BENGALURU: In nine meetings in major football events against Iran, India have won and drew one each. Ironically, the September 8 clash in Bengaluru will be the first time the two will meet in a World Cup qualifier.
The only victory India recorded over Iran was in the 1951 Asian Games final in Delhi, courtesy Sahu Mewalal’s lone goal. The 1984 Asia Cup qualifier draw in Singapore was a goalless affair. An Iranian XI did lose to India in the 1976 Afghan Cup in Kabul, but that wasn’t their full-strength team as top players were at the Montreal Olympics.
Iran is currently 41st on the FIFA list, the highest among Asian nations, ahead of South Korea and Japan. India are 156th, and have even been 171th — their lowest ever.
That’s hardly surprising as India lost to tiny Guam, who have moved up from 185 to 146. The Monday friendly draw against Nepal in Pune hardly inspires confidence ahead of the Iran match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
“Iran is a superior team. First of all, the boys must get on to the field with a big heart. Even if they lose 0-1, it will be a big result,” said former India goalkeeper Brahmanand Shankwalkar, who with Atanu Bhattacharya was in the squad that held Iran 0-0 in 1984.
“I think the Indians must play a very close-knit game and deny Iran space. They play a different game. Seldom do they compromise on defence. They attack sporadically and exert pressure on the defence. If you deny them an early goal, they tend to get a little rattled under pressure. It will be very important for our boys to restrict them as long as possible,” observed the former Salgaocar and Goa custodian, who also led India.
“We must know the strengths of the opponent and plan accordingly. Yes, goals win matches. But to play an attacking game against a team like Iran will be suicidal. They must wait for an opportunity to score. That sort of approach will ensure the match is well contested, no matter what the result is,” said Brahmanand, an Arjuna awardee and AIFF’s Player of the Decade (1985-1995).
India vs Iran
1951 Asian Games final, Delhi, won 1-0.
1959 Asia Cup qualifier, Ernakulum, lost 0-2.
1964 Olympic qualifier, Amjadia, lost 0-3.
1966 Asian Games, Bangkok, lost 1-4.
1980 Olympic qualifier, Singapore, lost 0-2.
1984 Asia Cup, Singapore, drew 0-0.
1992 Asia Cup qualifier, Calcutta, lost 0-3.
2006 Asian Games, Doha, lost 0-2.