KARIMI Ali Date of birth:   8 November 1978 Height:  178 cm Weight:  79 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Bayern Munich (GER) Int'l Goals:   33 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  90 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Kuwait v. Iran (13-Oct-1998)

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Iran (IRN)

Club History

1998-2001 Pirouzi. 68 matches, 9 goals

2001-2005 Al Ahli (UAE). , 44 goals

Since 2005 Bayern Munich (GER). 19 matches, 2 goals

Profile

As a teenage hopeful in Iran, Ali Karimi enjoyed a meteoric rise. At the start of 1998, he was playing for Iranian second division side Fath, where training was often conducted on the streets with a plastic ball, but by the end of the year, at the age of just 20, he had become a household name.

He heralded his arrival on the international football scene by inspiring Iran to gold at the Asian Games in Bangkok in December 1998. He had played just once for Iran prior to the one-month tournament, in a friendly against Kuwait two months earlier, but his performances in Thailand were so impressive that Tehran giants Pirouzi moved immediately to snap him up.

He did not have to wait long for success with his new club, winning a league and cup double in 1999 and then retaining the league championship in 2000. His eye-catching style – wizardry on the ball, mesmerising runs and, most importantly, goals – also won him legions of new fans.

However, the talents of the rising star were catching the eye not only at home, but also abroad, with Italy's Perugia and Spain's Atletico Madrid quick to register an interest. When Karimi did move, however, it was to a club closer to home, UAE outfit Al Ahli, in the wake of Iran's ill-fated qualifying campaign for the 2002 FIFA World Cup™.

In his first season with Al Ahli, he adapted quickly to his new environment and enjoyed a successful debut season, helping the traditional Dubai powerhouses end a long trophy drought with victory in the President’s Cup and earning himself a nomination for the League’s Best Player in the process. Karimi's delightful trickery and sublime skills made him a nightmare for rival defenders and he quickly became an idol in the Middle East.

With his national side, Karimi had an unforgettable campaign in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China, where he emerged as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with five goals, including a spectacular hat-trick in Iran’s 4-3 victory over Korea Republic in the quarter-final. His convincing performances that year marked him out among the continent’s stars and he became the third Iranian player to win the AFC Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of Ali Daei and Mehdi Mahdavikia.

Possessing an uncanny knack for goals, Karimi excels, too, in the creating of chances. His coolness under pressure was confirmed in a crucial 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Japan when, with a stalemate seemingly all but inevitable, he set up Vahid Hashemian to score the winner. It was a trick he would repeat four days later against Korea DPR in Pyongyang, as the mercurial midfielder kept possession wisely before picking out Javad Nekounam, who duly sealed a 2-0 victory.

A host of European clubs were in pursuit of Karimi in the summer of 2005, with Bayern Munich eventually emerging at the head of the pack to clinch his signature. He is not always a first pick for Bayern coach Felix Magath, but the 27-year-old has impressed on occasions and, if Iran are to have a FIFA World Cup to remember, the likelihood is that Karimi will need to be at his brilliant best.

7 ZANDI Ferydoon Date of birth:  26 April 1979 Height:  184 cm Weight:  80 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Kaiserslautern (GER) Int'l Goals:   1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  10 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Bahrain v. Iran ( 9-Feb-2005)

Club History

1998-2000 Meppen (GER). 60 matches, 15 goals

2000-2002 SC Freiburg (GER). 10 matches, 0 goals

2002-2004 Lubeck (GER). 54 matches, 20 goals

Since 2004 Kaiserslautern (GER). 41 matches, 6 goals

Profile

Started his international career only in 2005, against Bahrain. Born in Emden, Germany, of a German mother and Iranian father, his decision to play for Iran only came after long debate, as he was eligible to play for both countries, and had been called into the German youth team.

Thousands of Iran fans sent him petitions to convince him to play for 'Team Melli'. Currently plays in midfield for FC Kaiserslautern, and was previously at VfB Lubeck and SC Freiburg in Germany.

10 DAEI Ali Date of birth:  21 March 1969 Height:  192 cm Weight:  80 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Saba Battery Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   109 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  147 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Oman (23-Jun-1993)

Club History

1995-1996 Pirouzi.

1996-1997 Al Sadd (QAT). , 10 goals

1997-1998 Arminia Bielefeld (GER). 25 matches, 7 goals

1998-1999 Bayern Munich (GER). 23 matches, 6 goals

1999-2002 Hertha Berlin (GER). 59 matches, 6 goals

2002-2003 Al Shabab (KSA). , 0 goals

2003-2004 Pirouzi. , 16 goals

Since 2004 Saba Battery Tehran.

