After Austria camp what would you guys go for? I think this camp was one of our best in recent years. The players went up against 2 strong opponents, most guys got minutes, some made a very strong case for themselves and others quickly showed they werent at the required level. We got 2 positive results and the team dealt with probably more hashieh and outside pressure than they will at WC, so from that standpoint great mental prep as well.
The lists for this WC are 26 man, and consider for this camp in austria we initially called up 27, 4 of which were GKs. 2 players could not make it bc of visa/passport issues (Ramin and Norafkan).
Given all that, this is my list:
1. Beiranvand
2. Hosseini
3. Abedzadeh
As far as GKs go beiro cemented himself as #1 and Hosseini overtook abedz for #2. Abedz will still make the squad as he is a good character, was in last WC squad, and overall solid GK going through a bad spell.
4. Moharrami
5. Hardani
6. Kanaani
7. Majid Hosseini
8. Khalilzadeh
9. Aref Aghasi
10. Hajsafi
11. Jalali
For defense, Kanani cemented himself as starter if there was any doubt. He was the best player over the 2 games. Next to him its a close battle between Shoja and Majid. But big surprise from this camp was how off the pace PAG was, I guess he really hasnt been tested yet in PGPL but when he came in our defense was all over the place. He is not ready for WC at all.
Compare to Aref Aghasi performance in last camp vs Algeria and the difference is night and day. Aref is physically imposing, quick, and strong with the ball and still quite young (25). CQ does not hesistate to cut players even if they are his old favorites (jalal) and I think esp. considering Nekou's likely recommendation of his foolad player he will make the list.
Milad mohammadi not playing a single minute was huge red flag about his level. Given Jalali's performance and Hajsafi's great second game, I do not see him making the list.
12. Ezatolahi
13. Ebrahimi
14. Ali Karimi
15. Nourollahi
16. Amiri
17. Ghoddos
18. Yasin
Ezatolahi cemented his position as in the squad and starter, regardless of club situation, If he can lose a few lbs in next 50 days he will be in top shape. Incredible his level vs these opponents after so long not playing. Ali Karimi I expect to make it if he is fit. Sarlak 45 mins were terrible and CQ promptly subbed him out, do not see him making it over Ali Karimi. In his initial list CQ took 3 LBs, 4Gks. Do not seeing that being the case for WC, so there is a couple extra spots open for midfield and offensive players. Yasin can be one of those, especially if he keeps up good form with Morais. Will give us a different option at #8 position off the bench if needed.
19. Jahanbakhsh
20. Torabi
21. Gholizadeh
22. Hosseinzadeh
Torabi was huge surprise from wingers. Cemented his place in the squad and is closer to starting xi than gholizadeh who is at best a bench option for TM in WC. As mentioned with the couple additional outfield spots when you call up 3GK and not so many extra full backs you have space to call up additional winger. If hosseinzadeh gets good minutes between now and WC he can definitely be that guy. Versatile, very physical and hard runner which CQ likes.
23. Azmoun
24. Taremi
25. Ansarifard
26. Zahedi
Karim locked up his spot and will get good minutes off the bench. Played very well and is a leader. We still have space for an extra CF and I prefer Zahedi there, but alipour is also an option (and one that CQ knows so he may opt for him).
Overall not that many hard calls to make, especially with the absence of Allahyar.
The lists for this WC are 26 man, and consider for this camp in austria we initially called up 27, 4 of which were GKs. 2 players could not make it bc of visa/passport issues (Ramin and Norafkan).
Given all that, this is my list:
1. Beiranvand
2. Hosseini
3. Abedzadeh
As far as GKs go beiro cemented himself as #1 and Hosseini overtook abedz for #2. Abedz will still make the squad as he is a good character, was in last WC squad, and overall solid GK going through a bad spell.
4. Moharrami
5. Hardani
6. Kanaani
7. Majid Hosseini
8. Khalilzadeh
9. Aref Aghasi
10. Hajsafi
11. Jalali
For defense, Kanani cemented himself as starter if there was any doubt. He was the best player over the 2 games. Next to him its a close battle between Shoja and Majid. But big surprise from this camp was how off the pace PAG was, I guess he really hasnt been tested yet in PGPL but when he came in our defense was all over the place. He is not ready for WC at all.
Compare to Aref Aghasi performance in last camp vs Algeria and the difference is night and day. Aref is physically imposing, quick, and strong with the ball and still quite young (25). CQ does not hesistate to cut players even if they are his old favorites (jalal) and I think esp. considering Nekou's likely recommendation of his foolad player he will make the list.
Milad mohammadi not playing a single minute was huge red flag about his level. Given Jalali's performance and Hajsafi's great second game, I do not see him making the list.
12. Ezatolahi
13. Ebrahimi
14. Ali Karimi
15. Nourollahi
16. Amiri
17. Ghoddos
18. Yasin
Ezatolahi cemented his position as in the squad and starter, regardless of club situation, If he can lose a few lbs in next 50 days he will be in top shape. Incredible his level vs these opponents after so long not playing. Ali Karimi I expect to make it if he is fit. Sarlak 45 mins were terrible and CQ promptly subbed him out, do not see him making it over Ali Karimi. In his initial list CQ took 3 LBs, 4Gks. Do not seeing that being the case for WC, so there is a couple extra spots open for midfield and offensive players. Yasin can be one of those, especially if he keeps up good form with Morais. Will give us a different option at #8 position off the bench if needed.
19. Jahanbakhsh
20. Torabi
21. Gholizadeh
22. Hosseinzadeh
Torabi was huge surprise from wingers. Cemented his place in the squad and is closer to starting xi than gholizadeh who is at best a bench option for TM in WC. As mentioned with the couple additional outfield spots when you call up 3GK and not so many extra full backs you have space to call up additional winger. If hosseinzadeh gets good minutes between now and WC he can definitely be that guy. Versatile, very physical and hard runner which CQ likes.
23. Azmoun
24. Taremi
25. Ansarifard
26. Zahedi
Karim locked up his spot and will get good minutes off the bench. Played very well and is a leader. We still have space for an extra CF and I prefer Zahedi there, but alipour is also an option (and one that CQ knows so he may opt for him).
Overall not that many hard calls to make, especially with the absence of Allahyar.
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