English Football News For Iranian

[محمدجواد]

Persepolis wins fifth game in a row
Persepolis football team defeated Moghavemat of Shiraz on Friday gaining its fifth victory in a row

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Ali Daei’s outfit beat Moghavemat 2-1 at the Hafezieh Stadium and returned to third place in the Iran Professional League (IPL) standings.

Mohsen Khalili put Persepolis ahead in the 22nd minute from a set-piece. Tiago Alves Fraga scored Persepolis’ second goal with a long range shoot just seconds before the halftime.

Moghavemat was dominant in the second half, nevertheless Persepolis keeper Misagh Memarzadeh had a heroic performance in the match. Iman Mousavi finally pulled a goal back with a header in the added time.

“Persepolis won a difficult match against Moghavemat of Shiraz. We were the better team in the first half but they played better after the break. Persepolis needed this victory to stay in the title race,” Daei said in the post match news conference.

Persepolis is third in the IPL standings table with 46 points. Isfahani teams Sepahan and Zob Ahan are first and second respectively with 55 and 49 points.

[محمدجواد]

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KUALA LUMPUR: The AFC has confirmed the squad lists for the AFC Champions League 2010 as provided by participating clubs.

The tournament features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four – four in the East and four in the West. The top two teams in each group, after a round-robin, advance to the Round of 16.

The first round of group matches take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

To view the squad lists, please click on the following links.

Group A
Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=629&teamID=6&id=0)
Al Gharafa (Qatar) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=629&teamID=155&id=0)
Al Jazira (UAE) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=629&teamID=153&id=0)
Esteghlal (Iran) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=629&teamID=154&id=0)

Group B
Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=630&teamID=365&id=0)
Al Wahda (UAE) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=630&teamID=4&id=0)
Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=630&teamID=367&id=0)
Zobahan (Iran) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=630&teamID=563&id=0)

Group C
Al Ain (UAE) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=631&teamID=562&id=0)
Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=631&teamID=366&id=0)
Sepahan (Iran) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=631&teamID=152&id=0)
Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=631&teamID=375&id=0)

Group D
Al Ahli (UAE) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=632&teamID=156&id=0)
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=632&teamID=364&id=0)
Al Sadd (Qatar) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=632&teamID=5&id=0)
Mes Kerman (Iran)
(http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=632&teamID=561&id=0)
Group E
Beijing Guoan (China) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=633&teamID=150&id=0)
Kawasaki Frontale (Japan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=633&teamID=372&id=0)
Melbourne Victory (Australia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=633&teamID=11&id=0)
Seongnam Ilhwa (Korea Republic) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=633&teamID=560&id=0)

Group F
Changchun Yatai (China) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=634&teamID=7&id=0)
Jeonbuk Motors (Korea Republic) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=634&teamID=558&id=0)
Kashima Antlers (Japan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=634&teamID=371&id=0)
Persipura (Indonesia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=634&teamID=559&id=0)

Group G
Gamba Osaka (Japan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=635&teamID=370&id=0)
Henan Jianye (China) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=635&teamID=557&id=0)
Singapore Armed Forces (Singapore) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=635&teamID=256&id=0)
Suwon Bluewings (Korea Republic) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=635&teamID=378&id=0)

Group H
Adelaide United (Australia) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=636&teamID=110&id=0)
Pohang Steelers (Korea Republic) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=636&teamID=377&id=0)
Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=636&teamID=586&id=0)
Shandong Luneng (China) (http://www.the-afc.com/en/schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=384&roundID=484&groupID=636&teamID=148&id=0)

[محمدجواد]

Sepahan captain Moharram Navidkia will be out of action for three weeks due to injury.

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The 27-year-old player pulled a hamstring during the 3-0 win against Kaveh of Tehran in Iran’s Hazfi (Elimination) Cup on Saturday.

Navidkia will miss Wednesday’s Asian Champions League match against Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

[محمدجواد]

Iran’s Esteghlal and Zob Ahan will meet their Asian rivals in the AFC Champions League group stage tomorrow.

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Esteghlal is to play Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia in Group A at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. The Iranian twice winners of the former Asian Club Championship, who has no chance of winnig the domestic league, is concentrating on the competitions to get through to the next stage.

