FIFA U-17 World Cup: Iran on the path to history

Mumbai Mirror – MUMBAI, This has been Team Melli’s best performance at the Under-17 World Cup, and they want to make the most of it.

At this point of time, Iran look unstoppable at the ongoing Under-17 World Cup.

Barring their scrappy pre-quarterfinal match against Mexico, Team Melli has been impressive during the tournament.

Their 10 goals in the three group stage matches showed what could be in store. Reaching the last eight is the best result for Iran in the history of the competition and continues a remarkable road to success.

Coach Abbas Chamanian has an outstanding achievement of helping one of five Iranian national teams to qualify for five different FIFA tournaments in 2016-2017.

But then, what are the reasons behind this success?

“Our first objective is to keep a clean sheet,” defensive maestro Taha Shariati told FIFA.com.

And it was quite evident. In every game the Irani youngsters followed strict discipline. If the opponent has the ball, players are glued in their own half to deny any opening.

“Our second objective is to score a goal, and our third objective is to defend our advantage and win the match,” Shariati added.

Hawkish approach

Team Melli patiently wait for the opposition to make mistake, and once they win the ball, the forward moves at a lightning speed with minimum passes.

Strikers Younes Delfi and Allahyar Sayyad come into their own as the target comes into view, while the entire team can track back just as quickly if they lose possession.

Team spirit comes to the fore, while individual talent takes a back seat. During the warm-up, substitutes applaud the starting 11 as they complete their final exercise. A loud cheer of encouragement goes up from inside the changing room before the players make their way towards the pitch.

“We are one team, and we can only succeed with solidarity and team spirit!” said suspended captain Mohammad Ghobeishavi.

In all four matches that Iran have played in this tournament, they’ve never bothered about possession. Despite this, they have remained in control of every game. “Although spending so much time behind the ball definitely saps your energy,” said Mohammad Sharifi.

Finally, they have the right players in the right places.

While Sharifi shone in central midfield in Iran’s first game, strike duo Sayyad and Delfi stood out against Germany. Ghobeishavi was the team’s lynchpin in the encounter with Costa Rica before goalkeeper Ali Gholam Zadeh kept Mexico at bay with a series of impressive saves.

Despite their overarching focus on teamwork, the Iranians have a heady mix of genuinely strong individuals in several key positions that could yet allow them to go all the way. “We have our sights set on reaching the final and winning the World Cup,” said Shariati.