Mahdavikia and Rezaei out of the Costa Rica friendly

It appears that neither Mehdi Mahdavikia nor Rahman Rezaei will be playing tomorrow against Costa Rica.

These two happened to be the two most consistent players in the national team. They will both be missed.

In Rezaei’s absence Ivankovic will probably start Mohammad Nosrati in his spot, giving Nosrati’s left back position to Sattar Zare. The way these two have been playing lately, he might as well leave a welcome sign for the Costa Rican strikers on the left side as well!

Mahdavikia’s absence will change the whole face of the attack. If Ivankovic were smart he would start Javad Kazemian there, but the chances are he won’t. Watch for Mohram Navidkia or Anderanik Teymourian in that role.

Teymourian and Kazemian are talented and have potential, but unfortunately Ivankovic has not been giving them enough playing time. They are not likely to perform up to their potential.

This will not be pretty!