1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (play-off AFC-OFC)
Encyclopedia
The 1998 FIFA World Cup
AFC
– OFC
qualification play-off was a two-legged home-and-away tie between the winners of the Oceania qualifying tournament
, Australia, and the losing team in the AFC play-off from the Asian qualifying tournament
, Iran
. The games were played on November 22 and November 29 of 1997 in Tehran
and Melbourne
respectively. Australia was hoping to play in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974
and Iran 1978
.
and others involved in the Australian national team had made negative comments about Iran, stating it as being dangerous, and going so far as to bring their own drinking water for their stay.
The first leg of the play-off, on November 22, 1997, took place in Tehran
, Iran
, with the result a 1-1 draw. Attendance for this match was extremely high, as 128,000 fans packed Azadi Stadium
, despite it only having a capacity for 100,000 fans at the time.
Full of confidence after this result, the Australian team came to the second leg in Melbourne believing they could progress to their first FIFA World Cup in 24 years.
, had a crowd of over 88,000, a then-record for an association football match at the ground.
With Australia holding a 1-0 lead at half-time and scoring a second goal just after the break, it looked likely that they would progress to the World Cup. Serial pest Peter Hore
cut up Iran's goal net, causing a halt in play. This seemed to quell the Australians' momentum, as when play resumed, an Iranian revival, led by Khodadad Azizi
, saw Iran score two quick goals to make the score 2-2 on aggregate, with Iran progressing on away goals.
Despite being undefeated throughout their entire qualifying campaign, Australia had again failed to qualify for the World Cup finals. Along with host nation and eventual winner France
(who as host nation did not need to qualify), and Saint Kitts and Nevis
, Australia were one of three teams to not lose a game in the entire campaign.
The match is considered by many Australians as one of the most tragic moments in their sporting history. The broadcast of the game on SBS
featured closing comments from a clearly distraught Les Murray
and Johnny Warren
, with Warren openly weeping on air.
Final standing
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;">
Team
4
4
0
0
26
2
24
12
4
1
1
2
7
21
−14
4
4
0
1
3
2
12
−10
1
Opponent
Result
Final Round
Opponent
Result
(N)
2–3 (a.e.t.)
1st Leg
(A)
2–0
2nd Leg
(H)
4–1
style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align=center>
AUSTRALIA:
|
GK
1
Mark Bosnich
2
Craig Moore
3
Tony Vidmar
4
Steve Horvat
5
Alex Tobin
(c)
6
Ned Zelić
7
Robbie Slater
8
Craig Foster
9
Mark Viduka
10
Aurelio Vidmar
11
Harry Kewell
Substitutions:
GK
22
Željko Kalac
12
Milan Ivanović
13
Stan Lazaridis
14
Ernie Tapai
15
Josip Skoko
16
Graham Arnold
17
John Aloisi
Manager:
Terry Venables
style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align=center>
IRAN:
|
GK
1
Ahmadreza Abedzadeh (c)
4
Mohammad Khakpour
16
Reza Shahroudi
5
Afshin Peyrovani
11
Khodadad Azizi
6
Karim Bagheri
10
Ali Daei
2
Mehdi Mahdavikia
9
Hamid Reza Estili
20
Mehdi Pashazadeh
23
Naeem Saadavi
Substitutions:
GK
22
Nima Nakisa
15
Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi
8
Majid Namjoo-Motlagh
25
Mehrdad Minavand
24
Javad Zarincheh
7
Ali Reza Mansourian
18
Ebrahim Tahami
Manager:
Valdeir Vieira
Manager: Terry Venables
Manager: Valdeir Vieira
and were drawn into Group F with Germany
, Yugoslavia
and USA
. After losing 1-0 to Yugoslavia in their opening match, Iran defeated USA 2-1 with goals from Estili and Mahdavikia. In the final match they lost 2-0 to Germany, finishing third in the group on three points.
Australia qualified for the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
as Oceania Nations Cup
winners. The Socceroos were drawn into a group with Brazil
, Mexico
and host nation Saudi Arabia
. In the opening match they defeated Mexico 3-1, then secured a memorable nil-all draw with World Cup holders Brazil. Australia lost the last match against Saudi Arabia 1-0, but still finished second in the group on four points, proceeding to the semi-final stage. Against Uruguay
, a goal from Harry Kewell in extra time secured a 1-0 win and a place in the final against Brazil. Australia were crushed 6-0 by Brazil, leaving the side with the silver medal.
