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World Cup - Iran

What if the US and Iran were going to play one another this year? I would hope that through sport, and a lively but fair match, you would see that two countries can get along and share a common passion. The US, with so much wealth and ease, at times take things for granted. There's always something next - we are a bit cynical and arrogant. But here, in the World Cup things mean so much. Any way, let's get away from the dramatics and see some facts about Iran's World Cup team and chances:

Iran bounce back in style

Iran will step back into the limelight at Germany 2006 having bounced back from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the first Asian finals in 2002.
They did not have things all their own way in qualifying, however, suffering a 1-0 home defeat by Jordan in June 2004 that threatened their progress through the preliminary round. However, Branko Ivankovic's men found their form in that summer’s AFC Asian Cup - where they edged out Korea Republic 4-3 in a memorable quarter-final to reach the last four- and with confidence levels restored, they dominated the return match with Jordan to earn a crucial 2-0 win.

That match saw the return of German-based striker Vahid Hashemian after a long absence and he had an important part to play in the final qualifying round. After opening with a goalless draw in Bahrain, Hashemian struck both of Iran’s goals in the 2-1 victory over Japan in March 2005 that sparked a four-match winning streak that secured their finals place. Although Iran lost their final Group B match in Tokyo to surrender first place, their place in Germany was already secure.

Three times champions of Asia, Iran reached their first FIFA World Cup as the continent’s sole representatives at Argentina 1978. They underlined their attacking-minded approach when they advanced to the 1998 finals in France by eliminating Australia on away goals in a two-legged play-off. And in France, they achieved a first finals victory in memorable fashion, defeating the United States 2-1 in Lyon. Hopes of a second successive FIFA World Cup appearance were dashed in 2001, however, when they lost a qualifying play-off to the Republic of Ireland.

Read more at: FIFA World Cup - Yahoo!