Iran national football team

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Iran
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Team Melli
Persian: تیم ملی‎
(The National Team)
Association Federasione Futbale Irān
(FFIRI)
Confederation AFC (Asia)
Head coach Carlos Queiroz[1][2]
Captain Javad Nekounam
Most caps Ali Daei (149)
Top scorer Ali Daei (109)
Home stadium Azadi Stadium
FIFA code IRN
FIFA ranking 57
Highest FIFA ranking 15 (July 2005)
Lowest FIFA ranking 122 (May 1996)
Elo ranking 46
Highest Elo ranking 15 (May 2005)
Lowest Elo ranking 73 (January 1964)
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
First international
non-FIFA International
 Afghanistan 0 – 0 Iran Iran
(Kabul, Afghanistan; August 25, 1941[3])
FIFA International
 Turkey 6 – 1 Iran Iran
(Istanbul, Turkey; May 28, 1950[4])
Biggest win
Iran Iran 19 – 0 Guam 
(Tabriz, Iran; November 24, 2000[5])
Biggest defeat
 South Korea 5 – 0 Iran Iran
(Tokyo, Japan; May 28, 1958[6])
World Cup
Appearances 3 (First in 1978)
Best result Round 1, 1978, 1998, 2006
AFC Asian Cup
Appearances 12 (First in 1968)
Best result Winners, 1968, 1972, 1976

The National Football Team of Iran (Persian: تیم ملی فوتبال ایران‎) represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran. The national football team of Iran, known as the Team Melli and Persian Stars, ranks 5th in Asia and 58th in the world according to the current FIFA World Rankings.[7]

Contents

History [edit]

Early years [edit]

The very first match that the Team Melli played was on August 25, 1941 away at Afghanistan and first FIFA international Iran's match was on May 28, 1950 away at Turkey.[4]

Iran has won the Asian Cup three consecutive times (1968, 1972, 1976), a championship record to which the team has not been able to add since, although they have finished third four times.

1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina [edit]

In 1978, Iran made its first appearance in the World Cup after defeating Australia in Tehran to qualify. Iran lost two of their three group stage games against the Netherlands and Peru.[8] However, they managed to create a surprise[9] by drawing 1–1 against Scotland with a late Iraj Danaeifard goal.[10]

Iran's squad in '78 WC qualification match against South Korea, Tehran, 11 November 1977

After Revolution [edit]

After the 1979 Revolution, football was somewhat neglected and cast aside. During the 1980s, the Iranian national team did not feature in World Cup competitions due to the Iran–Iraq War (1980–88) and domestic football suffered the inevitable effects of conflict. The national team withdrew from the Asian qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup, and refused to participate in the qualifiers for the 1986 World Cup because of having to play on neutral ground. The war and political upheavals left Iran without major club competitions until 1989 when the Qods League was established. A year later, the Qods League was renamed the Azadegan League. Despite failing to qualify for either the 1990 or the 1994 World Cups, it was during this period that a number of quality players burst onto the Iranian football scene, laying the foundation for their second stab at World Cup glory in 1998.[11] Iran could count on new talents such as Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Khodadad Azizi, Karim Bagheri and also its goal keeper, Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh.

1998 FIFA World Cup in France [edit]

Iran's starting line-up against United States, World Cup 1998
Additional information: 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC – OFC play-off)
Additional information: 1998 FIFA World Cup – Group F

In November 1997, Iran qualified for the 1998 World Cup after eliminating Australia in a close playoff series. Both games finished undecided, but Iran managed to qualify due to the away goals rule. Iran held Australia to a 1–1 draw at home, and a 2–2 draw in Melbourne; however, since Iran had scored more away goals, they were able to qualify for the Cup.[12]

At their first game of the Group F at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Iran played well against Yugoslavia, losing narrowly 1–0, only to a free kick goal by Mihajlović.[11]

Iran recorded their first World Cup victory in the second game,[10] beating the United States 2–1, with Estili and Mahdavikia scoring goals for Iran. The Iran vs USA World Cup match was preheated with much excitement because of each country's political stance after the Iranian revolution. However, in an act of defiance against all forms of hatred or politics in sports, both sides presented one another with gifts and flowers and took ceremonial pictures before the match kickoff.[13] Following defeat with Iran the United States were eliminated from the World Cup.[14]

Iran played against Germany in the third game. The game was lost 2–0. The goals were scored by Bierhoff and Klinsmann.[15] The one win and two losses meant Iran became third in the final group standing and failed to make it to the next round.[16]

2002 FIFA World Cup [edit]

Additional information: 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification

Iran failed to qualify for World Cup 2002 after an aggregate defeat to the Republic of Ireland, losing 2–0 in Dublin and winning 1–0 in Tehran. The elimination saw manager Miroslav Blažević step down from the top spot to be replaced by his assistant Branko Ivanković, who stepped up from assistant coach.

2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany [edit]

Iran score against Angola during a 2006 FIFA World Cup match.
Main article: Iran at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
Additional information: 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
Additional information: 2006 FIFA World Cup seeding

On June 8, 2005, Iran together with Japan became the first country to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, making it Iran's 3rd appearance on the world stage of football. The qualification round both in 2001 and 2004–05 resulted in mass celebrations, hysteria and rioting, causing internal chaos and unrest between youth and government officials. The Iran versus Japan leg of the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers in Tehran was the highest attended qualifying match among all confederations.