1998 FIFA World Cup
The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as host nation by FIFA on 2 July 1992. The tournament was won by France, who beat Brazil 3-0 in the final...
AFC
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
– OFC
Oceania Football Confederation
The Oceania Football Confederation is one of the six continental confederations of international association football, consisting of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and island nations such as Tonga, Fiji and other Pacific Island countries...
qualification play-off was a two-legged home-and-away tie between the winners of the Oceania qualifying tournament
1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (OFC)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the Oceanian zone . For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification....
, Australia, and the losing team in the AFC play-off from the Asian qualifying tournament
1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC)
Listed below are the dates and results for the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the Asian zone . For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification....
, Iran
Iran national football team
The national football team of Iran represents Iran in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran...
. The games were played on November 22 and November 29 of 1997 in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
and Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
respectively. Australia was hoping to play in the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974
1974 FIFA World Cup
The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. The tournament marked the first time that the current trophy, the FIFA World Cup Trophy, created by the Italian sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, was awarded...
and Iran 1978
1978 FIFA World Cup
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. The 1978 World Cup was won by Argentina who beat the Netherlands 3–1 after extra time in the final. This win was the first World Cup title for Argentina, who became the fifth...
.
First Leg
Prior to arrival in Tehran, Terry VenablesTerry Venables
Terence Frederick "Terry" Venables , often referred to as "El Tel", is a former football player and manager, as well as being a media pundit. During the 1960s and 70s, he played for various clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, and gained two caps for England...
and others involved in the Australian national team had made negative comments about Iran, stating it as being dangerous, and going so far as to bring their own drinking water for their stay.
The first leg of the play-off, on November 22, 1997, took place in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
, Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, with the result a 1-1 draw. Attendance for this match was extremely high, as 128,000 fans packed Azadi Stadium
Azadi Stadium
The Azadi Stadium formerly Aryamehr Stadium is Iran's national stadium and the largest in the country. The Azadi stadium officially has a capacity of 100,000 people and was built to host the 1974 Asian Games...
, despite it only having a capacity for 100,000 fans at the time.
Full of confidence after this result, the Australian team came to the second leg in Melbourne believing they could progress to their first FIFA World Cup in 24 years.
Second Leg
The second leg, held on November 29, 1997 at the Melbourne Cricket GroundMelbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is an Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne and is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club. It is the tenth largest stadium in the world, the largest in Australia, the largest stadium for playing cricket, and holds the world record for the highest light...
, had a crowd of over 88,000, a then-record for an association football match at the ground.
With Australia holding a 1-0 lead at half-time and scoring a second goal just after the break, it looked likely that they would progress to the World Cup. Serial pest Peter Hore
Peter Hore
Peter Hore , also known as SHOK is the nom de guerre of Peter Michael Howard...
cut up Iran's goal net, causing a halt in play. This seemed to quell the Australians' momentum, as when play resumed, an Iranian revival, led by Khodadad Azizi
Khodadad Azizi
Khodadad Azizi is an Iranian retired professional football striker and a current coach.-International career:Azizi represented Iran at the 1996 Asian cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Asian Cup...
, saw Iran score two quick goals to make the score 2-2 on aggregate, with Iran progressing on away goals.
Despite being undefeated throughout their entire qualifying campaign, Australia had again failed to qualify for the World Cup finals. Along with host nation and eventual winner France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
(who as host nation did not need to qualify), and Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team
The Saint Kitts and Nevis national football team is the national team of Saint Kitts and Nevis and is controlled by the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association...
, Australia were one of three teams to not lose a game in the entire campaign.
The match is considered by many Australians as one of the most tragic moments in their sporting history. The broadcast of the game on SBS
Special Broadcasting Service
The Special Broadcasting Service is a hybrid-funded Australian public broadcasting radio and television network. The stated purpose of SBS is "to provide multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians and, in doing so, reflect...
featured closing comments from a clearly distraught Les Murray
Les Murray (broadcaster)
Les James Murray AM is an Australian sports journalist, football broadcaster and analyst...
and Johnny Warren
Johnny Warren
John Norman Warren, MBE, OAM was an Australian football player, coach, administrator, writer and broadcaster. He was known as Captain Socceroo for his passionate work to promote the game in Australia...