Profile

Ali Daei turned 37 in March, but the word ‘rest’ is evidently missing from his vocabulary. The evergreen hit man, currently the highest scorer in international football, took his tally for Iran to 108 in their 3-2 friendly win over Costa Rica on 1 March, 2006.

With so many achievements already to his name, most notably steering Iran to the 1998 FIFA World Cup™, the talismanic striker would have every right to enjoy a peaceful life in the twilight of his playing career. However, Daei retains a hunger for more, and his national team remain rightfully grateful for his presence. After all, the veteran finished top of the scoring charts in the Asian Zone qualifying section for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, netting nine times to help propel Iran to world football’s showpiece event.

Daei was a late starter in football but after graduating from university, he wasted no time in making his mark. With a thunderous shot and strength in the air - he stands an imposing 1.92m tall - the forward was an immediate hit in domestic football. His scoring prowess soon earned him an international call-up and he made his debut for Iran in June 1993. His first goal for his country came against Chinese Taipei in 1994, and since then he has not looked back.

Arguably Daei's finest hour in an Iran shirt came against Korea Republic in the 1996 AFC Asian Cup, a match he has described as “the most unforgettable of my life”. With Iran trailing 2-1 early in the second half, Daei took the game by the scruff of the neck, setting up Khodadad Aziz for the equaliser and then striking four goals to secure a remarkable 6-2 victory.

Daei's feats did not go unnoticed and, in 1997, he left Qatar side Al-Sadd Dohar for Germany and spells at first Arminia Bielefeld and then Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. If his cool head and superb vision had not already marked Daei out as Iran's key player, his experiences in Europe certainly helped him to confirm his status as Iran’s inspiration.

Daei featured for Iran at France 98 and was subsequently part of their failed qualifying campaign for Korea/Japan 2002. That disappointment led Iran's new Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic to rebuild the team and heralded the introduction of an exciting array of talented youngsters. Yet, while a new generation emerged, there was never any question of a loss of faith in Daei. "Nobody can replace Daei,” said Ivankovic. “He is an all-time example for youngsters in terms of attitude and professionalism.”

Daei showed just why that faith was justified during the qualifying campaign for Germany 2006. The captain's second-half goal sealed a 3-1 victory against Qatar in Iran's opening qualifier in February 2004 and in the next month he scored twice inside the first 17 minutes to set Iran on their way to a 7-0 thrashing of Laos.

Iran subsequently stumbled, losing at home to Jordan, but Daei helped them make amends by sealing a 2-0 win in injury time in the return meeting, and he finished the preliminary group stage with eight goals after netting four times as Iran put another seven goals past Laos. One more strike, in the 2-1 defeat by Japan in their final qualifier in August 2005, took Daei’s tally to nine - three more than his nearest rival – and offered yet another reminder that his instinct for goals remains intact, even in the supposed twilight of his career.

9 HASHEMIAN Vahid Date of birth:  21 July 1976 Height:  182 cm Weight:  78 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Hanover 96 (GER) Int'l Goals:   11 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  28 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Kazakhstan v. Iran ( 1-Dec-1998)

Club History

1996-1999 Pas Tehran.

1999-2001 Hamburger SV (GER). 12 matches, 0 goals

2001-2004 Bochum (GER). 87 matches, 34 goals

2004-2005 Bayern Munich (GER). 9 matches, 0 goals

Since 2005 Hanover 96 (GER). 23 matches, 3 goals

Profile

In Asia, Iran are widely regarded as a ‘European’ team because of their playing style. If this is the case then one of their most ‘European’ players is Vahid Hashemian, the Bundesliga-based striker who goes by the nickname Der Hubschrauber, or ‘The Helicopter’.

Hashemian left Iran for Europe in 1999, joining Hamburg from Pas Club. He had limited opportunities to impress in his two years there and so, ahead of the 2001/02 campaign, moved on to Bochum. After a solid first season, he became something of a super-sub in 2002/03 as he scored ten goals in 34 appearances to help his team survive in Germany’s top flight.

Entrusted with a starting role the next season, he did even better by recording an impressive 16-goal total. Those sparkling performances convinced Bayern Munich to take him to Bavaria for the start of the 2004/05 season and he became the second Iranian player behind Ali Daei to play for the Bundesliga giants. However, after just nine appearances (six of them as a substitute), he joined Hanover 96, where he has rediscovered his form.