Iran started their 2006 FIFA World Cup appearance with high expectations from fans and media. Their first match was against Mexico in Group D. The game was level 1–1 at the half-time, but Iran lost at the end because of a defensive mistake. The final score, 3–1, was brought about by goals from Omar Bravo and Zinha for Mexico, with Yahya Golmohammadi scoring the only Iran goal.

Iran played against Portugal in the second game. The game was lost 2–0. The goals were scored by Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo (penalty). The two losses meant Iran was eliminated from the competition, before their third and final game against Angola. Iran drew 1–1 with Angola on the 21st of June 2006, Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh scoring the Iran goal.

Temporary suspension [edit]

Iran's squad in August 2006 against UAE, Manager: Amir Ghalenoei
Standing left to right: Nekounam, Enayati, Nikbakht, Shakouri, Fekri, Sadeghi
sitting left to right: Taleblou, Madanchi, Khatibi, Teymourian, Mahdavikia

In November 2006, Iran was suspended by FIFA from all participation in international football, on the grounds of governmental interference in the national football association.[17] The ban lasted less than a month,[18] and as a dispensation was given to allow the Iran under-23 team to participate in the football competition of the 2006 Asian Games,[19] fixtures were unaffected.

2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa [edit]

Additional information: 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - AFC Fourth Round

Iran was in the same FIFA World Cup qualifying group as Kuwait, Syria and United Arab Emirates. They played home and away against each of the other three teams in group 5. Ali Daei was chosen to become the new coach after Spanish coach Javier Clemente had been close to signing on as Iran's national team manager but talks collapsed when he refused to live full-time in the country.[20] Ali Daei got ejected from his position as the Iranian national coach on March 29, 2009.[21] He was replaced by Afshin Ghotbi. Iran failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup after ranking 4th overall in its group.[22]

Iran renewed the contract with Afshin Ghotbi until the end of 2011 AFC Asian Cup and the team qualified to the tournament with 13 points as the group winners.

Several Iranian players started the match wearing green armbands or wristbands, a symbol of protest at the outcome of the Iranian presidential election.[23] Most removed them at half-time. The newspaper Iran reported that Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Hosein Kaebi, and Vahid Hashemian had received life bans from the Iranian FA for the gesture.[24] However, the Iranian FA denied this claim in a response to FIFA's inquiry saying that "the comments in foreign media are nothing but lies and a mischievous act."[25] The Iran national team head coach Afshin Ghotbi also confirmed that it was a rumour and Iranian FA "has not taken any official stand on this issue."[26]

Afshin Ghotbi was able to qualify for 2011 Asian Cup and finished second in West Asian Football Federation Championship 2010 just few months before the 2011 Asian Cup. Iran was able to gain all the three points in group stage of the 2011 Asian Cup but after the extra time goal from Korea Republic Iran was not able to get to the semifinals and left the competition. Iran appointed Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach in April 2011.

Political protests [edit]

Bahrain-Iran, 21 October 2001 [edit]

The 3–1 defeat by Bahrain came as a surprise. This in turn brought upon Iran's failure to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. There were allegations that the authorities pressured the players to lose. It was later denied by Safaei. Nevertheless, up to this day, many fans of 'Team Melli' continue to speculate whether the defeat was of legitimate causes or whether some authorities behind the curtain had brought on the defeat on purpose.[27]

Presidential election protests, 2009 [edit]

During the final game of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match against the South Korean national football team held in Seoul on June 17, 2009, seven members of the team, Javad Nekounam, Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Hosein Kaebi, Masoud Shojaei, Mohammad Nosrati, and Vahid Hashemian, wore green wristbands in support of the opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi in the 2009 Iranian election protests. Initial reports were that all seven players were banned for life by the Iranian Football Federation, however state run media claimed that all seven had "retired".[28] On 24 June 2009, FIFA wrote to Iran's football federation asking for clarification on the situation. The Iranian Football Federation replied that no disciplinary action has been taken against any player.[29] As of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification several of the above players have played again for the national team, notably Ali Karimi.

Home stadium [edit]

Azadi Stadium, capacity:84,412
Main article: Azadi Stadium

Iran plays the home games at the Azadi (Freedom) Stadium with a capacity of 84,412 spectators. Azadi Stadium is the eleventh biggest association football stadium in the world, third in Asia and first in West Asia. A record was set in Azadi for the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign in Iran's home match against Japan, in which the whole stadium was filled. The government restricts Iranian women from attending football matches such as the ones held in Azadi stadium.

Kit manufacturer [edit]

The table below shows the history of kit providers for the national football team of Iran.[30]

Period Kit Manufacturer
1978-1980 Germany Adidas
1980 Germany Puma
1993–1998 Iran Shekari
1998–2000 Germany Puma
2000–2004 Iran Shekari
2004–2006 Iran Daei Sport
2006–2007 Germany Puma
2007–2008 Iran Majid
2008–2009 Iran Daei Sport
2009–2011 Italy Legea
2011– Germany Uhlsport

Media coverage [edit]

Iran home matches (both qualifiers and friendlies) are shown live on Channel 3, satellite television network Jame Jam 2, and will be shown on IRIB's new sports channel. All matches are broadcast with pre and post match analysis with full commentary.