, with Warren openly weeping on air.
Background
| Iran | Round | Australia | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"> | ||||||||
| Team | ||||||||
| 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 14 | |
| 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 12 | |
| 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 14 | −3 | 11 | |
| 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | −3 | 10 | |
| 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | −1 | 8 | |
First Leg
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> | IRAN: |
|||
| GK | 1 | Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh Ahmadreza Abedzadeh is a retired Iranian football goalkeeper. He played for Esteghlal F.C., Sepahan F.C., Persepolis F.C. and the Iranian national football team.Abedzadeh is one of the best known goalkeepers in Iranian football history... (c) |
||
| 4 | Mohammad Khakpour Mohammad Khakpour -Football career:Khakpour played for a few clubs, including Persepolis FC, Pas Tehran, Vanspor, Geylang United and MetroStars . He played for the Iran national football team and was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.... |
|||
| 16 | Reza Shahroudi Reza Shahroudi Reza Shahroudi is a retired Iranian football player.He played mostly for Persepolis. Shahroudi made 40 appearances for the Iran national football team and participated at 1998 FIFA World Cup.... |
|||
| 5 | Afshin Peyrovani Afshin Peyrovani Mohammad Ali "Afshin" Peyravani is a retired Iranian footballer and a football coach. He is the younger brother of Gholam Peyrovani and elder brother of Amir Hossein Peyrovani.-Club career:... |
|||
| 11 | Khodadad Azizi Khodadad Azizi Khodadad Azizi is an Iranian retired professional football striker and a current coach.-International career:Azizi represented Iran at the 1996 Asian cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Asian Cup... |
|||
| 7 | Ali Reza Mansourian | |||
| 10 | Ali Daei Ali Daei Ali Daei is an Iranian retired football player and former national team coach who currently manages a local Iranian team, Rah Ahan. He is a former captain of the Iran national football team, and is the world's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches... |
|||
| 2 | Mehdi Mahdavikia Mehdi Mahdavikia Mehdi Mahdavikia is an Iranian football player who plays for Damash Gilan in the Iranian Pro League. He has won Asian Young Footballer of the Year award in 1997, as well as Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003. He was the captain of the Iran national football team from 2006 to 2009, and currently... |
|||
| 9 | Hamid Estili | |||
| 20 | Mehdi Pashazadeh Mehdi Pashazadeh Mehdi Pashazadeh is a former Iranian football defender, and now a football coach.-Club career:He played for several clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Bayer Leverkusen , Fortuna Köln , Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz .... |
|||
| 23 | Naeim Saadavi | |||
| Substitutions: | ||||
| GK | 22 | Nima Nakisa Nima Nakisa -Club career:Nakisa first entered the limelight in Iranian football when he played for Persepolis FC. Following World Cup 1998, Nakisa was transferred to Albanian Side KS Flamurtari Vlorë, but left very soon after to AO Kavalas. He had a tough time there, and moved back to Iran the season after... |
||
| 15 | Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi or Ostadasadli is a retired Iranian football player.He played for a few clubs, most notably Zob Ahan FC and in the final years of his career Mashin Sazi of Tabriz.... |
|||
| 8 | Majid Namjoo-Motlagh Majid Namjoo-Motlagh Majid Namjoo-Motlagh is a former Iranian football player and now manager.-International career:Namjoo-Moltagh debuted for the Iran national football team on May 28, 1986 in a friendly match against China in Beijing. He made 45 appearances for Iran from 1986 to 1997.-Managerial... |
|||
| 25 | Mehrdad Minavand Mehrdad Minavand Mehrdad Minavand Chal is a retired Iranian football player, and currently a pop singer.-Club career:He played for a few clubs, including Keshavarz F.C., Persepolis FC, Sturm Graz , SC Charleroi and Al-Shabab as well as Sepahan... |
|||
| 24 | Javad Zarincheh Javad Zarincheh Javad Zarincheh is a retired Iranian, ethnic Persian football player, coach and a current football administrator. He is a member of Board of Directors of Esteghlal.... |
|||
| 19 | Farhad Majidi Farhad Majidi Farhad Majidi is an Iranian football striker who currently plays for Esteghlal in Iran's Premier Football League. He was also a member of Iran national football team.- Club career :... |
|||
| 18 | Ebrahim Tahami | |||
| Manager: | ||||
| Valdeir Vieira Valdeir Vieira Valdeir "Badú" Vieira is a Brazilian football manager who is currently Head Coach of Bahrain Club in the Bahraini Premier League.-Playing career:... |
||||
AUSTRALIA:
Mark Bosnich
Mark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :...
