FIFA U17 World Cup: Team Analysis – Iran (Group C)
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Loading...www.SportsStarLive.com – GOA, Group C comprises of Iran, Guinea, Germany and Costa Rica. Iran emerged runner-up in the AFC U-16 championship in Goa last year, Guinea has fielded a team after braving the Ebola virus, Germany is still on the lookout for its first title, while Costa Rica is making its 10th appearance in the event.
Iran knows what India is like!
After failing to qualify for the first eight editions, Iran took part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 2001, where it suffered three defeats and finished bottom of the group. Eight years later, the Asian side was at Nigeria 2009, where it exited in the Round of 16, losing 2-1 after extra-time to Uruguay. At UAE 2013, Iran again reached the knockout stages, but again suffered defeat, losing 4-1 to Nigeria, the eventual champion.
Road to Finals
At last year’s AFC U-16 Championship in Goa, Iran emerged runner-up, losing only on penalties to neighbouring Iraq. Team Melli scored 13 goals in all at the tournament, second only to Japan (24). In the group stages, Iran finished on top of Group A, edging the UAE on goal difference. It secured its place at the U-17 World Cup with a 5-0 thrashing of Vietnam in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Iran overcame a dogged North Korea on penalties.
Stars to watch:
Alireza Asadabadi, Allahyar Sayyad, Mohammad Sharifi and Mohammad Ghaderi all scored three goals each at last year’s AFC U-16 Championship. Sharifi, a central midfielder, currently plays for Saipa FC in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Centre forward Younes Delfi, who plays for Esteghlal Khuzestan, is also one to watch out for.
The Coach:
Abbas Chamanyan coached a number of clubs before taking charge of the Iranian U-20 national team in 2002. The following year, he took over the reins of the U-17 team for the first time, steering Team Melli to a fourth-place finish at the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship. His team missed out on qualification for the 2005 U-17 World Cup, but the 53-year-old returned to the helm last year and helped the team book its spot at India 2017 through the AFC U-16 Championship.