Tournament records [edit]

Further information: Iran national football team records

World Cup record [edit]

Main article: Iran at the FIFA World Cup
World Cup Finals World Cup Qualifications
Hosts/Year Result Position GP W D* L GS GA Squad GP W D* L GS GA
1930 to 1970 Did not enter - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify - - - - - - - - 8 5 1 2 9 6
Argentina 1978 Round 1 14th 3 0 1 2 2 8 Squad 12 10 2 0 20 3
Spain 1982 Withdrew - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mexico 1986 Disqualified - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Italy 1990 Did not qualify - - - - - - - - 6 5 0 1 12 5
United States 1994 Did not qualify - - - - - - - - 11 5 3 3 23 13
France 1998 Round 1 20th 3 1 0 2 2 4 Squad 17 8 6 3 57 17
South Korea|Japan 2002 Did not qualify - - - - - - - - 14 9 3 2 36 9
Germany 2006 Round 1 25th 3 0 1 2 2 6 Squad 12 9 1 2 29 7
South Africa 2010 Did not qualify - - - - - - - - 14 5 8 1 15 9
Brazil 2014 To be determined 13 7 4 2 24 7
Total - 3/19 9 1 2 6 6 18 - 106 62 28 16 225 76

Asian Cup record [edit]

AFC Asian Cup Finals Asian Cup Qualifications
Hosts/Year Result GP W D* L GS GA GP W D* L GS GA
Hong Kong 1956 Withdrew - - - - - - - - - - - -
South Korea 1960 Did not qualify - - - - - - 6 3 1 2 12 10
Israel 1964 Withdrew - - - - - - - - - - - -
Iran 1968 Champions 4 4 0 0 11 2 Automatic qualification as hosts
Thailand 1972 Champions 5 5 0 0 12 4 Automatic qualification as champions
Iran 1976 Champions 4 4 0 0 13 0 Automatic qualification as hosts
Kuwait 1980 Third Place 6 3 2 1 16 6 Automatic qualification as champions
Singapore 1984 Fourth Place 6 2 4 0 8 3 5 5 0 0 21 2
Qatar 1988 Third Place 6 2 2 2 3 4 4 2 2 0 6 1
Japan 1992 Round 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 0 0 10 0
United Arab Emirates 1996 Third Place 6 3 2 1 14 6 6 6 0 0 27 1
Lebanon 2000 Quarterfinals 4 2 1 1 7 3 6 4 1 1 16 2
China 2004 Third Place 6 3 3 0 14 8 6 5 0 1 16 5
IndonesiaMalaysiaThailandVietnam 2007 Quarterfinals 4 2 2 0 6 3 6 4 2 0 12 2
Qatar 2011 Quarterfinals 4 3 0 1 6 2 6 4 1 1 11 2
Australia 2015 To Be Determined 2 1 1 0 6 1
Total 3 Titles 58 34 17 7 112 41 49 36 8 5 137 26
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
*Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Olympic Games record [edit]

Olympic Games Finals Olympic Games Qualifications
Hosts/Year Result GP W D* L GS GA Squad GP W D* L GS GA
1900 to 1960 Did not enter - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Japan 1964 Round 1 3 0 1 2 1 6 Squad 6 4 1 1 14 3
Mexico 1968 Did not enter - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Germany 1972 Round 1 3 1 0 2 1 9 Squad 5 3 2 0 6 0
Canada 1976 Quarter Finals 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad 4 3 1 0 8 1
Soviet Union 1980 Qualified but boycotted the event - - - - - - - 5 3 2 0 18 2
United States 1984 Did not enter due to boycott - - - - - - - - - - - - -
South Korea 1988 Did not qualify - - - - - - - 2 1 0 1 2 2
Total Best: Quarter Finals 9 2 1 6 6 20 - 22 14 6 2 48 8
  • Young teams were favoured by FIFA and the IOC, and since 1992 male competitors must be under 23 years old, with three over-23 players allowed per squad.

Asian Games record [edit]

Host nation(s) / Year Result GP W D* L GS GA
India New Delhi 1951 Runners-Up 3 2 0 1 2 1
Philippines Manila 1954 Did not enter - - - - - -
Japan Tokyo 1958 Round 1 2 0 0 2 0 9
Indonesia Jakarta 1962 Did not enter - - - - - -
Thailand Bangkok 1966 Runners-Up 7 4 0 3 9 6
Thailand Bangkok 1970 Round 1 2 0 1 1 2 3
Iran Tehran 1974 Champions 7 7 0 0 20 1
Thailand Bangkok 1978 Withdrew - - - - - -
India New Delhi 1982 Quarterfinals 4 2 0 2 3 2
South Korea Seoul 1986 Quarterfinals 5 3 1 1 13 2
China Beijing 1990 Champions 5 4 1 0 7 1
JapanHirosima 1994 Round 1 4 1 2 1 5 2
Thailand Bangkok 1998 Champions 8 7 0 1 25 7
  • Young teams were favoured by AFC and the IOC, and since 2002 male competitors must be under 23 years old, with three over-23 players allowed per squad.