While his success in Germany appeared to come easy, his time with the national side has been less straightforward. Hashemian burst onto international scene with Iran in a friendly against Kazakhstan in December 1998 and was part of the team that beat Kuwait in the final of 1998 Asian Games later that month.

When Iran’s qualifying campaign for Korea/Japan 2002 began, he held a regular starting place in Miroslav Blazevic’s squad. However, Iran stumbled on the road to the Far East and the striker was relegated to the substitutes’ bench. In fact, he dropped out of the squad completely following a scoreless draw against Thailand in September 2001, which contributed to the team's failure to win their qualifying group.

Hashemian left for Germany soon afterwards and refused to return to the national set-up. His self-imposed exile ended when the new coach, Branko Ivankovic, persuaded him to come back to the fold. The game after his return, Hashemian netted a vital goal to help Iran defeat Qatar 3-2 in October 2004. As if determined to make up for lost time, Hashemian then struck two magnificent goals to secure a 2-1 qualifying win over Japan in Tehran in March 2005.

A key player for his country once again, ‘The Helicopter’ is now aiming to fly high in Germany in June

1 MIRZAPOUR Ebrahim Date of birth:  16 September 1978 Height:  192 cm Weight:  85 kg Position:  Goalkeeper Current Club:  Foolad Ahvaz (IRN) Int'l Caps:  64 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Bosnia-Herzegovina v. Iran (22-Jul-2001)

Club History

Since 2000 Foolad Ahvaz Ahvaz.

Profile

His selection to the national team certainly raised a few eyebrows in Iran when the ex-national team coach, the Croat Miroslav Blazevic preferred him to some more experienced goalkeepers.

Was the first choice keeper at the AFC Asian Cup 2004, where he played six matches as Iran finished third. His towering presence and agility against the best of the competition certainly increased his popularity, and he was said to be targeted by a few foreign sides, but he continues to play club football in Iran.

2 MAHDAVIKIA Mehdi Date of birth:  24 July 1977 Height:  176 cm Weight:  73 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Hamburger SV (GER) Int'l Goals:   11 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  89 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Iraq ( 5-Dec-1996)

Club History

1996-1999 Pirouzi.

1999-1999 Bochum (GER). 12 matches, 3 goals

Since 1999 Hamburger SV (GER). 173 matches, 24 goals

Profile

While being crowned 2003 AFC Player of the Year represents, to date at least, the single most notable individual achievement of Mehdi Mahdavikia’s career, Iran’s supporters are hoping that that the Hamburg playmaker will really make his mark on world football in his adopted country this summer.

It is now almost nine years since the 28-year-old Mahdavikia served notice of his boundless potential during Iran’s qualifying campaign for the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ by scoring two spectacular goals to inspire his team to a famous 4-2 comeback victory over China in their opening match.

The second of his two goals, a stunning long-range drive, was voted by the AFC as the continent’s goal of the year, and his brilliant displays throughout Iran’s hard-fought qualifying campaign also earned the then 20-year-old the AFC Young Player of the Year award.

Having taken Asian football by storm, Mahdavikia gave Iranian football fans a moment to treasure at France 98, scoring the winning goal in a memorable 2-1 victory over the United States - the only triumph registered by any of the four Asian teams participating that summer.

Speed, acceleration, and a nose for goal rank prominently among Mahdavikia’s many talents, and it is these attributes which have helped him carve out a highly successful career in the Bundesliga. It was following the1998 FIFA World Cup that Mahdavikia first moved to Germany, initially with Bochum and then, after an impressive debut season, to Hamburg in the summer of 1999.

Since then, he has succeeded in earning the esteem of every discerning German football fan even if his progress during his first two years at Hamburg was stunted by a catalogue of injuries which forced him on to the sidelines for months on end. However, he bounced back with renewed determination and enjoyed an excellent season in 2002/03, shining in the Hamburg side which finished fourth in the German top flight to clinch one of the Bundesliga’s UEFA Cup berths.

Mahdavikia had, by this point, established himself as his club’s single most potent creative force, chalking up 14 assists, more than any player had managed in the Bundesliga since the statistic was officially introduced in 1994.

Respected in Germany, Mahdavikia became positively idolised in Iran, all the more so when he became only the second Iranian winner of the Asian Player of the Year award in 2003, after Ali Daei. The man affectionately nicknamed Kia remains among Iran’s most influential players and he enjoyed an outstanding qualifying campaign for Germany 2006, his foraging, penetrating runs and timely crosses from the right wing proving vital in ensuring his national team progressed to a third FIFA World Cup finals.