Craig Moore
Craig Andrew Moore , is a retired Australian soccer defender.Moore is best known for his two spells with Scottish Premier Division / Scottish Premier League club Rangers...
Tony Vidmar
Anthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player...
Alex Tobin
Alexander Hugh Tobin is a former Australian football player. Tobin is the second most capped player for the Australia national football team with 87 'A' appearances, including many as captain...
(c)
Ned Zelic
Nedijeljko "Ned" Zelić is a former Australian football player.-Club career:Zelic started his career in the old Australian National Soccer League,where he played with clubs Sydney Croatia and Sydney Olympic...
Robbie Slater
Robert "Robbie" Slater is a former Australian footballer and football pundit.-Early years:Slater, a red-haired midfielder, moved to Australia as a youngster and started his playing career in Australia, with various clubs in his youth before joining St George Saints in the National Soccer League in...
Craig Foster (footballer)
Craig Foster is an Australian former association football player. He is currently a sports commentator for the Special Broadcasting Service in Australia...
Mark Viduka
Mark Anthony Viduka is a former Australian soccer player who played as a centre forward. He captained the Australian national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16.-Melbourne Croatia:...
Aurelio Vidmar
Aurelio Vidmar is an Australian football player and former captain of the Australian national team. He is currently not tied to any A-league club...
Harry Kewell
Harold "Harry" Kewell is an Australian professional football midfielder who plays for Melbourne Victory in the A-League. Internationally he has received 55 caps, and scored 16 goals, while playing for the Australian national team...
Željko Kalac
Željko Kalac is a retired Australian football goalkeeper. Standing at 2.02m, Kalac is one of the world's tallest professional goalkeepers....
Milan Ivanovic
Milan Ivanović is a former Serbian Australian football player...
Stan Lazaridis
Stanley "Stan" Lazaridis is a former football player. He was predominantly a left winger though he had been known to perform at left-back...
Ernie Tapai
Ernie Tapai is a former Australian football player. Currently, he is head soccer coach for Geelong Grammar School.-Club career:...
Josip Skoko
Josip Skoko is a former Australian football player who last played as a Central Midfielder for A-League club Melbourne Heart.-Early career:...
Graham Arnold
Graham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after...
John Aloisi
John Aloisi is a retired Australian football player who played as a striker, and the current youth team manager at Melbourne Heart....
Terry VenablesTerry Venables
Terence Frederick "Terry" Venables , often referred to as "El Tel", is a former football player and manager, as well as being a media pundit. During the 1960s and 70s, he played for various clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, and gained two caps for England...