West Asian Football Federation Championship record [edit]

Year Round Pld W D L GS GA
Jordan 2000 Champions 5 4 1 0 7 1
Syria 2002 Champions 4 1 2 1 4 3
Iran 2004 Champions 4 4 0 0 17 3
Jordan 2007 Champions 4 3 1 0 5 1
Iran 2008 Champions 4 4 0 0 13 2
Jordan 2010 Champions 4 2 1 1 8 5
Kuwait 2012 Champions 3 1 2 0 2 1
Total 7 Titles 28 19 7 2 56 16

RCD Cup/ECO Cup record [edit]

Year Round
Iran 1965 Champions
Pakistan 1967 Runners-Up
Turkey 1969 Runners-Up
Iran 1970 Champions
Pakistan 1974 Runners-Up
Iran 1993 Champions

West Asian Games [edit]

Year Round
Iran 1997 Champions
Kuwait 2002 Runners-Up
Qatar 2005 Third place

2014 FIFA World Cup qualification [edit]

Main article: 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)


Team
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
 Uzbekistan 6 3 2 1 6 4 +2 11
 South Korea 5 3 1 1 11 5 +6 10
 Iran 5 2 1 2 2 2 0 7
 Qatar 6 2 1 3 4 7 −3 7
 Lebanon 6 1 1 4 2 7 −5 4
  Iran Lebanon Qatar South Korea Uzbekistan
Iran  — 11 Jun 0–0 1–0 0–1
Lebanon  1–0 — 0–1 4 Jun 1–1
Qatar  4 Jun 1–0 — 1–4 0–1
South Korea  18 Jun 3–0 2–1 — 11 Jun
Uzbekistan  0–1 1–0 18 Jun 2–2 —


Results and fixtures [edit]

see Iran national football team results
 see Iran national football team results – 2010s

Previous matches [edit]

      Win       Draw       Loss

Date Venue Opponent Competition Result Iranian scorers Captain Ref
2012
18 April 2012 Iran Tehran, Iran  Mauritania Unofficial Friendly* 2–0 W 31' Dehnavi, 33' Ansarifard, Hajsafi Report
2 May 2012 Iran Karaj, Iran  Mozambique Unofficial Friendly* 3–0 W 11' Gholami, 40' Dehnavi, 59' Nouri Nouri Report
27 May 2012 Turkey Istanbul, Turkey  Albania Friendly 0-1 L Nekounam Report
3 June 2012 Uzbekistan Tashkent, Uzbekistan  Uzbekistan 2014 WCQ Fourth Round 1-0 W 90+4' Khalatbari Nekounam Report
12 June 2012 Iran Tehran, Iran  Qatar 2014 WCQ Fourth Round 0-0 D Nekounam Report
15 August 2012 Hungary Kecskemet, Hungary  Tunisia Friendly 2-2 D 54' Khalatbari, 60' Mohammad Ghazi Karimi Report
5 September 2012 Jordan Amman, Jordan  Jordan Friendly 0-0 D Nekounam Report
11 September 2012 Lebanon Beirut, Lebanon  Lebanon 2014 WCQ Fourth Round 0-1 L Nekounam Report
16 October 2012 Iran Tehran, Iran  South Korea 2014 WCQ Fourth Round 1-0 W 75' Nekounam Nekounam Report
6 November 2012 Iran Tehran, Iran  Tajikistan Friendly 6-1 W 9' 32' Dehnavi, 13' 33' Y. Karimi, 50' Hasanzadeh, 89' Abbasfard Karimi Report
14 November 2012 Iran Tehran, Iran  Uzbekistan 2014 WCQ Fourth Round 0-1 L Nekounam Report
9 December 2012 Kuwait Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, Kuwait City  Saudi Arabia 2012 WAFF 0-0 D Oladi Report
12 December 2012 Kuwait Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, Kuwait City  Bahrain 2012 WAFF 0-0 D Oladi Report
15 December 2012 Kuwait Al-Sadaqua Walsalam Stadium, Kuwait City  Yemen 2012 WAFF 2-1 W 35' Omid Nazari, 56' Yaghoub Karimi Oladi Report
6 February 2013 Iran Azadi Stadium, Tehran  Lebanon 2015 ACQ 5–0 W 26' 62' Ghoochannejhad, 45' 61' 80' Nekounam Nekounam Report
26 March 2013 Kuwait Al Kuwait Sports Club Stadium, Kuwait City  Kuwait 2015 ACQ 1–1 D 45' Masoud Shojaei Nekounam

*Not recognized by FIFA as a full international match

Forthcoming matches [edit]

Date Competition Location Opponent
2013
22 May 2013 Friendly Oman Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Muscat  Oman
4 June 2013 Brazil 2014 WCQ Fourth Round Qatar Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha  Qatar
11 June 2013 Brazil 2014 WCQ Fourth Round Iran Azadi Stadium, Tehran  Lebanon
18 June 2013 Brazil 2014 WCQ Fourth Round South Korea Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan  South Korea
14 August 2013# * FIFA friendly match day
6 September 2013# * FIFA official match day
10 September 2013# * FIFA official match day
11 October 2013# * FIFA official match day
15 October 2013 Australia 2015 ACQ Iran Azadi Stadium, Tehran  Thailand
15 November 2013 Australia 2015 ACQ Thailand Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok  Thailand
19 November 2013 Australia 2015 ACQ Lebanon Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Beirut  Lebanon
2014
5 March 2014 Australia 2015 ACQ Iran Azadi Stadium, Tehran  Kuwait
Between 12 June and 13 July 2014
2014 FIFA World Cup
hosted by  Brazil
13 August 2014∞ * FIFA friendly match day
5 September 2014∞ * FIFA official match day
9 September 2014∞ * FIFA official match day
10 October 2014∞ * FIFA official match day
14 October 2014∞ * FIFA official match day
19 November 2014∞ * FIFA friendly match day
*FIFA International match days[31]
‡AFC Calendar of Competitions 2012 (Men)[32]
#AFC Calendar of Competitions 2013 (Men)[33]
∞AFC Calendar of Competitions 2014 (Men)[34]