Zob Ahan will host the UAE league leaders Al Wahda in Group B.
The Isfahani team defeated the first-placed Sepahan last week and boosted its chance to win Iran Professional League. Zob Ahan will meet Al Wahda at the Foolad Shahr Stadium.

Match Day 1 - Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Group A:
Al Ahli (KSA) v Esteghlal (IRN), Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah 
Al Jazira (UAE) v Al Gharafa (QAT), Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Group B:
Zob Ahan (IRN) v Al Wahda (UAE), Foolad Shahr Stadium, Esfahan 
Bunyodkor (UZB) v Al Ittihad (KSA), Jar Stadium, Tashkent

Group E:
Seongnam Ilhwa (KOR) v Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Tancheon Sports Complex, Seongnam 
Beijing Guoan (CHN) v Melbourne Victory (AUS), Workers Stadium, Beijing

Group F:
Kashima Antlers (JPN) v Changchun Yatai (CHN), Kashima Soccer Stadium, Ibaraki Prefecture 
Persipura Jayapura (IDN) v Jeonbuk Motors (KOR), Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta

[محمدجواد]

The official draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2011 Finals will be held on Friday, April 23, 2010, here in the capital of Qatar.

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This decision was taken at the 8th meeting of the AFC Asian Cup Organising Committee which met here on Monday under the chairmanship of AFC Vice-President Zhang Jilong.

The members discussed a number of issues to pave the path for the January 7-29 Asian football extravaganza next year. At the outset, Zhang welcomed new committee member Asad Taqi of Kuwait. “We are very happy to have Asad Taqi in our committee and his vast experience will help us as we aim to organise a good tournament,” said the chairman.

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam emphasised the importance of this particular meeting and called upon the members to explore ways and means to enhance the commercial image of the AFC Asian Cup. “We are delighted to see the progress in the organisation of the AFC Asian Cup. I am very happy to see the firm commitment of the Local Organising Committee,” said Bin Hammam.

“The AFC Asian Cup is the jewel in the crown of AFC competitions and we want to see the tournament develop commercially as well as from the view point of organisation.

The AFC President stressed on pricing the tickets in a range that would be affordable and attractive to all sections of the Qatari population.

“We want the AFC Asian Cup to be a catalyst for the development of grassroots football as well as leave a rich legacy behind for the host nation.”

The members discussed in detail the marketing and promotion plans, ticketing and pricing, the final draw preparations and the draw mechanics.

AFC ASIAN CUP 2011
TEAMS QUALIFIED TILL DATE

AFC Asian Cup 2007: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic (All three teams have a bye to the main competition)
AFC Challenge Cup 2008: India
AFC Challenge Cup 2010: TBC
Hosts: Qatar
Group A: Japan, Bahrain
Group B: TBC on Match Day 6 on March 3
Group C: Uzbekistan, UAE
Group D: China PR, Syria
Group E: IR Iran, TBC on Match Day 6 on March 3

Match day 6 is scheduled for 3rd March 2010.

[محمدجواد]

Sepahan coach Amir Ghalenoei is confident the Iranians' extensive AFC Champions League experience will be enough to carry them past Al Shabab at King Fahd International Stadium on Wednesday.

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Sepahan were runners-up in the 2007 edition – during which they met their Saudi opponents in the group stage - and go into the Group C contest in buoyant mood in light of the fact they top the Pro League by six points.

“We are better as we have about six years experience in this championship and we have faced different teams from different countries. So we know who to deal with our opponents on Wednesday.” Said Ghalenoei (pictured).

“I know Al Shabab very well and we face almost the same squad from two years ago.

“This is a very important match for us because it is our first game this year in the competition and we are facing a team that play a modern style of football on their home ground.

“We have finalised our tactics to stop an Al Shabab side that boast good players with good skills who play together as a team.”

Al Shabab reached the last 16 of last season's competition but are set to be without Libyan midfielder Tariq Al Taib and Saudi defenders Naif Al Qadi and Abdul Aziz Al Yousif through injury.

However, coach Jaime Pacheco has researched their opponents extensively and has called on his side to cut out the individual errors if they are to triumph over the Iranian powerhouses.

