Carlos Queiroz and the Iranian people have waited a long time for today.
Their World Cup campaign has been three years in the making and amid a backdrop of political and social turmoil, a team who are forced to work under severe and stifling international sanctions will walk out alongside Lionel Messi and Argentina in Belo Horizonte with the world at their feet.
The opening game draw with Nigeria in Group F gave hope. This though, is something different.
The sanctions, brought in because of the governments urani¬um-enrichment programme have had far reaching effects. An over¬seas training camp was cancelled, no major national teams have shown any desire to play the state-funded Iranian side and sponsors are hard to come by.
It is not easy being Iran – for example their media and fans here in Brazil are unable to transfer or withdraw money – but you only need to see the smile spread across Queiroz’s face to see what it all means.
He said: “We have to make sacri¬fices but there are two kinds of sacrifice – on and off the pitch.
“You cannot stand behind FIFA rules, you need to build up a spe¬cial programme for all the players to help bring honour and pride to your country. We don’t have the standards of others.
“The imbalance makes sure you need to be very strong mentality. You need big characters to make sure they can cope with everything. Every time we have the ball you must enjoy it.
“We have come here to be ourselves. Iranians know there are political and economic conditions which means we weren’t able to get ready for this with big games against top teams. We played against teams who didn’t charge us or anything. We have worked three years for this.”
Of course, containing Messi will be problematic. Not just for Iran but for the very best in the game.
Queiroz though has previous in how to keep a lid on the little Argentine genius – successfully shutting him out in the Champions League semi-final of 2008 while working for Manchester United.
“Our approach is based on some principles from that experience, control the space and if you’re not one step ahead, it will be tough. Messi is proof that football is a simple thing,” the Portuguese added.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Argentina (4-3-3)
Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Aguero
Iran (4-2-3-1)
Haghighi; Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeqi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Heydari, Hajsafi, Dejagah; Ghoochanneijhad
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina – Angel Di Maria
Argentina's front three speak for themselves but in order to function efficiently they need supply. Ex-winger Di Maria is now a bona fide midfielder, his tireless running and invention key to La Albiceleste.
Iran – Ashkan Dejagah
Iran's strength may lie in their defence – and they'll be busy – but Dejagah is an individual who offers that extra bit of class in the final third. A fine dribbler, he is Iran's best attacking threat.
PREDICTION
Iran will defend for their lives, but there is no way that Argentina's incredible attack will not break through. Argentina win 3-0.
