Iran vs Montenegro Player Ratings | Post Match Discussion

[euphory]

appart of everyone blaming beiranvand i think he actually did really good. there is no question that he did have 2,3 mistakes and 1 leaded to their goal but still i think he did completely fine and if we didnt have this friendly we wouldnt see his weakness. now Dan gaspar can go to work and perform magic.

and i think the team needs a bit more pace other than that i think it was a great friendly.

[toopchi]

Good game,

but PAG and Beiro were suspect. They weren't bad overall but those types of mistakes are indicative of a less professional league. Our defense is key and we cant have its pivotal players dicking around in AFC. They need to transfer to some Russian or Baltic leagues.

Beiro slipped up not just on the goal, but also on two other opportunities. First half one was the ricochet off of his foot straight into the opponent and the second half one was where he was totally out of position when the mnegro guy shot from outside the box.

[pajamNL]

most has been said, a few pointers ;

- Goalie is shaky and because of that creates danger for his defensive line, but it seems we always have problems filling in the GK gap. Punching away too much (sometimes even hitting it, not even punching), where grabbing the ball would create rest for the team.
- Midfield hasn't have enough creativity to put the play forward, becoming the first and second step towards a good attack build up
- Despite the fact that this was a good friendly opponent, we don't have to make more of it ; Montenegro is nothing close to a "solid UEFA member!" and can no way be compared to former Yugoslavia!

all in all a good test, a ok performance, but it also shown us that we are far from WC quality form (a NT that is going to play like this, isn't going to reach to knock out stage IMHO).

[pres80]

I think everyone has hit the points on the head in this thread, I just wanted to reiterate what some others have said about the Montenegro Federation and team being great hosts. They were a great opponent and very valuable for our team to play and their sportsmanship on the pitch was so nice to see as well after usually playing against hostile teams that hate us.

[Ando Teymourian]

First of all:

Iranian officials attack CQ for playing friendlies behind closed doors. Iran then plays Montenegro and the game is broadcast. IRIB doesn't show it. Just goes to show that they only want to show themselves as big, and tell people that they opposed CQ. They don't actually give a shit about what they say.

On to the game-

What can I say, we saw the difference between a solid UEFA side and our normal AFC opposition. Montenegro was fast, pacy, direct, and played with high intensity. I think this was a great test, and even better is that our boys fought hard and kept up with Montenegro. More of these types of games are exactly what we need.

I think we also saw the difference between a TM under the guidance and coaching of CQ, and what we have seen from other coaches we've had in the past. I can't help but to think that under a domestic coach, that first 15-20 mins when Montenegro was firing away at us would have destroyed our team. People truly forget how forgettable we played before CQ.

Balkan nations seems to be friendly with us, some games against Serbia, Albania, etc.. would be great as well. I am tired of playing Kuwait and Jordan lol. For THIS particular TM squad, those games serve 2 purposes now 1) No other options and we just want a friendly rather than not playing and 2) Don't want a super high intensity game, but a proper warm up (this would be good as something before the WC as a light match). Though i will say that some of our B players or more inexperienced players can still benefit from playing the AFC opponents.

Good game and good result overall by the squad. I think everyone played well at certain points and did their job.

And a hats off to Montenegro for being great hosts, from facilities to the actual game. I was in Montenegro last year and it's a truly beautiful place with friendly people. Good luck to them in the rest of their campaign, I've had an eye on their games so far and these guys are no pushover.

[Ghermez Agha]

Great test and great response by the team overall. It was particularly pleasing to see Torabi make such a great return, rezaeian maintain great form despite not playing a game of football in over a month and young AK had a very impressive 2nd cap. Lots of good takeaways

Our D did look a bit out of sync and unorganized for a few minutes in the end of the 1st half but we tightened it up back there in the second half.

I know I sound like a broken record at this point but beiro's elementary mistakes are very shocking. I can't comprehend how a TM goalie can make the mistake of slapping the ball away instead of punching it away. And he also failed to make an easy catch that could have easily resulted in a goal but luckily that second shot on his double save went right to him. He is my only concern going forward....he makes very, very bad mistakes and doesn't seem to learn from them. I forget who made the comparison to mirzapour and it first I thought that was a bit of a stretch but that's exactly what beiro is becoming.

