Asian Cup 2015: Iain Fyfe tips Iran to win tournament if they overcome Iraq hurdle

Fox Sports – CANBERRA, Former Adelaide United defender Iain Fyfe says Iran will win the Asian Cup if they can overcome emotion and beat fierce rival Iraq in the quarter-final at Canberra Stadium on Friday.

Fyfe played in Iran’s Pro League for Mes Kerman during the 2013/2014 season.

He said seeing a black flag draped across the tunnel of his former club Mes Kerman’s stadium was a significant sign that soccer is serious business.

Soroush Rafiei and Morteza Pouraliganji celebrate Iran’s win over the UAE.

“People really underestimate how good Iran football is,” Fyfe said after spending a season with the club, which was relegated, before returning to Adelaide last year.

“The game doesn’t get the recognition it deserves outside of Iran.

“But I can tell you from personal experience, the league is massive. They have superb players that have a great technique, they are disciplined and the game means everything to the people of Iran.

“I remember at one point our team wasn’t travelling that well, we were defending well, but we couldn’t score goals.

“There was a black flag on the tunnel, I asked other players what it was all about.

“They told me “its our fans, they want us to do better.”

“The fans seemed to like me but had words with one of our Brazilian attackers.

“They are passionate and do not take losing as a way out. They surrounded the player and demanded that he performed better.

“I guess that type of pressure is relayed to the national team, that’s why they’re the best in Asia.”

But Fyfe is a rare breed.

He was one of just three Australians from the A-League to play in Iran.

Fyfe joined current Central Coast Mariners gloveman Liam Reddy (Esteghlal) and former Reds defender Milan Susak (Sepahan).

Star players Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejhad could hold the key for Iran.

Reddy left Iran in 2012 while Susak played 18 times for his club in 2013.

“I felt right to take a challenge at that stage of my career when I felt Adelaide United didn’t want me. They talked about having five stoppers at the time,’’ Fyfe said.

“So I took the opportunity.

“Some say it was courageous, a new culture, new country, but I enjoyed my time there.

“My family never came with me but it was a good life, in camps a lot of the time, playing games and the people were great.

“I feel their national team stems a culture, they don’t fear anyone and they can beat anyone.”

Fyfe, 32, is now playing for Adelaide City legend Joe Mullen’s Campbelltown City in South Australia’s NPL.

After starting his NSL career with Adelaide City, Fyfe played for Sydney Olympic, Hamilton Academical of Scotland, Sydney FC, Adelaide United and South Korea’s Busan I’Park, along with Mes Kerman.

“When I came back my intention was to play in the A-League,’’ Fyfe said.

“I’m enjoying it now with Campbelltown but in football you never know.”