Nation cup in Lebanon

  In less than three weeks the Asian football will be witnessing the nation cup in Lebanon and the fever of football will rise to it's peak. I honestly would not dare to predict the outcome of the games but no team should be underestimated at this level. Even though the experts tend to favor the Japan, Saudis and Iranians as the major contenders. The Chinese did perform quite well in the four team tournament held in China last week  getting the better of Iraq by the score of 4-1. What bothers me is the introduction of some   foreign players to some of the teams such as Japan and the host Lebanon.
These two have recruited some Latin players into their squad something that is not fair in   my book. Any soccer club is entitled to have foreign players but in the international level it is  a coward move I think.

The Iranian U16 delighted me with their brave effort to finish second although they did   deserve better. Their accomplishment indicates the highest range and scope of the soccer in Iran  considering the fact that there is so little sponsor help in the country and most of the pitches do not hold the international standard. Football has become a folk sport in Iran and the people's passion for it is  just too big to ignore. Let us hope that the Iranian U19 will follow suit and claim the trophy in Tehran next month. Gazing back at the nation cup held in Tehran back in 1976 I am still impressed by the  performance of the Melli team coached by Mr. Mohajerani. They did not concede one single goal in the championship thanks to the great wall of Nazari, Eskandarian, Abdollahi and Kazerani. Can any team at any time touch this record? The team played under the formation of 4-4-2 mind you.

Faramarz Bagheri S.

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