If I'm CQ I would have to heavily consider starting young AK after this performance....he finished off the season in fine form and showed tons of class today.

[RaginG Inferno]

Montenegro is a good, serious side. Their WCQ results have shown that. To beat them so well at their home is impressive.

Well done to the boys, and CQ.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

thats pretty much what is saw too...!


Ps
Ansarifard back to being his old self, lost, lousy and invisible..! rightly subbed out at HT.
Figured Reza would be too soft and wouldnt fair well in this game, vs strong, physical opponents and he sure didnt ..!
almost glad HajSafi got injured ?? so AK6 or someone else get some meaningful minutes in LM ..!!
Glad Torabi had himself a decent showing, this kid badly needs some European Refinements in order to become a reliable, go to WC Winger for us.
if he stays put in iran, ARJ and others will keep him nailed to the bench and he may not even make the traveling squad. this off season he needs to become pro-active about a transfer to Europe a la MilMo, or i doubt he will make the WC..!
Beiro badly needs to work on his Positioning and decision during crosses and hopefully he will never make another such stupid mistake as today, on the conceded goal. He looked damn good in other areas of keeping and tbh, we simply have no one even close to replacing him as number 1, for now..!!
that was a real tough Debut match for Aghaie who struggled as expected. surprised he stayed on for so long..!
he got bit better as game wore on and as he got more support but still didnt impress enough...!!
Ashkan seemed awful rusty(for obvious reasons) and still not comfortable in operating in middle, he probably woulda been better off brought on from the bench today..!?
PAG had a rough day overall ..! his positioning was horrid in this game, and he got caught out of place quiet a few times almost costing us a goal or two..! off course twice got carded out on LW trying to cover for Aghaie, one being a dumb, frustration foul, other a likely goal-saving, professional foul that resulted in 2nd yellow and his marching orders..!
that was an Excellent test match..!! we finally had our organized team defense and keeper too this time around, properly tested vs a quick passing, strong and dangerous opponents..!
dame Montenegro federation garm for giving us this much needed quality friendly..!
overall we played a well organized, solid team football, regardless of many changes to our usual starting lineups. I feel pretty confident of a win vs uzbeks now..!

Ajjab "ps" e toolaniyee... Agha Jan!


main message is 0.1% of the ps...

[Mr.Click]

full game

[perspolis#1]

We have to learn from this.

I wont go into our strengths today as they were obvious.

Weaknesses:

1) Tempo in the midfield. Sometimes when I watch IPL I see players jogging in the midfield and passes between players so weak the ball slows down and stoos before it gets to the next player. I saw that in some of our passing.

Montenegro had quick crisp powerful passes to each other. I know we are not the fastest operating team but WC level is fast. CQ parked the bus against Nigeria because he saw no way we could match their tempo.

2) Scrambles. Beiranvand needs to clean his box up or PAG and Montazeri need to master emergency defending. In the WC, poachers will score every loose ball.

3) Crosses. Dejagah either overhit it or underhit it.
Except Azmouns post header. Rezaians were ok. Against Asian teams we are strong on setpieces. We need to improve so we are a threat to Europe too.

4) MATCH PRACTICE.

We need to beat Uzbekistan. We can use Korea/Syria to figure or our fring players and new formations. Then as a prep we should play two teams in Europe at Montenegro level(even them again maybe) two African teams, and two outliers. I'm ok with the outlier being Japan/South American team etc any combo that challenges us.

Like I said if we beat Uzbekistan on June 12th...IFF better start calling teams on June 13th.

[rdwrrr]

Iran Starters for Uzbekistan
Biravand
Rezaian
Montazeri
Pouraliganji
Mohammadi
Dejagah
Ezzatollahi
Ali Karimi
Torabi
Azmoun
Taremi

[BacheLot]

Firstly I would like to discuss the game overall. Lets put one thing to rest...Montenegro are a very good and have shown it as they are second in their Qualifying group behind poland. They have beaten a strong Danish side, and narrowly lost to poland, as their big results so far. Jovetic, Savic, Basa, Vucinic ( a bit old now) are all top, top players. They also have some promising young players in lower leagues (Bundesliga 2, Croatian league, etc). They were very physical today and ref gave no protection at all. Therefore I was very impressed that our team did not get bullied, and in the end definitely out muscled montenegro. We showed that if teams want to go physical, we have the personnel and attitude to deal with that too.

