Comments on: Ivankovic focusing on 2nd round passage

By: jennings

jennings — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 07:22:04 +0000

the more i watch brasil play the least chance of survival of the firt round the teams from f goup has, but the chance of brasil has to win the cup this year is 1 of 3 .Spain alone hold a great deffence but i guess it’s a little to early to tell caouse the first round don’t mean nothing. but I know one thing brasil will not give mercy after after the 2nd round..lol..see you all at the after party

By: latimer

latimer — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 17:57:56 +0000

Great job guys…

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Sat, 20 May 2006 00:55:22 +0000

Exactly right. Although, I will not make any bold predictions in favor of Iran (I’ll do that five minutes before the kickoff!), I honestly think Mexico fans should not take Team Melli lightly.

I think there is a tendency amonghst Central and South American fans to dismiss team that are not from Europe or South America. I hope Mexican players share this view with their fans! If they do, they are in for a big surprise.

By: kapcro

kapcro — Fri, 19 May 2006 16:15:51 +0000

Mexico’s defense is a tough nut to crack. The question is has Branko come up with a strong enough offensive punch and does Team Melli have the playmaking its going to take to overcome Mexico. That’s one reason these upcoming friendly games might be a view into Iran’s chances.

By: louie

louie — Wed, 17 May 2006 21:09:12 +0000

have you guys forgotten that iran has to beat Mexico or Portugal to go On..
and that seems likely. with all of the injuries, i will love to see them go past the first round, but let’s be realistic. mexico is very strong, Portugal has great coaching. I predict a bad start for Iran.. Mexico 3 iran 1. Mexico’s defense is one of the strongest in the WC.

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Wed, 17 May 2006 14:26:50 +0000

By the way, that is the way it should be. Many coaches land big contracts after the World Cup. Branko has paid his dues and deserves to move on to bigger and better things.

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Wed, 17 May 2006 14:21:41 +0000

Exactly, and I think that is apoint that is lost on most critics. Team Melli does well, so will Branko ($$$$)

By: kapcro

kapcro — Wed, 17 May 2006 12:35:36 +0000

I like think Branko is a competitor and wants Team Melli to do well. He stands to gain more by Iran showing well and passing into the second round. The friendly matches will be a view into the team’s possibilities.

By: Afshin Afshar

Afshin Afshar — Tue, 16 May 2006 21:40:26 +0000

No, I think he is feeling the pressure lifting. Iranian media treated him very badly in the last two years. Now he is out of Iran and will not be back until after the WC, if ever.

I honestly believe Iran has a very good chance of goging to the next run. BUT, it all hinges on the very first game

By: kia

kia — Tue, 16 May 2006 21:13:48 +0000

If that’s true (concerned about being fired), then he might say things like that just to boost his image! I was hoping he really means what he says (as having his mind set on 2nd round)! You know you got to aim high to accomplish anything at all.

Why do you think he is under perssure of being fired?