{"id":47437,"date":"2022-11-12T14:53:37","date_gmt":"2022-11-12T22:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.persianfootball.com\/news\/?p=47437"},"modified":"2022-11-12T14:53:43","modified_gmt":"2022-11-12T22:53:43","slug":"iran-soccer-history-and-success-at-world-cup-1978","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.persianfootball.com\/news\/2022\/11\/12\/iran-soccer-history-and-success-at-world-cup-1978\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran soccer history and success at World Cup 1978"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

World Soccer Talk – MIAMI, The Iran soccer federation launched in Persia in 1920, but it did not reach the biggest stage until the 1978\u00a0World Cup.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One year later the Iranian Revolution took place and Iranian soccer regressed under the new regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, at its nucleus, the depths of Iran\u2019s national team are rooted in the Persian Kingdom \u2013 not the Islamic regime that has ruled the country since 1979.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rooted in Persia<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In 1926, during the Pahlavi Royal House founded by Reza Shah, the Imperial state of Persia created its first national team dubbed \u2018Tehran XI\u2019 \u2013 an amalgamation of players from two prototypical soccer clubs: Tehran FC and Armenian SC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latter, a predecessor of \u2018Ararat Tehran\u2019 \u2013 an Iranian club that prerequires players to have an Armenian bloodline. Its name, \u2018Ararat,\u2019 refers to the Biblical Mountain where Noah\u2019s ark arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between 1926 \u2013 1929, Persia\u2019s Tehran XI competed in seven matches against the Soviet Union, resulting with an under-par record of 0-1-6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1935, Reza Shah steered from Persia\u2019s moniker and declared the \u2018land of Aryans\u2019 as Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After WWII, Iran\u2019s federation became a member of FIFA in 1948.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, since international soccer halted due to a global cataclysm, an entire generation of Iranians failed to compete in major tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, from 1950 \u2013 1970, the Kingdom of Iran did not enter World Cup qualifications. However, that era gave rise to neophytes who discovered their latent talent. Soon enough, the Kingdom of Iran became three-time champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian Cheetahs \u2013 3x Asian Champions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

From 1968 \u2013 1976, the U.S.-backed Iran boasts three AFC Asian Cup Championships. Their team dubbed the \u2018Iranian Cheetahs\u2019 \u2013 an homage to the last vestige of endangered species. During that three-peat, the Cheetahs were led by Iranian French midfielder Parviz Ghelichkhani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in 1977, after 14 goals and 66 appearances, Parviz was forced by Iran\u2019s monarchy to retire from international duty for political reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This political targeted saw Parviz imprisoned for two months in 1972 and was ultimately excluded from World Cup 1978 in Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, Parviz displayed stellar performances, attracting the attention of the\u00a0San Jose Earthquakes. In 1978, he made his swan song with 16 appearances for the Bay Area outfit, donning his iconic No. 5 jersey for\u00a0The Goonies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite his absence at Argentina 1978, Parviz passed the torch to a trio: the late goalkeeper Nasser Hejazi, Persepolis winger Ali Parvin, and vaunted No. 10 from \u2018Crown FC\u2019 \u2013 Hassan Rowshan. Together, Iran was determined to make a name for themselves on soccer\u2019s grand stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Cup 1978<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In World Cup 1978, Iran donned Adidas kits and sported kangaroo leather \u2018Copa Mundial\u2019 cleats. Armed with the finest gear, the \u2018Cheetahs\u2019 drew tough opposition in their group: the Netherlands, Scotland, and Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On matchday one, Rob Rensenbrink\u2019s hat trick lifted the Dutch to a 3-0 shutout, but Team Melli did not lose their impetus. The Cheetahs embarked upon a match against a formidable Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, in that match, Iranian Armenian defender, Andranik Eskandarian, conceded his own goal in the penultimate minutes of the first half. Nevertheless, Iran retaliated in the 61st minute when a midfielder, the late Iraj Danaeifard, equalized 1-1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the game ended in a draw, the ecstatic Iranian Kingdom of soccer fanatics were immersed with buoyant spirits that their national team had earned their first goal in a World Cup, not to mention their first Group stage point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, Iranian players became overconfident. All signs pointed toward matchday three \u2013 the winner would secure an advancement into the next round. Unfortunately, Iran underestimated their opponent, a tactical and technical Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran knew that the game against Peru was a \u2018must-win\u2019 situation. Therefore, they entered the match with a relentless attack that exposed their defense. As a result, Peru capitalizes on breakaways and dead balls, proving the victor, 4-1. But Team Melli stepped off the pitch at Mario Kempes Stadium in C\u00f3rdoba, knowing they\u2019d return to an elated fanbase back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iranian players in American Soccer<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In 1978, the NASL \u2013 the now defunct American Soccer League \u2013 was equivalent to the MLS, and the New York Cosmos were its highest-profile team. Ultimately, it worked out for Andy Eskandarian. Despite conceding an \u2018own goal\u2019 against Scotland and being benched against Peru, the defender was signed by the Cosmos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, from 2003 \u2013 2010, his New Jersey-born son\u00a0Alecko Eskandarian,\u00a0scored thirty goals in 125 appearances across five MLS teams. A tenure that commenced with DC United and concluded with LA Galaxy. The University of Virginia alum currently works in MLS Player Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, the Iranian French Parviz Ghelichkhani and the Iranian Armenian Andy Eskandarian left their bi-coastal mark on American soccer. The former retired in San Jose, while the latter played center-back in 142 appearances for New York.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran\u2019s contribution to Asian soccer<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

In the 1970s, Iranian soccer displayed signs of a promising future. Players from the team were evolving their technical abilities. But, like many nations, Iranian players became masters of rudiments by emulating Johan Cruyff\u2019s \u2018Total Football\u2019 and Italy\u2019s \u2018Door-Bolt\u2019 defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 1972-1979, federation President Kambiz Atabay led Iran\u2019s national team as the winner of the 1974 Asian Games and 1976 Asian Cup. Further, Iran qualified for the 1976 Olympics and the 1978 World Cup under his watch. Not to mention Kambiz served as an AFC President throughout his oeuvre. Historically, his tenure has been the most successful of Iranian federation Presidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, due to the Islamic hijack of Iran, Kambiz Atabay\u2019s tenure ended on Feb. 17th, 1979 \u2013 six days after the Shah\u2019s dethronement. As a result, Iranian soccer toppled. Despite placing third at the 1980 Asian Cup, Iran withdrew from World Cup Spain in 1982. Further, Iran placed fourth in the 1984 edition of the Asian Cup. However, they were suspended from\u00a0World Cup Mexico 1986\u00a0due to internecine warfare with Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Quest of Redemption<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Under the US-backed Iran Kingdom, one can only wistfully wonder how much Iranian soccer could have evolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the 1980s, the absence of two World Cups stifled the progress of the 1970s. Yet, especially after showing promise in their 1978 debut, it points out that Iran could have been ahead of their current FIFA rank, 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, Carlos Queiroz\u2019s Iran has the potential to stun Group B. But unfortunately, his team is under the shadow of political unrest at home that dominates international news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should Iran succeed in Qatar and advance into the knockout stage, it could add fuel to the fire to protests at home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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