OFFICIALS
|
MATCH RULES
|
Second Leg
| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> | AUSTRALIA: |
||
| GK | 1 | Mark Bosnich Mark Bosnich Mark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :... |
|
| 2 | Craig Moore Craig Moore Craig Andrew Moore , is a retired Australian soccer defender.Moore is best known for his two spells with Scottish Premier Division / Scottish Premier League club Rangers... |
||
| 3 | Stan Lazaridis Stan Lazaridis Stanley "Stan" Lazaridis is a former football player. He was predominantly a left winger though he had been known to perform at left-back... |
||
| 4 | Steve Horvat | ||
| 5 | Alex Tobin Alex Tobin Alexander Hugh Tobin is a former Australian football player. Tobin is the second most capped player for the Australia national football team with 87 'A' appearances, including many as captain... (c) |
||
| 6 | Nedijeljko Zelic | ||
| 7 | Robbie Slater Robbie Slater Robert "Robbie" Slater is a former Australian footballer and football pundit.-Early years:Slater, a red-haired midfielder, moved to Australia as a youngster and started his playing career in Australia, with various clubs in his youth before joining St George Saints in the National Soccer League in... |
||
| 8 | Craig Foster | ||
| 9 | Mark Viduka Mark Viduka Mark Anthony Viduka is a former Australian soccer player who played as a centre forward. He captained the Australian national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16.-Melbourne Croatia:... |
||
| 10 | Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar Aurelio Vidmar is an Australian football player and former captain of the Australian national team. He is currently not tied to any A-league club... |
||
| 11 | Harry Kewell Harry Kewell Harold "Harry" Kewell is an Australian professional football midfielder who plays for Melbourne Victory in the A-League. Internationally he has received 55 caps, and scored 16 goals, while playing for the Australian national team... |
||
| Substitutions: | |||
| GK | 22 | Zeljko Kalac Željko Kalac Željko Kalac is a retired Australian football goalkeeper. Standing at 2.02m, Kalac is one of the world's tallest professional goalkeepers.... |
|
| 12 | Milan Ivanovic Milan Ivanovic Milan Ivanović is a former Serbian Australian football player... |
||
| 19 | Tony Vidmar Tony Vidmar Anthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player... |
||
| 14 | Ernie Tapai Ernie Tapai Ernie Tapai is a former Australian football player. Currently, he is head soccer coach for Geelong Grammar School.-Club career:... |
||
| 15 | Josip Skoko Josip Skoko Josip Skoko is a former Australian football player who last played as a Central Midfielder for A-League club Melbourne Heart.-Early career:... |
||
| 16 | Graham Arnold Graham Arnold Graham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after... |
||
| 17 | John Aloisi John Aloisi John Aloisi is a retired Australian football player who played as a striker, and the current youth team manager at Melbourne Heart.... |
||
| Manager: | |||
| Terry Venables Terry Venables Terence Frederick "Terry" Venables , often referred to as "El Tel", is a former football player and manager, as well as being a media pundit. During the 1960s and 70s, he played for various clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, and gained two caps for England... |
|||
IRAN:
Mohammad Khakpour
-Football career:Khakpour played for a few clubs, including Persepolis FC, Pas Tehran, Vanspor, Geylang United and MetroStars . He played for the Iran national football team and was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup....
Reza Shahroudi
Reza Shahroudi is a retired Iranian football player.He played mostly for Persepolis. Shahroudi made 40 appearances for the Iran national football team and participated at 1998 FIFA World Cup....
Afshin Peyrovani
Mohammad Ali "Afshin" Peyravani is a retired Iranian footballer and a football coach. He is the younger brother of Gholam Peyrovani and elder brother of Amir Hossein Peyrovani.-Club career:...
Khodadad Azizi
Khodadad Azizi is an Iranian retired professional football striker and a current coach.-International career:Azizi represented Iran at the 1996 Asian cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Asian Cup...
Karim Bagheri
Karim Bagheri is a retired professional Iranian player, most notably playing for Persepolis in the Iran Pro League. He was known as a two-footed midfielder and is famous for his powerful and thundering long range shots and free kicks.-Early years:...
Ali Daei
Ali Daei is an Iranian retired football player and former national team coach who currently manages a local Iranian team, Rah Ahan. He is a former captain of the Iran national football team, and is the world's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches...
Mehdi Mahdavikia
Mehdi Mahdavikia is an Iranian football player who plays for Damash Gilan in the Iranian Pro League. He has won Asian Young Footballer of the Year award in 1997, as well as Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003. He was the captain of the Iran national football team from 2006 to 2009, and currently...
Hamid Reza Estili
Hamid Reza Estili is an Iranian football coach and retired player, currently coaching Persepolis in Iran Pro League. Estili was a member of Iran national football team and is mostly remembered for his memorable goal and goal celebration against USA at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.-Early life:He was...
Mehdi Pashazadeh
Mehdi Pashazadeh is a former Iranian football defender, and now a football coach.-Club career:He played for several clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Bayer Leverkusen , Fortuna Köln , Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz ....
Naeem Saadavi
Naeim Sadavi Saad is a retired Iranian football player and now a football coach. He usually played in the defender position.-Club career:He played for a few clubs in Iran, namely Bahman, Persepolis FC and Foolad FC....