“Based on the information that we gathered on Sepahan, we know that they have a very strong squad with perfect tactics and I was in contact with my countryman Nelo Vingada and he told me that Iranian football is very good,” he said.

“Both sides have weak and strong points. It is true that we lost Crown Prince Cup in Saudi Arabia due to a mistake but we will concentrate on this championship.”

Al Shabab midfielder Ahmed Atif added that the Saudi outfit were determined to avenge the two defeats from two years ago when the sides renew acquaintances.

“Sepahan defeated us but we will do our best to make a perfect start in the championship.” Atif said

[محمدجواد]

Al Ahli coach Sergio Farias apologised after his new charges suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Iran champions Esteghlal in Tuesday's AFC Champions League opener.

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Farhad Majidi scored scored in either half for Esteghlal Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah before substitute Hassan Al Raheb, pictured being consoled by Al Ahli President Abdul Aziz Al Anqari, grabbed a late consolation for the home side.

Farias won the AFC Champions League with Korea Republic's Pohang Steelers last season, but Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli were always playing catch up after Majidi's header opened the scoring after just 12 minutes.

“I apologise to the fans for the defeat,” said Farias

“The fans showed a lot of effort and passion during the whole match, but we were not lucky.

“We had several chances, but when you do not score in football you will lose.”

Esteghlal goalkeeper Mohammad Mohammadi was in particularity good form to keep out the home side for the majority of the contest and crucially saved Marcinho’s 68th minute penalty before an unmarked Majidi doubled Esteghlal's lead eight minutes later with a second header.

Mohammadi did lose his clean sheet but Al Raheb's 86th minute header was of little consolation to Al Ahli and Farias.

“I know that AFC Champions League matches are difficult and require concentration for the entire 90 minutes,” added Farias.

“But I think what happened was due to the lack of experience of my players.”

Esteghlal coach Samad Marfavi insisted beforehand he had done his homework on Al Ahli and his hard work paid off as his side joined Al Gharafa at the top of Group A after the Qatar League leaders beat Al Jazira 2-1 in Abu Dhabi.

“We have monitored Al Ahli for a long time and this is the reason behind the win,” said former Esteghlal striker Marfavi.

“We must now show our best during the remaining matches and we will do our best to secure an early qualification for the next round.”

In the next round of fixtures on March 9, Esteghlal entertain Al Jazira, while Al Ahli travel to Al Gharafa.

[محمدجواد]

Zob Ahan coach Mansour Ebrahimzadeh felt his side's clinical edge proved the difference as they began their AFC Champions League Group B campaign with a 1-0 win over Al Wahda.

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Igor Castro's second-half header ultimately separated the two sides at Foolad Shahr Stadium as the Brazilian broke the deadlock in a hard-fought encounter on the hour mark to ensure the Iranians collected all three points.

The hosts then managed to keep the Al Wahda at bay to close out the game and get their continental assault off to an encouraging start.

“I would like to congratulate all my players and the fans for this victory, it was natural we were a little bit on the back foot trying to keep our lead intact for the rest of the game after we scored,” he said.

“I confess that they also created some goal scoring chances but this is football. They failed to convert their opportunities, we didn't.

“We also made some mistakes in the game, mainly in trying to gain possession, and we really have to improve in the next games and do our best not to repeat such mistakes."

It was a welcome three points for the Iranians after finding themselves drawn in a group that also contains Uzbekistan giants Bunyodkor and last season's finalists Al Ittihad.

"It's true that we have been slotted into the group of death in the AFC Champions League this year but I would prefer to call it the group of life,” added Ebrahimzadeh (pictured)

"We are only aiming to reach the final rounds of the tournament. Zob Ahan fans will not be satisfied with just qualifying from the group stage, so we are really thinking of making it into the final rounds.

“The further we can progress, the better for sure.”

Al Wahda coach Josef Hickerberger, meanwhile, was magnanimous in defeat.
"It was a good game,” he said.

“Zob Ahan were mainly trying to defend their lead and they were able to do that. We did miss some good chances. Anyway, I shall congratulate them for this victory.