Records versus other nations [edit]

Main article: Iran national football team all-time record

Managers [edit]

Main article: List of Iran national football team managers
As of 26 March 2013
Manager career Played Won Drawn Lost Win % Honours
Iran Talebi, JalalJalal Talebi 2000–2001 700121000000000000021 700113000000000000013 70005000000000000005 70003000000000000003 700161900000000000061.90 Quarterfinals at 2000 Asian Cup
Croatia Blažević, MiroslavMiroslav Blažević 2001–2002 700119000000000000019 700110000000000000010 70004000000000000004 70005000000000000005 700152630000000000052.63
Croatia Ivanković, BrankoBranko Ivanković 2002–2006 700152000000000000052 700133000000000000033 700110000000000000010 70009000000000000009 700163460000000000063.46 Third place at 2004 Asian Cup
Qualification to 2006 WC
Iran Ghalenoei, AmirAmir Ghalenoei 2006–2007 700117000000000000017 700110000000000000010 70005000000000000005 70002000000000000002 700158820000000000058.82 Quarterfinals at 2007 Asian Cup
Iran Daei, AliAli Daei 2008–2009 700124000000000000024 700115000000000000015 70006000000000000006 70003000000000000003 700162500000000000062.50
Iran Ghotbi, AfshinAfshin Ghotbi 2009–2011 700130000000000000030 700116000000000000016 70006000000000000006 70008000000000000008 700153330000000000053.33 Quarterfinals at 2011 Asian Cup
Portugal Queiroz, CarlosCarlos Queiroz 2011– 700125000000000000025 700112000000000000012 700110000000000000010 70003000000000000003 700148000000000000048.00

Coaching staff [edit]

Position Staff
Head Coach Portugal Carlos Queiroz
Assistant Coach Portugal António Simões
Assistant Coach United States Omid Namazi
Assistant Coach Iran Alireza Mansourian
Fitness Coach Finland Mikko Kujala
Goalkeeper Coach Portugal Dan Gaspar
Analyzer Iran Ebrahim Khanban
Scout Iran Markar Aghajanian
Director Iran Mehdi Mohammad Nabi

Players [edit]

Current squad [edit]

Match Date: 22 May 2013
Opposition:  Oman (Friendly)
Caps and goals correct as of: 26 March 2013

0#0 Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Rahman Ahmadi (1980-07-30) 30 July 1980 (age 32) 4 0 Iran Saipa
1GK Sosha Makani (1986-11-18) 18 November 1986 (age 26) 2 0 Iran Naft Tehran
1GK Hamed Lak (1990-12-24) 24 December 1990 (age 22) 1 0 Iran Saba Qom
1GK Daniel Davari (1988-01-06) 6 January 1988 (age 25) 0 0 Germany Eintracht Braunschweig
2DF Mohammad Nosrati (1981-01-10) 10 January 1981 (age 32) 82 5 Iran Tractor Sazi
2DF Jalal Hosseini (1982-02-03) 3 February 1982 (age 31) 76 5 Iran Persepolis
2DF Pejman Nouri (1980-07-13) 13 July 1980 (age 32) 48 3 Iran Malavan
2DF Khosro Heydari (1983-09-14) 14 September 1983 (age 29) 42 0 Iran Esteghlal
2DF Mehrdad Pooladi (1987-02-26) 26 February 1987 (age 26) 16 0 Iran Persepolis
2DF Pejman Montazeri (1983-09-06) 6 September 1983 (age 29) 14 1 Iran Esteghlal
2DF Hashem Beikzadeh (1984-01-22) 22 January 1984 (age 29) 12 1 Iran Esteghlal
2DF Hossein Mahini (1986-09-16) 16 September 1986 (age 26) 12 0 Iran Persepolis
2DF Shoja' Khalilzadeh (1989-05-14) 14 May 1989 (age 24) 5 0 Iran Mes Kerman
2DF Amir Hossein Feshangchi (1987-01-07) 7 January 1987 (age 26) 4 0 Iran Persepolis
2DF Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh (1992-01-20) 20 January 1992 (age 21) 3 0 Iran Persepolis
2DF Ali Hamoudi (1986-03-21) 21 March 1986 (age 27) 2 0 Iran Esteghlal
3MF Javad Nekounam (Captain) (1980-09-07) 7 September 1980 (age 32) 135 34 Iran Esteghlal
3MF Andranik Teymourian (1983-03-06) 6 March 1983 (age 30) 71 8 Qatar Al-Kharaitiyat
3MF Ehsan Hajsafi (1990-02-25) 25 February 1990 (age 23) 52 2 Iran Sepahan
3MF Mojtaba Jabbari (1983-06-16) 16 June 1983 (age 29) 26 4 Iran Esteghlal
3MF Mohammad Nouri (1983-01-09) 9 January 1983 (age 30) 25 4 Iran Persepolis
3MF Ghasem Haddadifar (1983-07-12) 12 July 1983 (age 29) 11 0 Iran Zob Ahan
3MF Omid Nazari (1991-04-29) 29 April 1991 (age 22) 5 1 Sweden Ängelholms
3MF Omid Ebrahimi (1987-09-16) 16 September 1987 (age 25) 3 0 Iran Sepahan
3MF Reza Haghighi (1989-01-31) 31 January 1989 (age 24) 2 0 Iran Persepolis
3MF Bakhtiar Rahmani (1991-11-22) 22 November 1991 (age 21) 0 0 Iran Foolad
3MF Mohsen Mosalman (1991-01-27) 27 January 1991 (age 22) 0 0 Iran Zob Ahan
4FW Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari (1983-09-14) 14 September 1983 (age 29) 53 4 Iran Sepahan
4FW Gholamreza Rezaei (1984-08-06) 6 August 1984 (age 28) 46 11 Iran Persepolis
4FW Masoud Shojaei (1984-06-09) 9 June 1984 (age 28) 42 5 Spain Osasuna
4FW Karim Ansarifard (1990-04-03) 3 April 1990 (age 23) 34 7 Iran Persepolis
4FW Mohammad Gholami (1983-02-13) 13 February 1983 (age 30) 16 3 Iran Sepahan
4FW Mehrdad Oladi (1985-05-25) 25 May 1985 (age 27) 12 1 Iran Malavan
4FW Reza Ghoochannejhad (1987-09-20) 20 September 1987 (age 25) 4 2 Belgium Standard Liège
4FW Farzad Hatami (1983-09-14) 14 September 1983 (age 29) 0 0 Iran Esteghlal