Now onto our performance.We lined up with ansarifard on the left, dejagah at CAM, and torabi on the right. First 15 minutes, we were on top. Moving ball very well, switching play,bipassing their high press, and creating chances. Hajsafi had an excellent cross field switch to rezaian, who layed it off to torabi. Then torabi twists and turns and leaves the montenegro defense for dead, and sharply cuts it back for sardar who one times it in. Then montenegro amped up pressure. Ansarifard was not heling aghaei nearly enough and left him exposed. We ended up too deep, and hajsafi was clearly struggling with an injury. eventually pressure told after some great clearances by our centre backs. Cross from aghaei's side because of lack of pressure on their winger, Beiranvand with a really shitty punch, and their player lays it back to jovetic who puts in the corner.
After that we picked it up again, and with Hajsafi leaving the pitch, Ali karimi came in and immediately we regained control. Dejagah got much mroe involved and we were unlucky not score with azmoun hitting inside of post with a great header from dejagah cross. Ezatolahi also had a stunning freekick from long range tipped over. Second half we made some subs, with milad coming in for ansarifard at left wing to provide additional cover for aghaei. Dejagah also was subbed (prob cuz he is just coming back from not playing for months) and gucci came in and we went 4-4-2. We controlled much of the play in the second half, and it showed with a great second goal. Karimi with a cross field through ball, rezaian lays it off with a header, and sardar volleys home with a half-bike. Could have scored again through sardar, or gucci who curled a nice one that went narrowly wide after sardar's lay off. Red card was not a red card from Ganji, but whatever. We didn't seem to troubled with 10 men until last 3 minutes where beiranvand made a good save from a long range strike.

This game had everything. A good opponent, who played very physical. Some top quality players for our boys to test themselves against. And a semi-hostile atmosphere. Plus we got put into a very realistic situation that could occur at WC (10 men) and dealt with that well. Also many guys played (Aghaei, Pahlevan, Ali karimi, pourghaz_ who normally do not so we got to see some new personnel, tactics.
Ratings

Beiranvand - 6.5 . One bad play that led to the goal. But other than that one of his best performances. Many crucial saves, and looked confident on crosses apart from the goal. Kicking could have been slightly better at times.

Rezaian - 7.5. Defended very well and was excellent going forward. Always an option with his runs. He looks in top shape for a guy who hasnt played club football, or a competetive game in almost two months.

Montazeri - 6 . Had some very good interceptions and blocks from crosses, but wasnt very good on the ball and struggled in the 20 minute spel where montenegro dominated.

Pag - 6 . Same as montazeri. He was out of position for red card, but on the ball he was good, carrying it out back well.

Aghaei - 5.5 . His debut against a good team too, he did okay. Let down by ansarifard not helping him at all defensively in the first half. Seems like a fairly quick, physical player who can be a good backup to MiMo. Didnt add much going forward, but looked much better when milad was infront of him giving additional support.

Ezatolahi - 8. Excellent performance, this is the ezatolahi we know and not the one that we saw with Anji. He was quick on the ball, switched play constantly, and took minimal touches. Defensively he was very good as well, and was able to deal with physicality of montenegro, and even bully them off the ball

Hajsafi. 6. Did well early on, then picked up injury but stayed on and was clearly struggling, giving away ball so was subbed.

-------Ali Karimi - 8.Came in for Hajsafi. Excellent in possession. Great range of passing, very assured on the ball, and smart defensively. Him and saeid are our future in defensive midfield. Hopefully he gets a starting spot next year at Dinamo and then he will start in WC.

Torabi - 7.5 . Great performance from a really bright player. Assist for sardar was brilliant. At times he dribbled too much and gave the ball away. If he gets to europe he will be a starter for many years to come. He has it all, technique, physicality, and endurance.

