TM camp in Australia, AFC-2015 finals [news,photos, videos]

[EKBATAN]

After Alireza Haghighi is retired, we will have a good goalkeeper in this fellow, but he needs to work on his looks a bit ... staring with a good nose job.

There i fixed it for you.

[Cataphract]

Top five goals of the AsianCup according to North Korean state television

http://youtu.be/_t_fuVFk1Ts

[_Navid_]

Top five goals of the AsianCup according to North Korean state television

http://youtu.be/_t_fuVFk1Ts

lmao.

[HuSsAiN]

anyone has photos of today's training? interviews?

[TheBoss]

well, CQ is getting ready for business (pictures taken today)





can't wait for the game.

[Abtin]

^Shit just got real..

[TheBoss]

Today's training

[Z Joon]

[Bi-honar]

Apparently, right after TMs practice finished and Iraq's was about to start, heavy rain came down and they had to cancel their training for today! Talk about a bad sign/omen!

Also, Younis Mahmoud has been banned by Shenaishel from taking any more penalties!

[BacheLot]

[Camran khan]

Apparently, right after TMs practice finished and Iraq's was about to start, heavy rain came down and they had to cancel their training for today! Talk about a bad sign/omen!

Also, Younis Mahmoud has been banned by Shenaishel from taking any more penalties!

[TheBoss]

I just had to post these pictures, Soroush celebration after the goal against UAE. They are such happy pictures.

[Cataphract]

And then there were eight ... how the Asian Cup quarter-finalists stack up

Australia

The Socceroos enter the knockout stage delicately poised - a win would see them reach the minimum requirement of a semi-finals appearance, and given their group stage form, that has to be counted as a pass mark. But a defeat to China would draw the public ire, especially after failing to win a game at the World Cup. Crucially, they lose key defender Matthew Spiranovic to suspension. But the form of Massimo Luongo, Robbie Kruse, Mathew Leckie, Matt Ryan and Ivan Franjic has been positive with some cameos elsewhere. Captain Mile Jedinak is back but Mark Milligan barely put a foot wrong in his absence. If nothing else, coach Ange Postecoglou can be pleased his depth seems vastly enhanced since Brazil. Getting past Japan in a semi-final in Newcastle looms as a huge ask, however.

China

The sleeping giant of Asian football isn't necessarily storming out of bed but it is certainly stirring from a deep slumber. Three wins in their group stage matches against three respectable opponents demands respect for Alain Perrin's team and they are not without a hope of toppling Australia. They seem more disciplined and organised than past Chinese teams, renowned for their chaotic style. They also appear to have goals in them, with Gao Lin aggressively leading the line and wide support from Yu Hai (left) and Sun Ke (right) providing a spark. Goalkeeper Wang Dalei is proving a cult sensation with his talents and theatrics - yet with a distribution range that might be the continent's best. They're a long shot to make the final four, and seemingly no chance of going further than that, but this has been a great Asian Cup for a team looking to the future.

South Korea

If nothing else, South Korea have strength in depth, as they have already needed to prove. Coach Uli Stielike made half a dozen changes to his starting line-up for the final group game against Australia but the Taeguk Warriors still came through, winning 1-0. It might have been against the run of play given that Australia monopolised possession, but South Korea showed themselves, as ever in an Asian context, to be hard-working, skilful, disciplined and talented opponents that are always one of the hardest to beat. The squad has been dubbed the walking wounded, and for good reason. They have already lost winger Lee Chung-yong with a fractured shin in the group opener against Oman and against Australia midfielder Koo Cha-cheol was ruled out with torn elbow ligaments. In that game midfielder Park Joo-ho had to be replaced after a clash of heads.