Recent call-ups [edit]

The following players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Shahab Gordan (1984-05-22) 22 May 1984 (age 28) 3 0 Iran Sepahan v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013Withdrew
GK Alireza Haghighi (1988-05-01) 1 May 1988 (age 25) 5 0 Russia Rubin Kazan v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013
GK Mehdi Rahmati (1983-02-02) 2 February 1983 (age 30) 75 0 Iran Esteghlal v.  Uzbekistan, November 14, 2012Withdrew
GK Mohsen Forouzan (1988-05-03) 3 May 1988 (age 25) 1 0 Iran Tractor Sazi v.  Qatar, June 12, 2012
DF Hadi Aghili (1981-01-15) 15 January 1981 (age 32) 69 10 Qatar Qatar SC v.  Lebanon, February 6, 2013Withdrew
DF Milad Fakhreddini (1990-05-26) 26 May 1990 (age 22) 2 0 Iran Tractor Sazi v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
DF Mohammad Vahid Esmaeil Beigi (1992-02-26) 26 February 1992 (age 21) 1 0 Iran Mes Kerman v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
MF Ashkan Dejagah (1986-06-05) 5 June 1986 (age 26) 7 2 England Fulham v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013INJ
MF Ghasem Dehnavi (1981-03-21) 21 March 1981 (age 32) 6 3 Iran Tractor Sazi v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
MF Milad Nouri (1986-05-03) 3 May 1986 (age 27) 3 0 Iran Saba Qom v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
MF Ali Karimi (1978-11-08) 8 November 1978 (age 34) 127 38 Iran Persepolis v.  Uzbekistan, November 14, 2012Withdrew
MF Yaghoub Karimi (1991-08-31) 31 August 1991 (age 21) 5 3 Iran Naft Tehran v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013
FW Mehdi Seyed-Salehi (1981-07-127) 127 July 1981 (age 31) 6 2 Iran Tractor Sazi v.  Oman, May 22, 2013Withdrew
FW Jalal Rafkhaei (1984-04-24) 24 April 1984 (age 29) 10 2 Iran Malavan v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013
FW William Atashkadeh (1992-04-12) 12 April 1992 (age 21) 0 0 Sweden Örebro SK v.  Kuwait, March 26, 2013
FW Arash Afshin (1989-01-20) 20 January 1989 (age 24) 4 1 Iran Foolad v.  Lebanon, February 6, 2013
FW Mohammad Mehdi Nazari (1989-03-01) 1 March 1989 (age 24) 2 0 Iran Fajr Sepasi v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
FW Ahmad Hassanzadeh (1985-01-31) 31 January 1985 (age 28) 5 1 Iran Mes Kerman v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
FW Payam Sadeghian (1992-02-29) 29 February 1992 (age 21) 4 0 Iran Zob Ahan v. Kuwait WAFF Championship 2012, December 9, 2012
FW Alireza Abbasfard (1981-10-20) 20 October 1981 (age 31) 3 1 Iran Rah Ahan v.  Uzbekistan, November 14, 2012
FW Mohammad Ebrahimi (1984-11-01) 1 November 1984 (age 28) 3 0 Iran Tractor Sazi v.  Lebanon, September 11, 2012
Notes
  • INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
  • Withdrew Player withdrew from the squad due to personal issues.
  • RC Player withdrew from the squad due to red card in last game.

Previous squads [edit]

World Cups [edit]

Asian Cups [edit]

See also Category:Iran international footballers

Most capped players [edit]

As of 26 March 2013, the 10 players with the most caps for Iran are:

# Name Career Caps Goals
1 Ali Daei 1993–2006 149 109
2 Javad Nekounam* 2000–0000 135 34
3 Ali Karimi* 1998–0000 127 38
4 Mehdi Mahdavikia 1996–2009 111 12
5 Hossein Kaebi* 2002–0000 89 2
6 Karim Bagheri 1993–2010 87 50
7 Hamid Reza Estili 1990–2000 82 12
Mohammad Nosrati* 2002–0000 82 5
9 Javad Zarincheh 1987–2000 80 1
10 Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh 1987–1998 79 0

The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF.
* denotes a player still playing or available for selection.

