Morroco - Iran POST MATCH DISCUSSION

[Nokhodi]

Guys, I feel like Hajsafi's assist on Team Melli's goal is going unnoticed and being under-appreciated.

Hajsafi's assist is officially in the "Pantheon of Team Melli Assists" in modern history, along with:

1) Daei's peach assist for Azizi's goal vs. Australia for 98 WCQ

2) Javad Zarincheh's inch-perfect cross for Estili's goal vs USA in '98 WC

3) Daei's other peach assist for Kia's goal vs USA in '98 WC

4) Gucci's self-assist vs Korea to seal the qualification in '14 WCQ

Now, officially, we can add Hajsafi's assist for our greatest WC win and a major upset vs. Morocco.

I feel like PFDC, including myself, have somewhat glossed over Hajsafi's assist because it was an own goal, but make no mistake about it, we have Hajsafi to thank for that goal. His inch-perfect and perfectly-weighted cross put the Moroccan in a tough spot and forced him to make a decision that led to our goal. Next to that, Hajsafi also had a nice long-range free kick effort in the first half.

I know he's not great defensively (hi, Nokhodi), but there's no question that Hajsafi has matured into a very good midfielder for TM, and unarguably one of our most consistent players that CQ knows what he's going to get from day in and day out.

Thank you, Ehsan, for your professionalism and calm play. You have officially entered the "Pantheon of Team Melli Assists" with your beautiful cross.

He did great when he had the ball, but the biggest weakness by Moroccan coach was not exploiting that side further. Everytime Amrabat made a run, Hajisafi would be out of position or easily get sprinted by.

Still bless him for his work on the offense.

[eerooni]

It’s clear to see how much “koneshoon sookhteh” when Iran won. And it’s clear what a FU CQ and the boys gave to all those who either wrote us off or planned our downfall (aka NIKE, GN,MK st all)!! And I love CQ for that !!

[PersianPrins]

No way in hell Masoud Shojaei starts against Spain. He legit made us worse. Our defensive players panicked early but took more control as time went on. However, i am pissed of by certain individuals on our offense that argues on who to take freekicks and throw in and wants to have the ball at their position. It pisses me the hell of, because if they could put up teamwork and combinations together, i think we could have won more convincely.

[TM4LIFE]

Wonder why Milad didn't start, hmmm!!

My guess would be the offensive capabilities brought by Hajsafi when we push forward. He brings a unique benefit to us on freekicks, corners, and when building up from the back. Additionally he would at times tuck inside to his usual position before tracking back to LB. Milad on the other hand is an excellent physical and defensive tool, and while he is still very talented going forward it is not quite the same as hajsafi. I would expect to see MilMo against portugal and spain though, with ehsan in central midfield.

[Medzdidz]

No way in hell Masoud Shojaei starts against Spain. He legit made us worse. Our defensive players panicked early but took more control as time went on. However, i am pissed of by certain individuals on our offense that argues on who to take freekicks and throw in and wants to have the ball at their position. It pisses me the hell of, because if they could put up teamwork and combinations together, i think we could have won more convincely.

I'd put the arguing down to the tension and the pressure that is on the players, everybone wants to impress. Also their build up has been hard so they must feel the whole world isn't against them. Hopefully this win takes the pressure off their shoulders a little and thy relax against Spain and show the world how talented they are, that you can put every sanction of the world against them but true quality shines through.

I wanted to say earlier but forgot, Iran made Morocco look a very average side.

[Medzdidz]

Iran against Portugal will be an interesting game, they are weak at the back. Their defence is aging and slow and we should exploit this. Maybe play JB and Taremi on either side of Gucci, with Ghoddos in behind.

[aryanirani]

Wonder why Milad didn't start, hmmm!!

Same. I think Milad is far far better than Hajsafi... Milad is a serious beast as a left back, probably even our best player? I think I have seen him make a mistake once or twice. I hope he plays from now on.

[Saam]

Anybody else notice how heavy and sluggish Taremi looked? If he doesn't pick up the slack, this could be his one and only major tournament.

That’s the way he plays, low tempo and relies on his skills and physicality. Didn’t look any different from usual to me.

[Saam]

Don't forget Amir Hossein Sadeghi with his amazing performances against South Korea and also in the WC of course.

Yup he literally came out of nowhere to be our best CB in the World Cup. Esteghlal defenders always saving us.

[Z Joon]

That’s the way he plays, low tempo and relies on his skills and physicality. Didn’t look any different from usual to me.

I actually liked him a lot in this game, very composed on the ball and good off the ball as well. Hope he starts next game

[mbaizai]

No way in hell Masoud Shojaei starts against Spain. He legit made us worse. Our defensive players panicked early but took more control as time went on. However, i am pissed of by certain individuals on our offense that argues on who to take freekicks and throw in and wants to have the ball at their position. It pisses me the hell of, because if they could put up teamwork and combinations together, i think we could have won more convincely.

Thats exactly what im talking about

[The]

Anybody have the highlights of the match with Farsi commentary ? I can only find English and some random Slavic languages.

[Z Joon]

Morroco - Iran POST MATCH DISCUSSION

The PFDC whipping boy - 5 duels won, 0 duels lost, 3 fouls against, 3 interceptions, 11 passes completed

“Why does CQ keep playing him? This guy just runs”

[inarsenewetrust]

A MENTION FOR OUR FITNESS!?!?!?!?!?!

WOW. I was watching all players closely when the 6 mins additional time went up, there were NO SIGNS OF FATIGUE, NONE. They ran their hearts out for 96 mins and looked comfortable doing so. CQ figured out this was our main weakness at last WC, especially domestic players, and the recovery sessions, long camp, have been managed perfectly. In fact domestic players were more fit than legionairres, who seemed slightly jaded. And with all the potential for rotation, yet another reason to be optimistic. I mean, amiri was gassed at minute 60 vs venezuela in a friendly, and now ran the most of anybody on the pitch vs a top morocco side in a do or die match, and seemed to barely even break stride.

[iranalltheway]

i am still in on cloud 9. CQ is truly a magician to be able to instill so much confidence into our players. Beiranvand was my favorite player with tow certain saves. despite many of you, Jahanbakhsh was fantastic. he's probably our most technically talented players. to me Shojai was very very poor but im really upset with Azmoun. He showed no effort in his defensive duties. he never applied any pressure on the defenders and walked majority of the game. Omid was all heart and Karim was unusually extremely effective. i would love to see Taremi start and Azmoun actually brings his A game. i just want a respectable game vs Spain.

So Proud of our boys. Truly one of the happiest days of my life. So happy to see millions of people find a reason to be happy and celebrate.

Go Iran!