Editorial: Critical times for Iran’s football

There has been very little good news in Iran’s football in the last few years to answer the aspiration of millions of passionate nation of football supporters both inside and outside of the country.

Failure after failure ending with the excruciating and humiliating exist of the U23 Olympic team by administrative and childish error by the IFF who failed to spot that a player was ineligible to play against Iraq, was the last episode of this long lasting heartbreak. The shock elimination, compounded by an actual defeat at home has left a bitter taste that could leave a lasting negative effect which could take a long time to heal.

All is not lost, however, as the appointment of the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz as the head coach of Team Melli is a unique chance to turn the fortunes of Iran’s football at a critical stage. Historically speaking, the fans can easily forget the past with an achievement such as qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz, a world renowned coach with pedigree and success at the highest level of European football experience could very well be the messiah of Iran’s football. The qualification rounds of the World biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2014, will start in earnest within a few weeks.

It is a defining moment for Iran’s football. Although the initial opposition, Maldives Islands, are not exactly a testing nor a challenging opposition , the way the team plays and the method of which Queiroz handles the team will go a long way in paving the way for the long road towards qualification to Brazil. A solid formation and utilization of players will definitely revive the confidence.

While Team Melli in the decade or so has never been overly weak in their performances, it is the last hurdles and critical matches that they have failed to deliver that were their failings. If one looks at the results of matches in continental and World Cup competitions, Team Melli has always been eliminated at the critical stages and with the lowest possible of margins. Although on the field performances of Team Melli were nothing to be ashamed of and in many cases, it was the envy of many other nations; this killing touch has abandoned them. Defensive lapses, failure to score when opportunities arises and errors of judgment were the catalyst for their last minute failures. A character like Queiroz could make a difference. The winning mentality, solid tactical plans across the match and the will to fight up to the final whistle could very well make the difference.

Team Melli has a lot at stakes in the next few months. The public support very well depends on the result of the next few months ahead. Queiroz has a lot to offer to re-energize the passion of the Iranian fans across the globe. There is no doubt that the Portuguese will face mountain of problems and acclimatization period that is necessary for any coach, his perseverance, experience and skills in man management on top of his technical ability could be the beginning of the revival of Team Melli.