Top goalscorers [edit]

As of 26 March 2013, the players with the most goals for Iran are:

# Name Career Goals Caps Avg/Game
1 Ali Daei 1993–2006 109 149 0.73
2 Karim Bagheri 1993–2010 50 87 0.57
3 Ali Karimi* 1998–0000 38 127 0.31
4 Javad Nekounam* 2000–0000 34 135 0.23
5 Gholam Hossein Mazloomi 1969–1977 37 48 0.77
6 Farshad Pious 1984–1994 19 34 0.56
7 Ali Asghar Modir Roosta 1990–1998 18 32 0.56
8 Vahid Hashemian 1998–2009 15 50 0.30
9 Alireza Vahedi Nikbakht* 2000–2008 14 77 0.18
10 Hassan Rowshan 1974–1980 13 39 0.33
Ali Parvin 1970–1980 13 76 0.17
Mehdi Mahdavikia 1996–2009 13 111 0.11
13 Parviz Ghelichkhani 1964–1977 12 64 0.19
Hamid Reza Estili 1990–2000 12 82 0.15
15 Gholamreza Rezaei* 2008–0000 11 46 0.25
16 Karim Bavi 1986–1989 10 23 0.43
Arash Borhani* 2003–0000 10 37 0.27
Farhad Majidi 1996–2011 10 45 0.22
Hadi Aghili* 2006–0000 10 69 0.16

The records are collected based on data from FIFA and RSSSF.
*denotes a player still playing or available for selection.

Iran captains [edit]

As of 26 March 2013

# Reign Player Caps (Goals) Years Active Matches As Captain(Goals)
1 1988-1992 Sirous Ghayeghran 40 (6) 1986-1992 ?(?)
2 1993 Hamid Derakhshan 41 (9) 1980-1993 ?(?)
3 1994 Farshad Pious 35 (19) 1984–1994 4(1)
4 1996–1998 Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh 79 (0) 1988–1998 38(0)
5 1998–1999 Nader Mohammadkhani 64 (4) 1988–1999  ?(?)
6 1999–2000 Hamid Reza Estili 82 (12) 1990–2000 ?(?)
7 2000–2006 Ali Daei 149 (109) 1993–2006 80(44)
8 2006–2009 Mehdi Mahdavikia 111 (13) 1996–2009 20(1)
9 2009–Present Javad Nekounam 135 (34) 2000–Present 35(13)

Record [edit]

As of 26 March 2013

#[35][36] Player Caps Years Active Matches As Captain
1 Ali Daei 149 1993–2006 80
2 Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh 79 1988–1998 38
3 Javad Nekounam 135 2000–Present 35
4 Ali Parvin 76 1970–1980 31
5 Mohammad Panjali 45 1978–1991 27
6 Mehdi Mahdavikia 111 1997–2009 20

Iran World Cup captains [edit]

# Matches As Captain Player World Cup Played As A Captain(Goals) Years Active Caps(Goals)
1 3(0) Ali Parvin Argentina 1978 1970–1980 76(13)
2 2(0) Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh France 1998 1987–1998 79(0)
3 2(0) Ali Daei Germany 2006 1993–2006 149(109)

Iran Asian Cup captains [edit]

# Matches As Captain Player Asian Cup Played As A Captain Years Active Caps(Goals)
1 4 (0)[37] Hassan Habibi Iran 1968 1958–1970 31 (0)
2 4 (0)[38] Mostafa Arab Thailand 1972 1959–1972 48 (2)
3 3 (0)[39] Parviz Ghelichkhani Iran 1976 1964–1977 64 (12)
4 5 (0)[40] Nasser Hejazi Kuwait 1980 1968–1980 62 (0)
5 6 (0)[41] Mohammad Panjali Singapore 1984 1978–1991 45 (0)
6 6 (0)[42] Sirous Ghayeghran Qatar 1988 1986–1992 40 (6)
7 3 (0)[43] Sirous Ghayeghran Japan 1992 1986–1992 40 (6)
8 1 (0)[44] Mojtaba Moharrami UAE 1996 1988–1996 37 (5)
9 4 (2)[45] Hamid Reza Estili Lebanon 2000 1990–2000 82 (12)
10 6 (3) Ali Daei China 2004 1993–2006 149 (109)
11 4 (0) Mehdi Mahdavikia Asian Cup 2007 1996–2009 111 (13)
12 3 (0) Javad Nekounam Qatar 2011 2000– 135 (35)

Honours [edit]

Continental [edit]

Champions (3): 1968, 1972, 1976
Champions (3): 1974, 1990, 1998, 2002
Runners-Up(2): 1951, 1966

†Young teams were favoured by AFC and the IOC, and since 2002 male competitors must be under 23 years old, with three over-23 players allowed per squad.

