Iran to chase the elusive Asian Cup crown in Qatar
By Amirhadi Arsalanpour
Staff writer
When skipper Parviz Qelichkhani lifted a third successive Asian Cup trophy for Iran on home soil in June 1976 – courtesy of an Ali Parvin’s match-winning freekick against Kuwait – it was hard to think that the country’s wait for another title in the continent’s flagship international event would stretch beyond four decades.
Once the dominant force of the sport in Asia, Iran had to watch Saudi Arabia and Japan steal the show for the best part of the next 11 editions – winning seven titles between them – with Kuwait, Iraq, Australia, and, most recently, Qatar also getting the taste of silverware at the tournament.
For all the talent in the Iranian squad throughout the years, the country has been left regretting the ‘what if?’ moments, controversial refereeing decisions, and individual blunders when leaving the competition as an unfortunate loser.
From Nasser Mohammadkhani and Hamid Alidousti in the 80s to legendary keeper Ahmadreza Abedzadeh and the magnificent trio of Ali Daei, Khodadad Azizi, and Karim Baqeri in the 90s, and then Mahdi Mahdavikia, Ali Karimi, and Javad Nekounam in the early years of the new century, all finished their illustrious careers without the coveted trophy, settling for a consolation bronze or individual awards on each occasion.
“We’re tired of losing in the penalties,” a weeping commentator Javad Khiabani said on TV after Yahya Golmohammadi’s miss from the spot against the 2004 host China saw Iran fall to a third last-four shootout defeat in the in the history of the competition.
the shootout heartbreak was repeated in the quarterfinals against South Korea in 2007 and Iraq eight years later in Australia, while the South Koreans also sent Team Melli packing, thanks to extra-time winners in the last-eight round, in 2000 and 2011.
A sixth semifinal setback came in the previous edition in the United Arab Emirates, where Carlos Queiroz’s star-studded team suffered a devastating 3-0 defeat against Japan.
Fifteen of the Iranian players in the UAE will again be in the 26-man squad when beginning their quest for the Asian Cup glory against Palestine in the Group B opener in Qatar on Sunday.
Widely regarded as one of the finest generations of the Iranian footballers, Amir Qalenoei’s men will be looking to build on years of close bond under Queiroz to end the long-time drought in the event, which could prove to be a fitting finale to the international careers of certain players in the team – most notably the captain of the group Ehsan Hajsafi, as well as Karim Ansarifard and Omid Ebrahimi.
For the Iranian head coach himself, the tournament will provide an opportunity for relief.
Having always felt harshly treated to see his previous spell in charge come to an end after only 11 months following the 2007 loss to South Korea, 60-year-old Qalenoei, in what is likely his last top managerial role, is eager to add the Asian crown to his decorated trophy cabinet, not to mention secure his place on the bench for the World Cup in two years.
However, despite a decent run since he was appointed to the job last March, the challenge is not going to be any easier this time around as all of the Asian elite teams will have the same high ambitions in Qatar.
Some jaw-dropping results and performances over the past two years – including last September’s 4-1 hammering of Germany – make Japan the ultimate favorite to win a record-extending fifth title, while Jürgen Klinsmann’s South Korea, chasing a first trophy since 1960, will be spearheaded by top European club stars in Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in.
Saudi Arabia, with high-profile Italian Roberto Mancini in charge, will be out there to prove its Pro League’s spending spree in the summer has not led to the national team’s decline, and Australia will return to Qatar on the back of an impressive World Cup campaign in the Persian Gulf country two years ago.
Qalenoei will yearn for his strike force of Mahdi Taremi and Sardar Azmoun to be in top form during the course of the four weeks, despite the two missing their scoring touch with their respective clubs Porto and AS Roma this season, while pinning hopes on Brentford midfielder Saman Qoddous, enjoying his best international spell under the manager, to be the linchpin of his team going forward.
The 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium saw Lionel Messi walk away with the one single prize that had eluded the Argentine great all his life, and a whole footballing nation of Iran will yearn to watch their team end the decades-long hunt when a second major final showdown is staged at the venue on February 10.