The apple of Iranian fans’ eyes, Mahdavikia has already established himself among the greatest footballers his country has ever produced, though he remains modest about his achievements and retains a lower profile than one might expect. Many believe, however, that quietly spoken ‘Kia’ is about to make a big noise at Germany 2006.

3 BAKHTIARIZADEH Sohrab Date of birth:  11 September 1977 Height:  185 cm Weight:  76 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Saba Battery Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   2 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  31 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Qatar ( 3-Oct-1997)

Profile

It was a welcome surprise for Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh when he was called into Branko Ivankovic’s 25-man squad of domestic-based players on 25 April.

The 33-year-old had caught the eye with a series of strong performances for Saba Battery - alongside international centre-back Yahya Golmohammadi - and was a major influence in helping his club win the inaugural Iran Super Cup last season.

Bakhtiarizadeh can operate as a left-back or central defender but has had scant opportunities in an Iran shirt since his debut in 2000.

Club History

1995-1999 Pirouzi.

1999-2002 Foolad Ahvaz.

2002-2005 Pirouzi.

Since 2005 Saba Battery Tehran.

Profile

The defender made his international debut against Kenya in 1997. He is a reliable stopper, often using spectacular sliding tackles.

Scored an excellent last-minute winner against the Republic of Ireland in the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying play-off match, coming from deep to head the ball home.

It was not enough after a 2-0 defeat in Ireland, but it led to a key role at the AFC Asian Cup 2004. He played six matches, including the semi-final where his miss in the penalty shoot-out gave China victory.

5 REZAEI Rahman Date of birth:  20 February 1975 Height:  178 cm Weight:  72 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Messina (ITA) Int'l Goals:   3 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  43 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Bosnia-Herzegovina v. Iran (22-Jul-2001)

Club History

1998-2001 Zob-Ahan Isfahan.

2001-2003 Perugia (ITA). 38 matches, 5 goals

Since 2003 Messina (ITA). 98 matches, 2 goals

Profile

The defender is between clubs and is hoping to sign for Messina in Italy’s Serie A. Won his first cap in 2001, at the relatively ‘old’ age of 26.

Originally he is from Esfahan and recently played for Perugia, another Italian club. Part of the Iran team at the AFC Asian Cup 2004.

The recent transfer problems caused a slump in his form, but he is a likely candidate for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™. A good header of the ball, he frequently joins the attack during corner kicks.

6 NEKOUNAM Javad Date of birth:   7 September 1980 Height:  180 cm Weight:  78 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Al Sharjah (UAE) Int'l Goals:   12 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  71 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Jordan v. Iran (31-May-2000)

Club History

1998-2005 Pas Tehran.

2005-2006 Al Wahda (UAE).

Since 2006 Al Sharjah (UAE).

Profile

Plays for the Tehran-based Club Pas. He has been consistently one of the best players for the club in the last few years.

His youthful energy and dual role as a solid defender and skilful attacking force, has attracted much attention. Made his debut in 2000 for the national team against Syria.

Played in the AFC Asian Cup 2004, scoring twice, including in the 4-2 win in the third place match against Bahrain. Was one of the successful penalty takers in the semi-final defeat by China.

 

11 KHATIBI Rasoul Date of birth:  22 September 1978 Height:  172 cm Weight:  71 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Pas Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  12 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Kuwait v. Iran (15-Feb-1999)

Profile

A key player for Iranian side Sepahan, 27-year-old Rasoul Khatibi has attracted interest from covetous clubs in his country and beyond.

His striking talents have now been recognised by national coach Branko Ivankovic who brought him into the squad early in the build-up to Germany 2006.

However, his chances on winning a place in Iran’s starting XI in Germany will depend on not just his own form but that of the other contenders for a striking berth, namely Arash Borhani, Reza Enayati, Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian.

12 ROUDBARIAN Hassan Date of birth:   6 July 1978 Height:  182 cm Weight:  80 kg Position:  Goalkeeper Current Club:  Pas Tehran (IRN) Int'l Caps:  3 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Costa Rica ( 1-Mar-2006)

Profile

Born on 6 July 1978, Hassan Roudbarian emerged a rising star in the 2003/04 season when his club side Pas won the Iranian Pro-League.

His consistent performances between the sticks did not go unnoticed by Iran coach Branko Ivankovic, who handed him his international debut in Iran’s 3-2 friendly victory over Costa Rica on 1 March this year.

