Asian Cup 2019: Iran - the number one contender.

A 43-year dream

The Iranian national team has won the Asian Cup three times, in 1968, 1972, and 1976. For the past 43 years, the West Asian team has been unable to reclaim the top spot in the continent, partly due to FIFA's ban. In the last three Asian Cups, the Iranian team has been eliminated in the quarter-finals, which has left Kiomars Hashemi, President of the Iranian Football Federation, increasingly worried.

But their efforts paid off when Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia secured direct qualification for the 2018 World Cup (Australia beat Honduras for a play-off spot). Iran's tenacious performance made even the Euro 2016 champions Portugal, featuring superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, sweat it out, resulting in a 1-1 draw to secure their place in the next round. Iran finished the group stage with 4 points (winning 1-0 against Morocco, losing 0-1 to Spain, and drawing 1-1 with Portugal), a feat considered a success. Had they not been so unlucky, the Iranian national team could have reached the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

Sardar Azmoun is a candidate for the top scorer award at the 2019 Asian Cup. (Image from the internet)

Coach Carlos Queiroz possesses a generation of talented players, considered the best in the history of Iranian football. They brought 11 of the 21 players who participated in the 2018 World Cup to the 2019 Asian Cup, hoping to win the tournament. Of course, the most outstanding star on the Iranian team is none other than the Portuguese coach himself.

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

Versatile style of play

Vietnam's defense will have to pay close attention to striker Sardar Azmoun (20), who is only 23 years old and plays for Rubin Kazan in the Russian National Championship, valued at 9.5 million euros. His forte is playing as a center forward, but besides his goal-scoring ability, Sardar Azmoun often drops back to create opportunities for his teammates to score. Sardar Azmoun's basic technique is very complete, he plays with both feet and is extremely good at handling small balls in the 16.5m area, along with powerful shots.

In 77 matches for Rubin Kazan, Azmoun scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists. Wearing the Iranian national team jersey, after four years, he scored 23 goals in 38 appearances – a remarkable scoring record. Azmoun will be a contender for the Asian Cup Golden Boot, and the Vietnamese defense will be put to the test.

Besides Azmoun, another very noteworthy figure on the Iranian national team is goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. At the 2018 World Cup, the 26-year-old goalkeeper made a spectacular diving save to block Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty kick, costing Portugal a victory they could have secured. Alireza Beiranvand plays for Persepolis in the Iranian league and has been with the Iranian national team for four years, making 26 appearances. Additionally, left-back Milad Mohammadi has been playing for Akhmat Grozny for four years. He is a player known for his speed and tricky passing. Veteran midfielder P. Montazeri, 35, is also known for his unexpected one-two passes, often outmaneuvering opposing defenders.

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

Under coach Carlos Queiroz, Iran's playing style is considered much more versatile and adaptable. Not only do they rely on physical strength, but Iranian players also possess excellent attacking runs down the flanks and great speed. Many West Asian players have powerful long-range shots. When needed, they can also play short, intricate passes and quick one-two combinations, which caused considerable trouble for the Portuguese national team, often referred to as the "Brazil of Europe."

Perhaps playing against the Iranian players is a stroke of luck for Que Ngoc Hai and his teammates. Such opportunities don't come around often in a player's career. Of course, the chances of winning aren't high, but in return, we'll gain valuable match experience.

AT