Iran and 3 Other Squads Acquire 2014 World Cup Ticket

In another down the wire Asian qualifying match, Iran outclassed its archrival, Korea Republic with a 1-0 victory to secure its World Cup berth next year. 

Iran earned its sweet revenge after Reza Ghoochannejhad nailed a left-footed shot off of a counter-attack against Kim Younggwon on the 59th minute. Korea Republic tried to regain momentum and made several attempts to score an equalizer, yet, the prolific Rahman Ahmadi denied them twice.

The Iran-Korea Republic encounter is one of the most anticipated rivalries in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. In 2010, Taeguk Warriors forced a draw that ended Team Melli’s 2010 World Cup campaign. After a 4-year wait, Iran answered back, inflicting an almost similar degree of disappointment. The rivalry became even more intense as word war broke between Choi Kang-hee and Carlos Quirioz prior to the deciding game. 

But despite of losing to Iran, Korea Republic has no reason to be depressed. The squad still, qualifies for the World Cup by virtue of goal difference over Uzbekistan. Joining them is Australia, which defeated Iraq with a 1-0 score.

The win against Korea Republic earned 16 points for Iran and secured the top spot in Group A. Yet, what is even more important is the country’s 4th World Cup appearance.  As a result, the country’s Sports Ministry is set to celebrate the victory in Tehran.

Iran’s first entry into the World Cup began in 1978. However, the squad failed to rise above the group stage. Their next attempt happened in 1998 where they secured a great win over USA. Iran made it again in 2006. Yet, history simply repeated itself when Team Melli got stuck in the group stage.

Korea Republic, on the other hand, finished with 14 points and nailed its 8th consecutive World Cup qualification.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2014 World Cup Qualifiers Match Preview: Korea Republic Vs. Iran

Venue: Munsu Football Stadium
Date: 18 June 2013

Munsu Football Stadium shall witnessed one of the most awaited rivalries in the World Cup’s Asian qualifiers as Korea Republic meets Iran this 18 June 2013. What is at stake? It is no other than an automatic ticket to Brazil.

The battle between Team Melli and Taeguk Warriors is never their first encounter. The two have already met in six (6) World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming face-off becomes even more intense as word war between Choi Kang-hee, and Carlos Quiroz spreads through the World Wide Web. Nevertheless, whether it is on the web and on the field, it is evident that Choi and his men have the upper hand. Indeed, there is a high possibility that Taeguk Warriors will soon Japan in Brazil.

Korea Republic’s strength goes beyond playing in its own territory. Rather, it stems from the fact that it only needs a draw to qualify. Team Melli, on the other hand, has no other option but to win the match.

The above-mentioned scenario looked like a repetition of what transpired in 2010 World Cup qualifiers where Taeguk Warriors forced a draw against Team Melli, much to Iran’s disappointment. It was a come from behind win for Korea Republic. But now, the situation is a bit the same, except that there is a reversal of roles. In this match, Iran trails. Apparently, Taeguk Warriors has all the power to repeat history.

Both sides have their own dose of injuries and players who will be missing the match. Korea Republic’s Park Jongwoo is suspended and Kim Namil is nursing an injury. Similarly, in Iran, Ashkan Dejagah’s injury will also keep him in the bench. Nevertheless, the latter’s very own Reza Ghoochannejhad shall take Dejagah’s scoring responsibility.

But here is the catch, Park and Kim may not play, but Choi still has, Asian Football Confederation’s best player, Lee Keun Ho. Along with him is Lee Dong-gook who has already secured 10 goals out of their 30 encounters against Middle Eastern squads. It is therefore not very surprising to see Team Melli throw the white towel.

Should Korea Republic qualify, this will be their 8th consecutive World Cup appearance. What is the verdict? Korea Republic as favorites and Iran receiving the Asian handicap.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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