Iran

Four years ago, Carlos Quieroz’s Portugal only scored against North Korea. A bit of an abysmal result. But on the other hand, it only conceded against eventual winners Spain – and it was also just one goal.

Discipline and clean sheets

The Portuguese coach may be a bit unknown outside of being recognised as Alex Ferguson’s assistant in Manchester United in two spells either side of an unsuccessful time in Real Madrid, but he is pretty much one of the most talented coaches around. Defensive ones that is. His Iranian side managed to keep 10 clean sheets in 16 matches during the qualifying games. “It is a result of two years of hard work” Queiroz told FIFA.com.

He demands from his team maximum discipline and motivation. When he had discussions with experienced goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati he did not look back and excluded him from the national team. The team kept fantastic spirit nonetheless.

Pace from Europe

Iran managed to qualify for the World Cup by winning 1-0 away to Korea Republic thanks to a solo run from Reza Ghoochannejhad. Charlton Athletic’s striker is one of the symbols of Queiroz’s team. Portuguese coach recognised problems in his new team – lack of experience and that special X factor that might win games on its own. He couldn’t find this in Iran, so he started looking in Europe, among people with Iranian descent. One of them was Ghoochannejhad, who grew up in Holland, where his parents emigrated. He made his name in Standard Liege and earned a transfer to England.

He offers his side pace and trickery that helps unlock tight defences. In 11 games for the national team, he has found the net nine times, which is an remarkable result.

Another one of Queiroz’s findings is Ashkan Dejagah, who had a difficult year at Fulham. His individual form was actually not so bad, but even he couldn’t stop his team being relegated from the Premier League.

Queiroz gives both of them a lot of freedom on the pitch but only because in midfield he has Andranik Timotian and Javad Nekonam. Experienced and loyal players give the team its foundation. They are both dubbed ‘workers’ in that team, happy to play for the better players to flourish. Especially Nekonam, the captain is vital to that team. He has earned 135 caps in all of which he showed remarkable game reading skills. He’s also a threat from set pieces.

Playing style

One of the best organised teams in the World Cup. They often sit ten men behind the ball and look for the counterattack. Iran plays a 4-3-3 formation with little spaces between the lines. Although they are generally an defensive side, they like to keep the ball on the ground and are also a threat from positional play. But they’re qualities were visible against opponents from Asia and in the World Cup things will be much more difficult.

Coach

Carlos Queiroz is a training ground type of coach, ready to show his players every aspect of the game plan. He took Portugal to World Cup 2010 but didn’t really have any success with the team. His glory days happened when he was first team coach of Manchester United and his opus magnum was preparing his players for the games against Barcelona, in both of which Manchester were never really threatened.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

15th June, Curitiba: vs. Nigeria (0-1)

21st June, Belo Horizonte: vs. Argentina (0-2)

25th June, Salvador: vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (0-1)

Iran are not likely to advance into the knockout stages (just 3% chance) and not only are they not going to earn a point, they’ll also not even score according to BETEGY.