Picking it up where we left off!

Wow! Time flies when you’re having a good time!

First there were the Euros; then came the transfer season, and now we have all the domestic and European leagues in full swing.

Oh I almost forgot! We also have the WC 2010 qualifying matches.

Although I must admit after watching the amazingly entertaining Euro 2008, it was hard for me to go back and deal with the insane asylum we call the Iranian football establishment, I could not resist! I grew up with that stuff and it runs in my veins!

Last we left them off, the Boys, as we call them, had qualified for round 4 of the Asian qualifying tournament. They were grouped with the archenemies Saudi Arabia and South Korea, as well as North Korea and UAE. Without any significant preparations, they had to face a tough Saudi team, a team that has had a recent history of getting the best of us, on their home turf.

Until literally two days before the match the Iranian papers were in a Ali Daei bashing competition. The former football hero and the current Team Melli coach was getting it from everywhere. But then they travel to Saudi Arabia and “have the last laugh”! You’d think Daei would get a break out of this, but no criticism kept coming. Daei is tough though. He can handle it!

Next stop is North Korea in Tehran’s Azadi stadium on October 8. North Koreans have been playing good football. It is going to be a tough game, and the Boys have to get all three points if they are to keep pace with the tough Saudis.