Nima Nakisa
-Club career:Nakisa first entered the limelight in Iranian football when he played for Persepolis FC. Following World Cup 1998, Nakisa was transferred to Albanian Side KS Flamurtari Vlorë, but left very soon after to AO Kavalas. He had a tough time there, and moved back to Iran the season after...
Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi
Ali Akbar Ostad-Asadi or Ostadasadli is a retired Iranian football player.He played for a few clubs, most notably Zob Ahan FC and in the final years of his career Mashin Sazi of Tabriz....
Majid Namjoo-Motlagh
Majid Namjoo-Motlagh is a former Iranian football player and now manager.-International career:Namjoo-Moltagh debuted for the Iran national football team on May 28, 1986 in a friendly match against China in Beijing. He made 45 appearances for Iran from 1986 to 1997.-Managerial...
Mehrdad Minavand
Mehrdad Minavand Chal is a retired Iranian football player, and currently a pop singer.-Club career:He played for a few clubs, including Keshavarz F.C., Persepolis FC, Sturm Graz , SC Charleroi and Al-Shabab as well as Sepahan...
Javad Zarincheh
Javad Zarincheh is a retired Iranian, ethnic Persian football player, coach and a current football administrator. He is a member of Board of Directors of Esteghlal....
Valdeir VieiraValdeir Vieira
Valdeir "Badú" Vieira is a Brazilian football manager who is currently Head Coach of Bahrain Club in the Bahraini Premier League.-Playing career:...
OFFICIALS
|
MATCH RULES
|
- GK - Mark BosnichMark BosnichMark Bosnich is a retired Australian football player and football pundit. He represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Manchester United and Chelsea.-Manchester United :...
- D - Craig MooreCraig MooreCraig Andrew Moore , is a retired Australian soccer defender.Moore is best known for his two spells with Scottish Premier Division / Scottish Premier League club Rangers...
- D - Steve Horvat
- D - Alex TobinAlex TobinAlexander Hugh Tobin is a former Australian football player. Tobin is the second most capped player for the Australia national football team with 87 'A' appearances, including many as captain...
(c) - D - Stan LazaridisStan LazaridisStanley "Stan" Lazaridis is a former football player. He was predominantly a left winger though he had been known to perform at left-back...
- M - Robbie SlaterRobbie SlaterRobert "Robbie" Slater is a former Australian footballer and football pundit.-Early years:Slater, a red-haired midfielder, moved to Australia as a youngster and started his playing career in Australia, with various clubs in his youth before joining St George Saints in the National Soccer League in...
- M - Ned ZelicNed ZelicNedijeljko "Ned" Zelić is a former Australian football player.-Club career:Zelic started his career in the old Australian National Soccer League,where he played with clubs Sydney Croatia and Sydney Olympic...
- M - Craig Foster
- M - Harry KewellHarry KewellHarold "Harry" Kewell is an Australian professional football midfielder who plays for Melbourne Victory in the A-League. Internationally he has received 55 caps, and scored 16 goals, while playing for the Australian national team...
- F - Aurelio VidmarAurelio VidmarAurelio Vidmar is an Australian football player and former captain of the Australian national team. He is currently not tied to any A-league club...
- F - Mark VidukaMark VidukaMark Anthony Viduka is a former Australian soccer player who played as a centre forward. He captained the Australian national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16.-Melbourne Croatia:...
- D - Tony VidmarTony VidmarAnthony "Tony" Vidmar is an Australian former professional football player of Slovenian origin. He was a member of the Australian national team, competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona for his native country, and is currently Australia's third highest capped player...
- M - Ernie TapaiErnie TapaiErnie Tapai is a former Australian football player. Currently, he is head soccer coach for Geelong Grammar School.-Club career:...
- F - Graham ArnoldGraham ArnoldGraham James Arnold is a former coach of the Australian national football team. He was appointed to work as an assistant to Frank Farina in 2000. The two replaced Raul Blanco, who was the interim coach in charge after Terry Venables decided not to renew his contract with Soccer Australia after...
Manager:
Terry VenablesTerry Venables
Terence Frederick "Terry" Venables , often referred to as "El Tel", is a former football player and manager, as well as being a media pundit. During the 1960s and 70s, he played for various clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, and gained two caps for England...