Considered by his peers to be improving with age and experience, Roudbarian is one of the understudies to established number one goalkeeper, Ebrahim Mirzapour.

13 KAABI Hossein Date of birth:  23 September 1985 Height:  167 cm Weight:  63 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Foolad Ahvaz (IRN) Int'l Goals:   1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  44 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Slovakia ( 6-Feb-2002)

Gillette Best Young Player Canidate

Club History

2002-2004 Foolad Ahvaz.

2004-2005 Al Sadd (QAT). , 3 goals

Since 2005 Foolad Ahvaz.

Profile

Hossein Kaebi represents the up-and-coming generation in the Iran national side. The discovery of this prodigy should be largely attributed to two Croats, coach Vingo Begovic who first spotted him and selected him for the first team of club side Foolad and current Iran boss Branko Ivankovic, who has successfully masterminded their rebuilding process after the failed qualifying campaign for the 2002 FIFA World Cup™.

It was the latter who gave Kaebi his first international appearance at the age of 16 in a friendly against Slovakia in February 2002. The decision bore fruit as the teenager dazzled the watching crowds in Tehran's Azadi Stadium with his determined runs and deft dribbles.

Kaebi was born in the region of Khuzistan, well-known for being passionate about football. His career began at Esteghlal Javan before he moved to Foolad Khuzistan. His quickly earned a place in the Iran youth team where he first showed his talents and leadership skills on the right wing in qualifying for the continental U-16 finals.

Although he has been given a more defensive role in the senior side’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Kaebi has done a good at right-back and it was amazing to see the diminutive player, standing only 1.74m tall, shore up the defence alongside 35-year-old Yahya Golmohammadi, Italy-based Rahman Rezaei and Ali Badavi.

For what he lacks in physique, Kaebi has made up in stunning speed, brave tackles and shrewd reactions. Although not 20 until December, he has proved a dependable performer and has consolidated his place in the Iran side since his debut over two years ago.

He also has the ability to create and score crucial goals. He set up the opener for Bayern Munich man Ali Karimi in Iran’s 4-3 victory against Korea Republic in the quarter-finals of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup. In a 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the AFC/OFC Challenge Cup in 2003, Kaebi crowned a perfect team display with a typical rampaging run down the right followed by a delicate shot just inside the near post. This young man will be one to watch in Germany in June and July.

14 TEYMOURIAN Andranik Date of birth:   6 March 1983 Height:  180 cm Weight:  73 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  AbooMoslem (IRN) Int'l Goals:   1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  7 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Libya (24-Aug-2005)

Profile

At the age of 22, Anderanik Teymourian has already built up an impressive playing CV.

He has played for Iran at every single youth level, before being drafted into the senior side. The Abo Moslem midfielder played for Iran’s U-23 team in last year’s Islamic Solidarity Games where his prompting from midfield helped the young Team Melli to a third-placed finish.

He made his senior debut for Iran in a friendly against Libya on 24 August 2005.

15 BORHANI Arash Date of birth:  14 September 1983 Height:  175 cm Weight:  72 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Pas Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   8 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  20 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Iraq (13-Aug-2003)

Club History

Since 2003 Pas Tehran.

Profile

Took Iranian football by storm when he starred in the Olympic qualifying matches against Uzbekistan, scoring four goals in two games.

Although he had limited appearances at the star-studded Pas club, he was dubbed ‘Most promising young star of the Iranian Premier League’.

In December 2005, he starred in Iran's B team who won bronze in the West Asian Games in Qatar, and was top scorer in the tournament.

16 ENAYATI Reza Date of birth:  23 September 1976 Height:  178 cm Weight:  75 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Esteghlal Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   4 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  15 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Kuwait v. Iran (30-May-2002)

Club History

2001-2003 AbooMoslem.

Since 2003 Esteghlal.

Profile

A powerful striker, who is extremely hard to successfully tackle. His goalscoring record was enough to earn a national team call-up against Palestine in the 2nd West Asian Games in 2002.

Capped his debut with a goal that saved Iran from an embarrassing loss. In the last game of the regular league in 2002, Enayati scored seven goals to win top scorer title, and was again top scorer in 2004/5. Part of the 2004 Asian Nations Cup squad.

17 KAZEMEIAN Date of birth:  23 April 1981 Height:  174 cm Weight:  69 kg Position:  Forward Current Club:  Pirouzi (IRN) Int'l Caps:  25 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. China PR (19-Jan-2001)

Club History

2000-2002 Saipa Karadj.

2002-2003 Al Ahli (UAE).

