Asian Cup 2019: Iran - No. 1 candidate

43 years dream

Iran won the Asian Cup three times in 1968, 1972 and 1976. Over the past 43 years, the West Asian team has been unable to regain the number 1 position in the continent, partly due to the FIFA ban. In the last three Asian Cups, Iran stopped at the quarter-finals, which made Mr. Kiomars Hashemi, President of the country's Football Federation, even more restless.

But their efforts paid off when Iran, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia won direct tickets to the 2018 World Cup (Australia beat Honduras to secure a wild card). Iran stubbornly made Euro 2016 champions Portugal, led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, "sweat" to a 1-1 draw to secure a ticket to the next round. Iran finished the group stage with 4 points (won Morocco 1-0, lost to Spain 0-1, drew with Portugal 1-1) which is considered a success. If not for their bad luck, the Iranian team could have reached the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

Sardar Azmoun is the candidate for the top scorer of the 2019 Asian Cup. Photo from the internet

Coach Carlos Queiroz is currently in possession of a talented squad of players who are considered the best in the history of Iranian football. They brought 11 out of 21 players who participated in the 2018 World Cup to the 2019 Asian Cup in the hope of winning the tournament. Of course, the most prominent star on the Iranian team is none other than the Portuguese coach.

With a resume as assistant coach to MU, Real and having led Portugal (1991-1993, 2008-2010), the United Arab Emirates (1998-1999), South Africa (2000-2002), he is the most promising name among the 24 coaches at the 2019 Asian Cup. Many Vietnamese audiences who are fans of MU will have the opportunity to watch Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant test his skills against Mr. Park Hang-seo.

The changing way of playing

The Vietnamese defense will have to pay close attention to striker Sardar Azmoun (20), only 23 years old, currently playing for Rubin Kazan Club in the Russian National Championship, with a transfer market value of 9.5 million euros. His forte is playing as a striker, but in addition to his ability to score, this young player often drops back to create goals for his teammates. Sardar Azmoun's basic technique is very complete, he plays with both feet and is extremely good at handling small areas in the 16.5m area, along with powerful shots.

In 77 matches for Rubin Kazan, Azmoun scored 17 goals and contributed 14 assists. In Iran's shirt, after 4 years playing for the national team, this player has 23 goals after 38 appearances, an impressive scoring efficiency. Azmoun will be a candidate for the title of top scorer of the Asian Cup and the Vietnamese defense will be challenged.

In addition to Azmoun, another notable face on the Iranian national team is goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. At the 2018 World Cup, this 26-year-old goalkeeper had an excellent diving save from Cristiano Ronaldo, causing Portugal to lose the victory that was within reach. Alireza Beiranvand is playing for Persepolis Club in the Iranian championship, has played for the Iranian national team for 4 years, appearing in 26 matches. In addition, left-back Milad Mohammadi has been playing for Akhmat Grozny Club for 4 years. This is a player with a fast playing style, and passes with a very annoying trajectory. The 35-year-old veteran midfielder P. Montazeri is also a player with unexpected passes, often twisting the opposing defender's flank.

Coach Carlos Queiroz is one of the most promising coaches in Asia. Photo: Internet

Under coach Carlos Queiroz, Iran's style of play is said to be much more versatile. Not only do they play with a strong style of play, Iranian players also possess very good wing attacks and speed. Many West Asian players have long shots like cannons. When needed, they play small, smooth, and pass quickly, which has caused the Portuguese national team, considered the "Brazil of Europe", to suffer.

Perhaps playing against Iranian players is a lucky chance for Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates. Not every player has such an opportunity in their life. Of course, the chances of winning are not high, but in return, we will gain more battle experience.