Team Melli fans, we live to fight another day!

The boys defeated UAE on a single goal scored by Ali Karimi. It was purely a brilliant individual effort. That is good for Karimi, but does not speak well for the team that struggled to create chances. And a few good ones that they did create were wasted. But, let’s not duel on the negative today!! Let’s enjoy the fact that we got a new lease on life.

I often criticize the Persian Gulf States’ teams for playing negative football against us, but today I want to congratulate the UAE team for playing positive football despite the fact that they had nothing to fight for. Well done guys. You have a good young team. Keep at it and you shall be a force in the region a year or two.

Next Wednesday, on June 17, we will face Korea Republic in Seoul.

Iran and Korea Republic rivalry in Asia is legendary. But I would not want to play any other team in a situation like this, simply because I greatly admire them!

Koreans always play positive football; they play hard, but fair. There is no challenge greater than playing for everything you got against an opponent that you respect. So, Korea, here we come!!!!!

Doo doo roo doo doo ….. IRAN