Regional [edit]

Champions (4): 2000, 2004, 2007*, 2008
Runners-Up(1): 2010
Champions (3): 1965, 1970, 1993
Runners-Up(2): 1967, 1969

* as B Team

Other [edit]

Champions (1): 2003
Runners-Up(1): 1991
Champions (3):2001, 2002‡, 2002†
  • Cyrus International Tournament
Champions (1): 1971
  • Iran International Tournament
Champions (1): 1974
  • Quaid Azam International Tournament
Champions (1): 1982
  • Friendship Cup
Runners-Up(1): 1969
  • Fajr International Tournament
Runners-Up(1): 1986

‡ in Morocco
† in Iran

See also [edit]

References [edit]

  1. ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gFjH52cmVbpri-MZliC180-ysCXQ?docId=CNG.3d99b443b15130c2e8940c31d981a03e.151
  2. ^ http://www.persianleague.com/the-news/1-latest-news/7639-aseman-airline-to-sponsor-team-melli.html Aseman Airline to sponsor Team Melli
  3. ^ http://www.teammelli.com/matchdata/details/matches.php?
  4. ^ a b "Iran: Fixtures and Results". FIFA.com. 
  5. ^ Iran World Cup 2006 team Profile from Football.co.uk
  6. ^ "Asian Games 1958 (Tokyo, Japan)". rsssf. 
  7. ^ "Iran: FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA.com. Retrieved 2011-07-02. 
  8. ^ Iran in World Cup 1978
  9. ^ "Iranian football facts". BBC News. 2001-11-01. Retrieved 2010-05-05. 
  10. ^ a b FIFA World Cup 2006 Iran Team Overview
  11. ^ a b The History of Soccer [Football] in Iran – Team Melli :: Iran Visitor
  12. ^ A third half for Iranian football, by Christian Bromberger
  13. ^ France 1998 World Cup: 1st Round – Day 12 Match Reports
  14. ^ World Cup: U.S. eliminated from Cup after 2–1 loss to Iran
  15. ^ FIFA.com – 1998 FIFA World Cup France
  16. ^ France 1998 World Cup: 1st Round – Day 16 Match Reports
  17. ^ "FIFA suspends Iran Football Federation". FIFA. Archived from the original on 2007-01-02. Retrieved 2006-11-27. 
  18. ^ "FIFA to lift Iran ban: Blatter". the-AFC.com. Retrieved 2006-12-17. [dead link]
  19. ^ "FIFA President announces temporary lifting of Iran ban". the-AFC.com. Retrieved 2006-11-27. [dead link]
  20. ^ News – Ali Daei named new Iran coach – Soccerway
  21. ^ Tait, Robert (2009-03-30). "Iran football coach Ali Daei loses job following team's defeat". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 2010-05-05. 
  22. ^ "FIFA.com". FIFA.com. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  23. ^ "Iranian football team shows support for Mousavi with green arm bands at Seoul World Cup qualifier". The Daily Telegraph (London). 17 Jun 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-17. 
  24. ^ Tiat, Robert (25 June 2009). "Iranian players receive life bans for gestures". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-06-25. 
  25. ^ "Iran denies punishing players for wearing green wristbands". London: The Daily Telegraph. 2009-06-25. Retrieved 2009-06-25. 
  26. ^ Bell, Jack (2009-06-26). "Iran Did Not Suspend Players, Coach Says". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-06-27. 
  27. ^ Kayhan, p14, No.881, 7 November 2001
  28. ^ Clayton, Andy (24 June 2009). "Iran soccer players banned from national team after wearing green pro-opposition wristbands". NY Daily News. Retrieved 8 July 2010. 
  29. ^ "Iran says it didn't punish soccer players". CBC. 26 June 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2010. 
  30. ^ http://www.goal.com/iran/news/1825/%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86/2013/03/24/3849845/%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B3%D9%87-%D8%AA%DB%8C%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%84%DB%8C?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_BN_2
  31. ^ "International match calendar(2010–2014)". FIFA.com. 
  32. ^ "AFC Calendar of Competitions 2012". 
  33. ^ "AFC Calendar of Competitions 2013". 
  34. ^ "AFC Calendar of Competitions 2014". 
  35. ^ http://www.parsispress.com/NewsDetails.aspx?News=2887071
  36. ^ http://www.tebyan.net/newindex.aspx?pid=150314&MusicID=111057
  37. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  38. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  39. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  40. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  41. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  42. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  43. ^ > "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07.  Text "Friendly " ignored (help); Text " Jordan Amman International Stadium, Amman " ignored (help); Text "  Jordan " ignored (help); Text "- " ignored (help); Text "11 September 2012m " ignored (help)
  44. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 
  45. ^ "de beste bron van informatie over ورزشی. Deze website is te koop!". parssport.ir. Retrieved 2010-09-07. 

External links [edit]

Preceded by
1964 Israel 		 Asian Champions
1968 (First title)
1972 (Second title)
1976 (Third title)		 Succeeded by
1980 Kuwait 
Preceded by

Myanmar

South Korea		 Asian Games Champions
1974 (First title)		 Succeeded by

North Korea

South Korea
Preceded by
South Korea 		 Asian Games Champions
1990 (Second title)		 Succeeded by

Uzbekistan
Preceded by
Uzbekistan 		 Asian Games Champions
1998 (Third title)
2002 (Fourth title)		 Succeeded by

Qatar
Preceded by
Inaugural Champions		 WAFF Champions
2000(First title)		 Succeeded by
2002  Iraq
Preceded by
2002  Iraq		 WAFF Champions
2004 (Second title)
2007 (Third title)
2008 (Fourth title)		 Succeeded by
2010  Kuwait
Preceded by
Inaugural Champions		 ECO Cup Champions
1965 (First title)		 Succeeded by
1967 Turkey 
Preceded by
1969 Turkey 		 ECO Cup Champions
1970 (Second title)		 Succeeded by
1974 Turkey 
Preceded by
1974 Turkey 		 ECO Cup Champions
1993 (Third title)		 Succeeded by
Last edition
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