Iran is one of the World Cup 2022 teams that can always qualify for this event, but they have never played a good role in tournaments. Their own league is not strong enough and the competition in the Asian Championship is not big enough to develop a team with the necessary experience.
For example, with the exception of a single game that ended 1–1 (South Korea), Iran won every 2022 World Cup qualifier . It was against rivals like Cambodia (defeated 10-0), Bahrain, Iraq and Syria. However, things should finally go better at the World Cup. We analyze with which team coach Carlos Queiroz could tackle this project.
A look at Iran's possible squad for the 2022 World Cup
Since taking over in February 2020, the Croatian head coach has mainly relied on two systems. First, his team regularly played in a 4-4-2 (sometimes double 6). Second, he also ran more often in a 4-2-3-1.
However, since the first system was used in most games and, depending on the situation, can be converted relatively easily into a 4-2-3-1 (especially with double sixes), we nominate "our" team Iranian according to the corresponding formation. We mainly trust the players, who have always been able to count on Queiroz's confidence.
Archers.
The goal has always been Amir Abedzadeh (SD Ponferrandina). Therefore, it can be assumed that he will also be among the World Cup berths. Alizera Beirandand (Boavista) and Mohammad Reza Akhbari (Tractor Sazi) should also go to the tournament. Payam Niezmand (Portimonense SC) is another possibility.
Defenses.
On the left wing, expect Omid Noorafkan (Sepahan) or Milad Mohammadi (AEK Athens). Sadegh Moharrami (Dinamo Zagreb) should play on the right. In the center we see Hossein Kanaanizadegan (Al Ahli Doha) and Shojae Khalilzadeh (Al Rayyan).
The replacements at the venue are Majid Hosseini (Kayserispor) and eventually Noorafkan. That's why captain Ehsan Hajsafi (AEK Athens) should also go to the World Cup, although the left-back is no longer seeded. We see Danial Esmailifar (Sepahan) as a replacement at right back.
Midfielders.
In our opinion, Saeid Ezatolahi (Al Gharafa) and Milad Sarlak (Persepolis) play in the defensive midfield. Before that, Saman Ghoddos (Brentford FC) and Ahmad Nourollahi (Shabab Al Ahli Club) can play.
The substitutes for the defensive positions are Yasin Salmani (Sepahan) and Kamal Kaymyabinia (Persepolis). Seyed Mohammad Karimi and Soroosh Rafiei (both Sepahan) are likely to be nominated for the offensive positions. The experienced Omid Ebrahimi (Al Wakrah) should also have a World Cup ticket.
Attackers.
Sardar Azmoun (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) goes on the attack. Next to him we wait for Mehdi Taremi (FC Porto).
The alternate is Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (Hull City). Nominal wingers Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Feyernoord Rotterdam) and Ali Gholizadeh (Sporting Charleroi) should also be able to go to the World Cup.
Iran's national team at the 2022 World Cup
The most important information.
Iran's talents at the 2022 World Cup: More bad than good.
When it comes to talent, Iran looks slim. The best young player on the team is undoubtedly Sayyadmanesh. He is 21 years old at the World Cup in Qatar. Midfielder Salmani is also likely to feature regularly in the finals, where he is 20 years old. Otherwise, the youngest players will be 24 when the ball rolls in Qatar.
The squad, which at least has international experience, will even be 27. This is not necessarily a problem for the tournament in Qatar. In the medium and long term, however, it causes considerable difficulties because a good base is lacking. As a result, the competition is not great. The space lions need not fear that they may be expelled.
Iran's chances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Iran is pretty impressive in one part of the team, and that's attacking. With Azmoun and Taremi, Queiroz has a very powerful duo at his disposal, who also knew how to convince in the Asia 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
And there are also some good banking players in this area, but the quality loss compared to permanent staff is already considerable here. In all other parts of the team it looks very bad. It doesn't matter if it's in goal, defense or midfield.
The Iranian team probably couldn't even play a good role in the second division in one of the big countries. The chances of the Iranians must be assessed accordingly. Surviving the group stage and associated entry to the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup would be a real surprise and a huge success.
And this finding applies even under the assumption that neither player is injured in the storm. If this happens, the chances are further reduced. If you want to turn it into a positive: Iran can only pleasantly surprise.
Thank you for supporting and curating my content.
Extremely grateful for this utopia support. Cheers