Iran continue to battle through their World Cup preparations

Iran headed out to South Africa last week for a penultimate training camp ahead of Carlos Queiroz's preliminary squad selection for the World Cup.

A lack of friendlies in the last year (only one since their qualification in the summer) has hampered the squad’s preparation, whilst the average level of opposition in these matches may have also cost them dearly come the tournament’s kick off in June. Iran haven't faced anyone of any real significant standard outside of Asia for the last three years, leading many to target worrying questions at the Iranian Football Federation and Queiroz himself.

Further issues have threatened to derail this recent tour of Africa. It was reported that of the original squad of 28 (mainly domestic based players) only 11 outfield players and no goalkeeper were released for the start of camp, due to the completion of the AFC Champions League group stage. Since then Sepahan, one of Iran's most prominent club sides have refused to release their cohort of six to the training camp, sparking a media row in and around the national team. An embarrassing error on the IFF's behalf has not for first time threatened to overshadow Queiroz's preparation plans ahead of the World Cup.

Queiroz has further escalated the situation, seemingly indicating that all Sepahan players will be disregarded ahead of the World Cup leading to a divide in loyalties within the Team Melli fan base. In the last couple of days, rumours have been circulating of certain players such as goalkeeper Rahman Ahmati successfully pleading with his club side to let him attend the training camp, but further news surrounding the others is less than encouraging. This all paints the IFF, Sepahan and the national side in a bad light once more as they continue to live up to their shambolic and disorganised reputation. 

The camp which was due to conclude on May 7th has now been brought forward to May 2^nd with a friendly match against the less than ideal opponents of Mozambique, which will give Queiroz a final chance to run the rule over his final squad places. First choice keeper Daniel Davari has lost form with his club Eintracht Braunschweig since claiming the number 1 jersey at the turn of the year, encouragement if any was needed for Ahmati to reclaim the spot he had possessed towards the end of qualification. However, after the statement this weekend, Sosha Makani, Hamed Lak and the newly called up youngster Alireza Beiranvand will be out to impress if Ahmadi's forced withdrawal doesn’t see a quick turnaround.

 

In defence due to the unavailability of Steven Beitashour; Khosro Heydari and Hossein Mahini will contest for the right back birth as they did for much of qualification. With much of the regular midfield being based in Europe, opportunities for some of the fringe players to step up to mark will arise. Youngster Mohsen Mosalman is highly rated in attacking midfield, while Bakhtiar Rahmani will hope to transfer his domestic successes with Iranian champions Foolad onto the international scene.

 

In attack, domestic golden boot winner for two of the last three seasons Karim Ansarifard will be given another chance to solidify his place on the plane, while Reza Norouzi (Naft) deservedly gets a call up after catching the eye recently in the Persian Gulf Cup.

 

The European based attacking blend of Ashkan Dejagah, Reza Ghoochannejhad and Masoud Shojaei are likely to make the preliminary cut in a few weeks’ time and will join up with the squad in their final training camp in Austria before they head to Brazil. Another disappointing schedule of friendlies awaits, with Montenegro being the trickiest of ties before their final warm up match against Trinidad and Tobago in São Paulo.

The fans may see a tangible experiment on the pitch against Mozambique on the 2nd May but the real benefit of the three week long training camp has already been lost surrounding the delay in the release of the bulk of the squad and the continued fall out between Queiroz and their major domestic club sides. Yet another stumbling block that is sure to affect Iran who kick off their World Cup campaign against Nigeria on June the 16th.