Uzbekistan

Coach Mirdjalal Kasimov was another who rolled the dice during his team's final crucial group game, making five changes to the starting line-up for the must-win game against Saudi Arabia. None were through serious injury, all were for reasons of rotation, he said afterwards. The Uzbeks had lost to China in their penultimate outing and needed the three points to progress ahead of the Saudis. They got them through an adventurous display of attacking football that overwhelmed their Middle Eastern opponents. Kasimov had left out veteran skipper Server Djeparov, twice Asian Footballer of the Year, among others, and brought in man of the man Sardor Rashidov, who netted twice. Expect the coach to retain Rashidov but recall some of the experienced men who have helped the Uzbeks make the knock out stage in the past four Asian Cups. Kasimov, who is not backward in coming forward, immediately predicted that his side would knock out the Koreans following their win over the Saudis.

Japan

It's all gone swimmingly for the defending champions and tournament favourites who have progressed to the knock-out stages with ruthless efficiency. The Blue Samurai go forward with a 100 per cent record, having beaten Palestine 4-0, Jordan 2-0 and Iraq 1-0: they might not have been the most formidable of opponents, but coach Javier Aguirre stressed after the win over Jordan that he was as pleased at keeping another clean sheet as he was about winning the game. Japan have an array of attacking talent at their disposal and have not been troubled with serious injury or sickness. Aguirre can call on the likes of AC Milan's Keisuke Honda and Borussia Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa in attack as well as a plethora of European-based players. The fact that they are defending champions will not perturb them - men of their ilk are well used to handling pressure and expectation. Jordan boss Ray Wilkins said after his side's loss to Japan they were an exceptional side - fast, fit, technically gifted and strong, and few would argue. Still the team to beat although the UAE will provide stiffer opposition in the quarter-finals than any they have met so far.

Iran

One of the pre-tournament favourites are emerging as Asia's answer to Italy. Their defence is yet to be breached, their tactics very disciplined, organised and defensive and they are slowly gathering momentum with each game. Defensive midfielder Andranik Teymourian and centre-back Morteza Pouraliganji are the two linchpins of their tactical structure while Ashkan Dejagah, Sardar Azmoun and Reza Ghoochanejhad are some of the most dangerous attacking players in this tournament but rely heavily on the counter. No injuries or suspensions going into the knock-out stages bodes well for their advancement to the latter stages.

Iraq

The 2007 champions are yet to light up this tournament but have not looked far off the pace set by the best. The players appear some of the fittest, largely due to the work of former Liverpool strength and conditioning coach Gonzalo Rodriguez. Captain Younis Mahmoud has been largely disappointing in the group stage, which has left them with fewer goals than their play deserves. Unless a form change coincides with the knock-out stages, the likes of American-born Justin Meram might be given a start in attack.

UAE

The UAE have been the closest thing to a surprise package this tournament. They were unlucky to finish second in their group but will find some confidence in the fact they have two of the most entertaining players of the tournament in their attack. Omar Abdulrahman is becoming the fan favourite with his large hairstyle as captivating as his ball control, vision and creativity, while striker Ali Mabkhout has scored three times already this tournament. While the UAE have been one of the most impressive sides this tournament, they will have to pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent Asian Cup history by defeating Japan in the quarter-final.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a...21-12v2nz.html

[Cataphract]

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Carlos Queiroz aiming to lead Iran to first Asian Cup in 39 years

He has managed Spanish giants Real Madrid and been a key lieutenant alongside Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

But Carlos Queiroz's greatest achievement could be leading Iran to the country's first Asian Cup triumph in 39 years.

Iran will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament when they face arch-rivals Iraq in a highly anticipated quarter-final at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.

The highest-ranked country in the Asian Football Confederation at No. 51 in the world, Iran haven't conceded a goal in 270 minutes after three straight wins against the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

Queiroz took over the coaching reins with Iran on a two-and-a-half-year contract in 2011, successfully guiding the side to last year's World Cup in Brazil.

That led to Queiroz having his contract extended until the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Queiroz had his most success as an assistant to coaching legend Ferguson at United, where he had two separate stints, from 2002-03 and 2004-08.

In between, he had 10 months in charge of Real Madrid before he was sacked in 2004.

Former Socceroo Ned Zelic believes Queiroz has been able to fit his own style around the qualities of the players at his disposal.