- GK - Ahmadreza Abedzadeh (c)
- D - Mohammad KhakpourMohammad Khakpour-Football career:Khakpour played for a few clubs, including Persepolis FC, Pas Tehran, Vanspor, Geylang United and MetroStars . He played for the Iran national football team and was a participant at the 1998 FIFA World Cup....
- D - Mehdi PashazadehMehdi PashazadehMehdi Pashazadeh is a former Iranian football defender, and now a football coach.-Club career:He played for several clubs, including Esteghlal Tehran, Bayer Leverkusen , Fortuna Köln , Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz ....
- D - Naeem SaadaviNaeem SaadaviNaeim Sadavi Saad is a retired Iranian football player and now a football coach. He usually played in the defender position.-Club career:He played for a few clubs in Iran, namely Bahman, Persepolis FC and Foolad FC....
- D - Afshin PeyrovaniAfshin PeyrovaniMohammad Ali "Afshin" Peyravani is a retired Iranian footballer and a football coach. He is the younger brother of Gholam Peyrovani and elder brother of Amir Hossein Peyrovani.-Club career:...
- M - Mehdi MahdavikiaMehdi MahdavikiaMehdi Mahdavikia is an Iranian football player who plays for Damash Gilan in the Iranian Pro League. He has won Asian Young Footballer of the Year award in 1997, as well as Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003. He was the captain of the Iran national football team from 2006 to 2009, and currently...
- M - Karim BagheriKarim BagheriKarim Bagheri is a retired professional Iranian player, most notably playing for Persepolis in the Iran Pro League. He was known as a two-footed midfielder and is famous for his powerful and thundering long range shots and free kicks.-Early years:...
- M - Hamid Reza EstiliHamid Reza EstiliHamid Reza Estili is an Iranian football coach and retired player, currently coaching Persepolis in Iran Pro League. Estili was a member of Iran national football team and is mostly remembered for his memorable goal and goal celebration against USA at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.-Early life:He was...
- M - Reza ShahroudiReza ShahroudiReza Shahroudi is a retired Iranian football player.He played mostly for Persepolis. Shahroudi made 40 appearances for the Iran national football team and participated at 1998 FIFA World Cup....
- F - Khodadad AziziKhodadad AziziKhodadad Azizi is an Iranian retired professional football striker and a current coach.-International career:Azizi represented Iran at the 1996 Asian cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and the 2000 Asian Cup...
- F - Ali DaeiAli DaeiAli Daei is an Iranian retired football player and former national team coach who currently manages a local Iranian team, Rah Ahan. He is a former captain of the Iran national football team, and is the world's all-time leading goalscorer in international matches...
Manager:
Valdeir VieiraValdeir Vieira
Valdeir "Badú" Vieira is a Brazilian football manager who is currently Head Coach of Bahrain Club in the Bahraini Premier League.-Playing career:...
Aftermath
Iran qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup Finals in FranceFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and were drawn into Group F with Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
, Yugoslavia
Serbia national football team
The Serbia national football team represents Serbia in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia, the governing body for football in Serbia. Serbia's home ground is Stadion Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade and their last head coach was Vladimir Petrović...
and USA
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
. After losing 1-0 to Yugoslavia in their opening match, Iran defeated USA 2-1 with goals from Estili and Mahdavikia. In the final match they lost 2-0 to Germany, finishing third in the group on three points.
Australia qualified for the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place play-off:-Final:-Awards:-Top scorers:7 goals Romário5 goals Vladimír Šmicer4 goals Ronaldo-References:...
as Oceania Nations Cup
1996 OFC Nations Cup
The 1996 OFC Nations Cup was not held as a cohesive tournament, but consisted of semi-finals and a final played on a two-legged basis, stretched out between November 1995 and November 1996....
winners. The Socceroos were drawn into a group with Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
, Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
and host nation Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia national football team
Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation...
. In the opening match they defeated Mexico 3-1, then secured a memorable nil-all draw with World Cup holders Brazil. Australia lost the last match against Saudi Arabia 1-0, but still finished second in the group on four points, proceeding to the semi-final stage. Against Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
, a goal from Harry Kewell in extra time secured a 1-0 win and a place in the final against Brazil. Australia were crushed 6-0 by Brazil, leaving the side with the silver medal.
External links
- 10th Anniversary of Melbourne Showdown, IranSprtsPress.com
- First Leg
- Second Leg