Dejagah. 6.5. Played as CAM. Did well in first 15 linking up play. Struggled when montenegro dominated, and gave ball away a lot. Later in the half when we regained control, he played a big part. Good set piece delivery as well. Lets remember he is just coming back from a long injury lay off and has only played 20 mins for Wolfsburg since his return

Ansarifard. - 5. He tried to make things happen in possession, but gave ball away too much. But his defensive work is what his rating is about. Played at LW, and gave little to no support to first time starter Aghaei. Subbed at half, probably for this very reason.

Azmoun - 8.5. Converted 2 out of 4 chances. one hit the bar, and other missed one on one. His first goal was instinctual and good positioning, second goal very acrobatic. Looked very confident. Did not over dribble as in previous matches. Had some good linking up with gucci, almost grabbed an assist. This guy is a special talent, lets hope he makes the right move this summer.
Subs : Gucci - 6.5. Played one half, nearly scored with a curling effort. But didnt get a lot of service.

Mimo -7 . Helped aghaei a lot , and was dangerous going forward. Played on the right wing a bit too. Im sure he will return to left back for most of our future matches .

Pahlevan - 6.5. solid. Made sure to help aghaei when he came on. Had some decent dribbling going forward and was good in possession. He will need to really be special next season with zob ahan to make potential WC squad. Kaveh Rezaei, Saman Ghoddos could take his place.

Purghaz - 7 Limited time on the pitch, but sured up defense. Sepahan is a good move for him, he will get to play for a big team and with a higher level coach in Kranjcar. He is a good defensive option to have, and im sure he will be in squad for WC. CQ was right about him all along when many of us questioned his spot on the roster.

I think CQ will focus his analysis on our poor 20 minutes in first half when we lost control. We dropped too deep and didnt keep the ball. Other than that we deserved to win. . Good job to all the players and coaching staff. Lets finish the job against uzbekistan. If we do, see you all in russia ( I will be there) !

thats pretty much what is saw too...!
Ps
Ansarifard back to being his old self, lost, lousy and invisible..! rightly subbed out at HT.
Figured Reza would be too soft and wouldnt fair well in this game, vs strong, physical opponents and he sure didnt ..!
almost glad HajSafi got injured ?? so AK6 or someone else get some meaningful minutes in LM ..!!
Glad Torabi had himself a decent showing, this kid badly needs some European Refinements in order to become a reliable, go to WC Winger for us.
if he stays put in iran, ARJ and others will keep him nailed to the bench and he may not even make the traveling squad. this off season he needs to become pro-active about a transfer to Europe a la MilMo, or i doubt he will make the WC..!
Beiro badly needs to work on his Positioning and decision during crosses and hopefully he will never make another such stupid mistake as today, on the conceded goal. He looked damn good in other areas of keeping and tbh, we simply have no one even close to replacing him as number 1, for now..!!
that was a real tough Debut match for Aghaie who struggled as expected. surprised he stayed on for so long..!
he got bit better as game wore on and as he got more support but still didnt impress enough...!!
Ashkan seemed awful rusty(for obvious reasons) and still not comfortable in operating in middle, he probably woulda been better off brought on from the bench today..!?
PAG had a rough day overall ..! his positioning was horrid in this game, and he got caught out of place quiet a few times almost costing us a goal or two..! off course twice got carded out on LW trying to cover for Aghaie, one being a dumb, frustration foul, other a likely goal-saving, professional foul that resulted in 2nd yellow and his marching orders..!


that was an Excellent test match..!! we finally had our organized team defense and keeper too this time around, properly tested vs a quick passing, strong and dangerous opponents..!
dame Montenegro federation garm for giving us this much needed quality friendly..!

overall we played a well organized, solid team football, regardless of many changes to our usual starting lineups. I feel pretty confident of a win vs uzbeks now..!

[GolfePersique]

with proper service provided, he can become a world class player. Time to make the big move now, as he's clearly beyond the Russian league.

[koush22]

I think Azmoun showed the agents of the world what he can do with a team that plays offensively unlike rostov.

[GolfePersique]

and f*** IRIB.

a bunch of losers.