[Four Four Two] Australia vs. Iran 20 years on: Where are they now?

Four Four Two – MELBOURNE,It’s 20 years to the day that the Socceroos blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Iran at the MCG and miss out on 1998 World Cup qualification in cruel circumstances.

IRAN

Ahmadreza Abedzadeh

The goalkeeper known as ‘the Eagle of Asia’ has worked in coaching since retiring in 2000, including a spell with the Los Angeles Blues. Most recently worked as Rah Ahan goalkeeping coach in 2015.

Mohammad Khakpour

Finished his playing career in New York in 2000. Coached Steel Azin in 2010 and 2011 and was Iran’s Under-23 technical director before taking over as head coach in 2014 for their 2016 Olympic campaign.

Reza Shahroudi

Dabbled as an assistant coach, with roles at Damash Iranian, Kowsar and Steel Azin, where he reunited with Khakpour.

Afshin Peyrovani

Another one in coaching and another one who has worked at Steel Azin. Also had the glamour job at top dog at Iranian giants Persepolis but was dropped to assistant to Portuguese boss Nelo Vingada before getting sacked altogether.

Khodadad Azizi

The man who scored the equaliser has worked in numerous head coaching roles in his native land, most recently with Iran Pro League side Siah Jamegan whom he left earlier this year.

Karim Bagheri

The man who scored Iran’s first goal at the MCG has held the position as Persepolis’ assistant coach for the past two years, having worked with the club in 2012 and 2013 too.

Ali Daei

Former Asian Footballer of the Year is a huge personality in Iran, owning clothing company Daei Sports and promising an autobiography in 2008 which is yet to be released. Has been sidetracked in coaching, including a gig as Iran’s coach in 2008 and 2009.

Mehdi Mahdavikia

Another former Asian Footballer of the Year who caused controversy in Iran in 2005 when he practised bigamy, but quickly divorced. Spent a long part of his playing career in Germany and is currently Hamburg SV II assistant coach.

Hamid Reza Estili

Retired in 2004 and went straight into an assistant coaching role at Persepolis. Following that had stints as head coach at Steel Azin (another!), Shahin Bushehr, Persepolis, Rah Ahan and most recently Malavan.

Mehdi Pashazadeh

Retired in 2007 after four years playing in Austria and worked initially as a coach there with Admira Wacker II. Has jumped between coaching gigs but currently leads second tier Nassaji Mazadaran.

Naeem Saadavi

Former first-team coach of Iran’s Under-23’s side and also had roles at Persepolis and most recently former club Foolad, whom let him go earlier this year.

Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi

Retired in 2006 and had a spell as assistant coach at Gostaresh.

Ali Reza Mansourian

Another one who been largely a coach post-playing career and came close to winning the Iranian title in 2017 in charge of Esteghlal. Has since departed. Also briefly was Iran’s caretaker boss in 2011 prior to Carlos Queiroz’s appointment.

Ebrahim Tahami

Has held a long association with Esteghlal Ahvaz, working as caretaker boss for the club three times, such as the ruthless nature of coaching in Iran.

Valdeir Vieira

Brazilian boss is now 73 and hasn’t coached since 2014 when he led Kyoto Sanga to a midtable finish in Japan’s second tier. Has held positions in Bahrain, Morocco, Kuwait and Oman since Iran.