2003-2003 Saipa Karadj.

Since 2003 Pirouzi.

Profile

A striker, he won his first international cap in 2001 against China. A member of the Persepolis club, he played in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship.

Regarded as a smart, quick-thinking player, he likes to hug the flanks, swiftly getting behind the defenders and providing effective crosses.

Scorer of the opening goal against Japan in the final of the Asian Games football tournament in Korea Republic. Had a spell with Al Ahli of Dubai, where he partnered Ali Karimi.

18 ZARE Sattar Date of birth:  28 January 1982 Height:  175 cm Weight:  73 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Bargh Shiraz (IRN) Int'l Caps:  20 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Thailand (20-Jul-2004)

Club History

Since 2002 Bargh Shiraz

Profile

The defender has played regularly since making his debut in 2004 against Thailand.

Came to national prominence with the Olympic team coached by Hossein Faraki. Was part of the AFC Asian Cup 2004 squad, starting on the fringes, and coming on twice, before cementing his place in the team with three starts.

Loves zooming down the wing to join the attack. In the main, he is a resolute and tough-tackling full back.

19 SADEQI Amir Hossein Date of birth:   6 September 1981 Height:  180 cm Weight:  78 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Esteghlal Ahvaz (IRN) Int'l Caps:  1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Bosnia-Herzegovina ( 2-Feb-2005)

Profile

Having cemented his place at club side Estaghlal, defender Amir Hossein Sadeqi is also no stranger to the Iranian national team.

His international debut came in a friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina on 2 February 2005, when Iran ran out 2-1 winners. Aside from his defensive strengths, it is the 22-year-old’s forward play and ability to score important goals which have earmarked him as one of Iran’s most promising youngsters.

20 NOSRATI Mohammad Date of birth:  11 January 1982 Height:  180 cm Weight:  78 kg Position:  Defender Current Club:  Pas Tehran (IRN) Int'l Goals:   3 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  44 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Azerbaijan ( 8-Aug-2002)

Club History

Since 2001 Pas Tehran.

Profile

Made his international debut in 2002. However, he first caught the eye of experts in a tournament against Jordan, soon becoming a regular in the national team defence.

An excellent header of the ball, he scored some vital goals in the FIFA World Cup™ elimination matches including the goal that ensured the team’s place at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Played in the AFC Asian Cup 2004, including an equaliser deep into injury time against Oman in a 2-2 draw in the group stage.

21 MADANCHI Mehrzad Date of birth:  10 January 1985 Height:  180 cm Weight:  74 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Pirouzi (IRN) Int'l Goals:   3 (as of 1-Jun-2006) Int'l Caps:  6 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Belarus v. Iran (20-Aug-2003)

Club History

2002-2005 Fajr SePas Tehranii Shiraz.

Since 2005 Pirouzi.

Profile

The striker has won three caps, the first in 2003 against Belarus. He also played for the Olympic team in the 2003 preliminaries.

Played all three games for Iran at the 2001 FIFA World Youth Cup in Argentina as they lost without scoring a goal.

A hard tackler, he looms as Iran’s up-and-coming midfield grafter, certain to add to his tally of international caps.

22 TALEBLOO Vahid Date of birth:  26 May 1982 Height:  185 cm Weight:  75 kg Position:  Goalkeeper Current Club:  Esteghlal Tehran (IRN) Int'l Caps:  1 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Chinese Taipe (22-Feb-2006)

Club History

Since 2003 Esteghlal.

Profile

The goalkeeper was part of the Iranian team at the 2005 West Asian Games, including playing in the third place 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia.

A good chance for a FIFA World Cup™ place, but has rivals such as Rodbarian and Ershad Yousefi in this position.

Not the most robust player, but his footwork is great and he has been rated as the best goalkeeper in the domestic league, for sheer consistency and efficiency.

23 SHOJAEI Masoud Date of birth:   9 June 1984 Height:  184 cm Weight:  73 kg Position:  Midfielder Current Club:  Saipa Karadj (IRN) Int'l Caps:  3 (as of 1-Jun-2006) First Int'l Cap:  Iran v. Laos (17-Nov-2004)

Profile

The Iran U-23 midfield player is considered by many to be the next Ali Karimi for his excellent skills on the ball.

With stunning control and pace, Masoud Shojaei is superb at penetrating rival defences and creating opportunities for his team-mates.

He underlined his potential against Kuwait in this year’s West Asian Games when he dribbled past six Kuwaiti players to supply forward Arash Borhani for a goal.