"He's been flexible there and he's adapted to the players that he's got and he's getting the best out of them," Zelic said.

"He has experience everywhere, he's obviously learnt a lot from Alex Ferguson from his time at Manchester United and he's obviously got his own style.

"But he's got a good bunch of players, exciting youngsters and good, experienced players and guys in midfield who run the show and pull the strings, and he's got good depth on the bench."

Organisers are expecting a crowd of more than 15,000, with a strong chance there could be another sell-out, as was the case for the China v North Korea encounter last Sunday night.

Iraq enjoyed strong support in Canberra during their 2-0 win against Palestine in front of more than 10,000 fans.

Iran have the upper hand in meetings between the two countries, winning 14 of their 24 encounters, with six draws and four defeats.

It is an opportunity for Iran to progress past the quarter-final stage for the first time since 1996, while Iraq are aiming to replicate their Asian Cup success of 2007.

Zelic said Iraq can't be ruled out, and highlighted defensive midfielder Ali Adnan Kadhim and striker Ahmed Yaseen Gheni as two players to watch.

"Yaseen is someone you've always got to be wary of," Zelic said. "He's got one thing in his mind and that's to attack. As soon as he gets the ball he's on the front foot.

"They've got some good players and they can cause some problems as well, it's going to be a cracking match."

Iran and Iraq held closed training sessions at McKellar Park and Deakin Stadium respectively on Wednesday.


http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a...21-12urfs.html

[sahandkarimi]

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United manager Carlos Queiroz aiming to lead Iran to first Asian Cup in 39 years

He has managed Spanish giants Real Madrid and been a key lieutenant alongside Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

But Carlos Queiroz's greatest achievement could be leading Iran to the country's first Asian Cup triumph in 39 years.

Iran will be aiming to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament when they face arch-rivals Iraq in a highly anticipated quarter-final at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.

The highest-ranked country in the Asian Football Confederation at No. 51 in the world, Iran haven't conceded a goal in 270 minutes after three straight wins against the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

Queiroz took over the coaching reins with Iran on a two-and-a-half-year contract in 2011, successfully guiding the side to last year's World Cup in Brazil.

That led to Queiroz having his contract extended until the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Queiroz had his most success as an assistant to coaching legend Ferguson at United, where he had two separate stints, from 2002-03 and 2004-08.

In between, he had 10 months in charge of Real Madrid before he was sacked in 2004.

Former Socceroo Ned Zelic believes Queiroz has been able to fit his own style around the qualities of the players at his disposal.

"He's been flexible there and he's adapted to the players that he's got and he's getting the best out of them," Zelic said.

"He has experience everywhere, he's obviously learnt a lot from Alex Ferguson from his time at Manchester United and he's obviously got his own style.

"But he's got a good bunch of players, exciting youngsters and good, experienced players and guys in midfield who run the show and pull the strings, and he's got good depth on the bench."

Organisers are expecting a crowd of more than 15,000, with a strong chance there could be another sell-out, as was the case for the China v North Korea encounter last Sunday night.

Iraq enjoyed strong support in Canberra during their 2-0 win against Palestine in front of more than 10,000 fans.

Iran have the upper hand in meetings between the two countries, winning 14 of their 24 encounters, with six draws and four defeats.

It is an opportunity for Iran to progress past the quarter-final stage for the first time since 1996, while Iraq are aiming to replicate their Asian Cup success of 2007.

Zelic said Iraq can't be ruled out, and highlighted defensive midfielder Ali Adnan Kadhim and striker Ahmed Yaseen Gheni as two players to watch.

"Yaseen is someone you've always got to be wary of," Zelic said. "He's got one thing in his mind and that's to attack. As soon as he gets the ball he's on the front foot.

"They've got some good players and they can cause some problems as well, it's going to be a cracking match."

Iran and Iraq held closed training sessions at McKellar Park and Deakin Stadium respectively on Wednesday.


http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/a...21-12urfs.html

2-0 against Palestine ?
Past QF since 1996 ? What about 2004 ?