MNA - Iranians got to know Afshin Ghotbi for the first time as the U.S. Soccer Team’s technical staff twenty years ago. At that time nobody expected to see him in Iran as the coach of the most popular Persian team.
Injury to keep Karimi from UAE match
PTV - Reports indicate the Asian Maradona Ali Karimi will not accompany Iran’s national team in a World Cup qualifier match against the UAE. “Karimi knows the ban has been lifted but due to his injuries he will not be able to play against the Emirates on Monday,” Iran’s head coach Ali Daei told reporters on Saturday.
Daei predicts victory over UAE
PTV - The head coach of Iran’s national soccer team predicts a resounding win for Iran in a World Cup qualifier match against the UAE on Monday. “Although we missed some friendly matches, the team is in very good physical and mental shape,” said Ali Daei, who went on to predict Iran will ‘definitely beat’ the UAE.
IFF lifts ban on Ali Karimi
MNA - Iran’s Football Federation (IFF) has lifted the ban on Ali Karimi following the Iranian president’s request. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited the national team’s training camp on Friday and told the football officials in order to qualify for the 2010 World Cup they have to strengthen the team at once.
Mahdavikia: I will come back next month
MNA - Iranian National Football Team’s captain said that he will be in good shape in about one month for the 2010 World Cup Qualifications . “I am continuing my treatment in the physiotherapy center in Frankfurt. I feel better now but according to my doctor it is too soon to come back to the field. It will take at least one month.” Mehdi Mahdavikia said in a telephone interview on Saturday.
Hazfi cup; Esteghlal beat Foulad on penalty
PTV - Esteghlal of Tehran converted three penalties from the spot to pass Foulad football club into the final playoff matches. On Thursday, Esteghlal’s Blue men outscored Foulad of Khouzestan FC 3-1 to storm into the finals.
Mobali urges Iran to forgive him
Thenational - When the Etislat League players of the UAE step out on the Tehran pitch to play Iran in their World Cup qualifier on Monday they will not be lining up against an old foe. Eman Mobali, 25, the creative Iranian midfield player, is considered by many to be good enough to play in a top European league. But a bad tackle on a fellow Iranian international during a league match three years ago has seen him shunned by his country.