A trend that could be exploited against Portugal!

[faraz]

I was looking at recent scores today, and 14 out of the 46 goals (approximately equal to 30%) in the world cup have been scored before the 25'.

Furthermore, in all of those cases, the team that DID score earliest won the game.

It seems that teams are more and more shaky or nervous at the beginning of their games and are much more prone to being scored on. If we somehow mount some meaningful attacks at the beginning of the Portugal game and somehow (once again) stuff one in, based on the statistics that I've seen, we should be able to pull something off!

The early goal takes a lot out of the confidence of the opponents, and also forces them to push up, meaning that the game opens and any well-constructed attack may lead to a goal.

We are capable of beating this team guys - we just need to score as early as possible, and force unwanted and unnecessary tactical changes from Scholari, while trying very hard to maintain our own composure.

After all, one goal may not do it against Portugal.

[Spyder]

One goal will not do it against Portugal agreed.

But Portugal is an AMAZING team. The only way we can win is to attack like cornered palangs in the 1st half and pray to God (whilst not losing our concentration) that our defense absorbs their offense or our midfielders do a great job of keeping the ball off them.

For me...two things will either happen if TM are to win.

a) Attack right from the get go and just put wave after wave of attacks at the fragile Portugese defense. Even after we score or if they score as well...Just attack!

and b) Completely shut up shop and save everything for the last 15min of the match if the scoreline is 0-0 until the 75min mark.

But then again Im not Branko and Im just an couch critic.

What ever happens.....GOOOOOOOOOO TM!

[Dr.shark]

I was looking at recent scores today, and 14 out of the 46 goals (approximately equal to 30%) in the world cup have been scored before the 25'.

Furthermore, in all of those cases, the team that DID score earliest won the game.

It seems that teams are more and more shaky or nervous at the beginning of their games and are much more prone to being scored on. If we somehow mount some meaningful attacks at the beginning of the Portugal game and somehow (once again) stuff one in, based on the statistics that I've seen, we should be able to pull something off!

The early goal takes a lot out of the confidence of the opponents, and also forces them to push up, meaning that the game opens and any well-constructed attack may lead to a goal.

We are capable of beating this team guys - we just need to score as early as possible, and force unwanted and unnecessary tactical changes from Scholari, while trying very hard to maintain our own composure.

After all, one goal may not do it against Portugal.

what you say can be done but not from this Irane team we have sent out to the world cup.
(1) we have sent out branko as our coach the guy needs to get new eyes as the ones he has do not work.
(2) we have merzasurakhpoor
(3) nosrate the striker will be on and he will score on any net he can
(4) golmo he too will score on any net that he can
(5) daie will be walking around and maybe just maybe he will pull off his new move again as he did in mexico game you all saw it when they pass the ball to him and he jump like they hade passed a bomb to him then he passed it back down.
(6) all the injurys we have going for us
(7) now the confidence of our players is low after our loss and we know of how this group does not even like to eat with each other so can understand how they may hate each other I do not see them playing much as a team for to long.
(8) the team will in deffence mode again just like they are all the time now and they will suck like they have been scuking since the last 2.5 years.
we well have to see how we do let's just hope we don't lose 6-0

[faraz]

Dr. Shark, that's a pretty damn pessimistc view to say the least...but it can also be valid, of course, minus the Daei part.

And for the most part, I really thought Branko did okay that game. I mean, he made mistakes, but we had Mexico baffled for the first half FOR SURE.

If you haven't already, I suggest you read this:

http://www.persianfootball.com/forum...ad.php?t=29801

It may clear some issues up.

Now, there is still a chance and a hope, whether you want to admit it or not. We should not go in with the attitude of "we must try not to lose 6-0", or else we will lose 6-0.

[Arashi_Washi]

Well ive said it, Key to Irans victory is to play offensive and if Iran can somehow play an offensive minded game and hopefully go to the Halftime break with a lead i am sure Iran can do good in 2nd half

For me the key is to go into half time without being behind and in the best scenario case be up with maybe 1 goal

[Paradigm]

Baba Korea beat Portugal in 2002, we beat Korea in 2004, now why can't we beat Portugal in 2006? It is certainly possible. I say it is like a 50-50 game, if we play really well on a given day... I hope this will be the 50% to our favor.

[faraz]

By the way...notice that 2 more goals were scored today within the 25 minute mark...

early goals = a win.

[Under Lahaf]

Baba Korea beat Portugal in 2002, we beat Korea in 2004, now why can't we beat Portugal in 2006? It is certainly possible. I say it is like a 50-50 game, if we play really well on a given day... I hope this will be the 50% to our favor.

you know what everything is possible i agree. BUT


the TM players mentality is that "this team is too good and we better draw", that's their mentality. just check the game they played agasint Germany in 98, against mexico (as soon as they score the goal, the iranian team became defensive) and were happy with a draw.

now one looks at Trinidad or Angola and these teams don't care whom they are playing against. they give it 110%. unfortunately is not the TM or Branko; the potential is there to beat mexico or portugal, but it is the players mentality that screws things up.

[Paradigm]

Our players should learn not to lose it mentally if we go down by 1 goal anytime during the match. Football is a 90 minute affair and we can both score and be scored on during this time span. Many teams have been scoring or conceding very late goals this tournament and Iran should certainly be aware of that. Even if we tie Portugal we still have a chance to beat Angola and go through, unless of course Mexico and Portugal decide to just go for a tie in their last match.

Having said this, I hope we just win against Portugal so that they will have to go after Mexico in their last game.

When it is a do-or-die game, TM always plays its best. I trust, this will be the case today.