"I believe the 1-0 result was fair. This match is finished and we cannot do anything about the result now, so we have to focus on subsequent matches"

However the Austrian felt his side – who came through the play-offs to reach this year's tournament - were hindered by adverse conditions

"I was not completely satisfied with the condition of the pitch,” he added.

“My players said they grass was rather slippery and that was why they could not control the ball properly. Also the weather was windy, which caused problems for us."

[محمدجواد]

Mes Kerman coach Luka Bonacic is counting on a successful AFC Champions League run to provide the inspiration for his side to secure their top-flight future in Iran.

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Mes go into the Group D clash with Al Ahli at Shahid Bahonar Stadium on the back of a poor domestic season that sees them mired in relegation trouble.

While the visit of the UAE side may provide a welcome distraction for the players, Boncic (pictured) hopes a positive result will kick-start their survival bid.

“Fortunately I have enough experience in the Asian Champions League competition but unfortunately Mes is not currently in good situation,” said the 54-year-old, who took Mes' Iranian rivals Sepahan to the final of the 2007 AFC Champions League.

“My team is now like someone treading on thin ice, the situation is rather unstable. These are not ordinary circumstances but we still do our best to produce an impeccable performance in the continental competition.

“You know, the motivation comes from the name, it’s held at an international level, that’s enough motivation for our players to give their best efforts to perform well.

“After getting the result we want from Wednesday's game, we’ll then focus again on the domestic league matches to try to survive.

“I have been trying to reinforce the defence. I know we have conceded many goals already but I’m still working on this weakness.”

However, Bonacic may have to do without key striker Edinho due to injury but the Croatian coach is confident his side can overcome the Brazilian’s absence.

“In any team in the world you always find some players who are more important than the rest but above all is the team-work, spirit and the friendship among all players,” he added.

“We may not be able to use him but we have a great determination to win the game, especially when we can take advantage of being at home.

UAE League champions Al Ahli appointed coach Dutchman Henk Ten Cate earlier this month and with the club out of the running for the domestic title, defender Adel Abdulaziz underlined they are now hungry for AFC Champions League glory.

“Last season we won two trophies but this year we’ve had many ups and downs and we are not going to win the title this year,” he said.

“That means we are now concentrating fully on the AFC Champions League to compensate for our lacklustre domestic performance.

“We will not be intimidated by Mes’ fans and the atmosphere in the stadium. I believe we are experienced enough not to be distracted by them.”

Meanwhile, Al Ahli's Iranian international Mehrzad Madanchi revealed Ten Cate has already made his presence felt at the club.

“He only took charge a short while ago but he has made big changes in the team,” he revealed.

“He’s a great coach and we all believe in his coaching abilities. I know it won’t be easy playing in front of a load of frenzied fans but we won’t give up for sure.”

[محمدجواد]

Mohsen Khalili’s header sealed a vital 1-0 victory for Persepolis football team atTehran’s Azadi
Stadium on Friday.

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It was fifth victory in a row for Ali Daei’s men in the Iranian Professional League (IPL).

Foolad of Khuzestan gave a good performance in the first half and put Tehran’s most famous team under some pressure.

In the second half, Persepolis put up a better show and created some good opportunities but its strikers could not take full advantage of them.

Khalili’s header was simply majestic in the 72nd minute. Ebrahim Shakkouri crossed the ball into Foolad’s penalty box and Persepolis striker scored his sixth goal in the current season.

Persepolis is third in the IPL standing table with 49 points. Sepahan of Isfahan lies first with 55 points and one game in hand. Zob Ahan is the second with 52 points.

[محمدجواد]

Iran U-21 football team is scheduled to play two warm-up games against Poland in preparation for the


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2010 Asian Games. Iran will travel to Poland in September to play U-21 Poland soccer team and will host the team in October in Tehran.

The exact time and location has yet to be determined, according to Abbas Torabian, head of foreign relations office of Iranian Football Federation said.

[allergonaut]

Id disagree with passion in the football comment, the English love football but I think our understanding of coaching is sub-standard.I know this is said a lot but I agree whole-heartedly with the idea that kids in this country are expected to do the simple things from an early age and go all out to win instead of learning how to use the ball properly and with skill at the expense of a few meaningless games.