Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Moscow: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed his satisfaction with the team’s training camp in the home of Russian Premier League champions, FC Lokomotiv Moscow.
“Everytime I choose somewhere for the Iranian national team’s (training) camp at the World Cup, its club would be the champions of the league,” said the 65-year-old Portuguese before the team’s first training session.
“In 2014, I chose the Sports Club Corinthians Paulista, who later became the champions of Brazil, and this year the Moscow-based FC Lokomotiv campus was provided to the Iranian team, and they went on to win the title of the Russian Premier League (in May).
“I am very happy to be at the home of the Russian club champions and there will be no better place here for us. I hope we will have no problems.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran qualified for back-to-back FIFA World Cups for the first time in their history, and having retained coach Carlos Queiroz for seven years, continuity is Team Melli’s greatest asset.
Overview
With three of their six planned pre-World Cup friendlies cancelled, IR Iran’s preparations have been less than ideal. But with an abundance of talent across the squad, Queiroz will still be confident of a strong showing in Russia.
Drawn in the so-called “Group of Death” alongside the last two European champions; Spain and Portugal as well as Morocco, many believe Team Melli have their work cut out for them.
However, a defence that conceded just five goals in their 18 qualifiers’ games and an attack line boasting some of the continent’s finest forwards could cause upsets if the Portuguese coach gets his tactics right.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Korea Republic are set for an Asian-record 10th FIFA World Cup campaign, although uncharacteristic struggles in qualifying suggest a tough test in Russia 2018.
Nevertheless, with Son Heung-min – arguably Asia's finest footballer currently playing – and several other young attacking talents in the ranks, the Taeguk Warriors have the potential to excite.
Overview
Set for their ninth consecutive FIFA World Cup, Korea Republic have had a number of pre-Russia 2018 warm-up matches over the last six months with a wide variety of opponents and a series of mixed results. Wins over Moldova, Latvia and Honduras; a draw with Jamaica; losses to Northern Ireland, Poland and Bosnia and Herezegovina.
At the time of writing, Shin Tae-yong's side are yet to face Bolivia and Senegal in their final ties before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Sweden on June 18, but it seems the side are yet to settle on a line-up with a 3-5-2 formation the latest experiment in the defeat to Bosnia.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Saudi Arabia will be the first Asian nation to play in a FIFA World Cup opening match when they face Russia on June 14 and, despite the absence of star player Nawaf Al Abed, there is plenty of quality in the side.
A turbulent nine-month spell since they secured FIFA World Cup qualification in September saw Saudi Arabia part ways with Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk, appoint former UAE boss Edgardo Bauza, only to dismiss him only two month later and bring Juan Antonio Pizzi.
Pizzi has since gone on to establish a new tactical identity for the team; one that emphasises the value of pressing high up the pitch and retaining possession for extended period. Whether the six months period since he effectively took over is enough for the players to fully adapt to his ways is arguably the biggest question for the Green Falcons ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Samurai Blue head into the 2018 FIFA World Cup on the back of a comprehensive continental qualifying campaign. Despite recent changes at the helm, there remains a reliance on the golden generation with household names back in the fold.
Overview
Japan’s preparation for Russia 2018 has not been the most straightforward of Asia's representatives, with coach Vahid Halilhodzic departing the helm just two months before the competition to be replaced with technical director Akira Nishino.
The former Gamba Osaka boss attempted a new three-man defence in his first match in charge, a 2-0 defeat at home to Ghana on May 30, as well as offering a reprieve to big names Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, and Shinji Okazaki, whose places were in doubt under Halilhodzic.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran were the final team to register their squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, with head coach Carlos Queiroz naming his 23-player roster on Monday.
Asia's top ranked team, who will be appearing in their second consecutive FIFA World Cup, are in Group B with reigning European champions Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
IR Iran will open their campaign against Morocco on June 15 before facing 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain on June 20. They play Portugal five days later.
IR Iran's initial target will be to qualify for the Round of 16, having not advanced past the group stage in their previous four appearances at the FIFA World Cup.
They will head to Russia with confidence, having sailed through qualifying as they sealed their place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in unbeaten fashion.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Legendary striker Ali Daei believes the support of the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran could play a major role in pushing Carlos Queiroz and his team to success at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Team Melli begin their campaign against Morocco in St. Petersburg on June 15 as Queiroz attempts to steer the country to their first-ever appearance in the knockout rounds after four group stage exits.
But with games against 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain and reigning European champions Portugal to come after the opener against the North African nation, Daei stresses the task that lies ahead will be a major challenge.