In a friendly game between Germany and
Iran national teams on October 9th, Germany defeated Iran
by the score of 2 - 0. On the surface,
that is what the news media around the world would report
but that is not even half the story.
First, The Basics Germany's
goals were scored by Ernst in the 5th minute of
the first half and by Brdaric in
the 53rd minute, the 8th minute of the second half.
Somewhere between 100,000 and 110,000
excited and jubilees fans jammed Iran's
well prepared Azadi stadium to watch a friendly match that would be remembered
for years to come. Reuters reported that another 150,000 fans were
outside the stadium.
The Germans were there to play a friendly
match after a disappointing Euro Cup Tournament when German
head coach Rudi Voller resigned. Following a tie
with
Brazil and a win against Austria, this was the third time Klinseman, the
new Germany head coach, was leading his team in a match.
The more important aspect of the German's national team visit was their gesture to play this match and raise money for the "Baam" earthquake
victims of late last year. Thank you Germany.
A Dreamy First Half for Iran Although
Germany went into the first half ahead 1 - 0, it was the Iranian side that had the control of the match and relentlessly attacked the German side. Iran's
star power was displayed with Ali Karimi (playing his club games
in UAE) who several times, teamed up with Mehdi Mahdavi Kia (playing
his club games for Hamburg in Germany) and penetrated the right side
of the German's
defense. Karimi was unstoppable in the first half and created several great opportunities
for his teammates.
The one opportunity Karimi should have
created was the one that looked to be a sure goal potential
for Vahid Hashemian, (playing his club
games for Bayern Munich of Germany). Hashemian was the center forward
playing
for injured
Iranian Capitan Ali Daei. Iran had 3 great chances in the
first half but each time Germany's reserve goalkeeper Jens Lehmann proved
unbreakable.
Different Teams, Different Match in the Second Half Germany
scored again early in the half but both teams suffered from fatigue
and change of the tempo with 6 substitutes a team. Since this was
a friendly
match,
the two teams had agreed to so many substitutions.
Second half was a much duller and slower paste game but still Iran
had several opportunities to score a goal.
Benefits of the Match for Iran Iran
will play Qatar on Wednesday, October 13th. A tie or a loss and
Iran would be out
of the World Cup qualifying matches.
Hence, Iran - Qatar match has a far more consequence than this match. It is Iran's most important match of the next 4 years - for now.
Iran's head coach, Branko Ivankovich,
coached aggressively for a win in the first half. When
Germany scored against the flow of the
match its first goal, Branko changed Yahya Golmohammadi's role from a defensive midfielder to an offensive midfielder. This change created far more opportunities for the Iranian side and Golmohammadi who acted as Iran's
Capitan in place of injured Daei in this match, played his best half in 4 years.
Along with Karimi who was simply outstanding,
Golmohammadi, Mahdavi Kia, Hashemian, Nekunam, Nosrati and
Iran's goalkeeper, Mirzapour played admirably.
In defense, Rezai played well in the first half but looked more tired
in the second half and several times had to stop the attacking
German forwards by pulling their shirts or committing fouls. The weakest
Iranian starter was U23 defender, Jalal Kameli Mofrad who was beaten in
counter attacks several times and outmatched.
A major benefit of this match was earning
confidence that the Iranian side can play against world
powers. This
confidence must not turn into over confidence as Qatar's match is only 4 days
away.
Lessons Learned As it has been
the case for a while, Iran's left attacking
side was not in synch. Nikbakht Vahedi played well
but he did not have anyone to help him. As a result, most
attacks
were
engineered from
the Right
side where Kaabi, Kia and Karimi were playing. Branko needs
to strengthen the left side of the offense.
Iran earned 17 corner kicks but only 2 of them looked like
dangers.
Despite
the tall German defenders, the Iranian side tried repeatedly
to cross the balls
and go for headers. Deep passes were not attempted much
until Khodadad Azizi entered
the match in the second half. Deep moves into the box
worked well when Karimi or Kia were involved.
Others
were not
successful in
such moves.
Iran's current best shooter is Iman Moabeli who
was on the bench on this day. Javad Nekunam who
played a good match tried two long-range shots. In one
case, Lehmann
dived
and stopped
it and
the
second one was
off the mark.
The Wrap
This game was a great
opportunity for the Iranian side to face a world power
in a friendly
match. The opportunity
was utilized
and Iran played
well and with dignity.
As we chant in Iran:
"Bacheha Motshakerim" (thank you mates)
We are now 4 days away from Iran - Qatar match.
That is the game to win.
That is the game to be concerned with.
That is the game to focus on.
