/Kameli, Zare - Nekounam - Kazemian/Azizi, Karimi, Mobali - Daei, Borhani
I agree with broncos decision, but what would happen if they tied??? All hell would break loose. Everyone would blame Bronco as being overconfident.