Striker makes Queiroz cut to fulfil spiker dad’s dream

The Indian Express – BEGANLURU, A big crowd of young Iranians surrounded 20-year-old Iran striker Sardar Azmoun for selfies. Not surprisingly, though, for his brilliant match-winner against Qatar in the Asian Cup in January not only gave Iran full points but made him a national hero.

Russian side Rubin Kazan signed the precocious talent when he was only 18. Azmoun had not even made his debut in the Iran pro league at that point in time. His meteoric rise started when he made it to the national U-17 and U-20 teams.

Azmoun’s dad Khalil was a former Iranian national volleyball team player. “Dad represented Iran in volleyball. But it was his dream that I play football for the national team. I am happy that I have managed to fulfill my father’s and my dreams,” said Azmoun.

Their Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz did not include him in the list of players for World Cup 2014. But he was selected for the Asian Cup and there has been no looking back.

“We are confident of doing well against India. We know that the Indians are making good progress in football. We respect them and will play to potential,” Azmoun said through an interpreter after the team’s practice session on Sunday.

Touted to be the next Ali Daei of Iranian football, Azmoun felt the team was in good shape and will do well. “We have been working well and have no injury problems. It is just that the players are a little tired after the game against Guam and the travel,” said Azmoun.

Azmoun and teammate Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who plays for NEC Nijmegen in the Dutch league, are considered to be hot property in Iran as well as in Asia. But Azmoun is unfazed by all the adulation. “Jahanbakhsh and me have been doing well. We are great friends and hope to serve the country for a long period of time,” said Azmoun.