Iran settled for another goalless draw on Monday against Montenegro in their second warm-up match in advance of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
Although the match was one without much offensive flair from either side, Team Melli showed some signs of improvement -- especially in defense and midfield. The defense was more organised and the midfield was quicker in closing down the attacking lanes.
During attacks Iran used the width of the field better, and showed improved understanding in overlap situations and changing the point of attack.
With two warm-up matches left, let's take a look at a ten things that we have learned so far from Carlos Queiroz and his team.
1. There is a plan for the keepers
Queiroz is very meticulous about his approach to selecting his squad, and the goalkeeper position has not been an exception to the rule. It appears that the coach wants to give each of his three Brazil-bound keepers a full match and then give his starter a nod in the final pre-World Cup friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on June 8 in Sao Paulo. Based on that assumption, expect Daniel Davari to start in the third friendly this Friday against Angola in Austria, and then again against Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Attack isn't a dirty word
It is very obvious that Queiroz will use a 4-2-3-1 formation, but he may not be as defensive minded as some may think. Both left and right backs showed very willingness to push forward, as did the midfielders.
3. The back four is settled
Queiroz is usually inclined to keep a flat four in the back in defensive situations, but his plan took a minor hit when defender Hashem Beikzadeh re-aggravated a muscle injury sixteen minutes into the game, and had to be replaced with a more forward thinking Mehrdad Pooladi. Pejman Montazeri started and finished the game on the right side, and the pair of Jalal Hosseini and Amir Hossein Sadeghi played half of the match together before Hosseini was subbed off. Expect to see the same starting four against Nigeria on June 16 if Beikzadeh recovers on time.
4. The midfield is gelling nicely
The midfield showed more fighting spirit than they did against Belarus. Andranik Teymourian and Javad Nekounam were solid when performing their defensive duties and Nekounam dared to advance forward when the team attacked. Khosro Heydari who started on the right regularly joined the attack by either going up the flank to feed crosses into the box, or by partnering with fellow midfielder Ashkan Dejagah who had a more central role. On the left, Masoud Shojaei was very willing to take on defenders and try his luck from the edge of the box. Barring the unexpected, this could very well be Queiroz's starting midfield in Brazil.
5. Ghoochannejhad will start up front
Reza Ghoochannejhad was used as the sole striker and had a couple of chances with which he should have done more, but altogether he fought well and chased most every ball that came his way. He is most likely to get the starting role in Brazil and faces a tough task ahead of him as he lines up against some world class defenders -- but Queiroz does not have many other options in that position.
6. Argentina is the worry
Iran is a cohesive defensive unit that is willing to sit back and dare offenses to break them down. This might work against many teams, but could backfire when facing Argentina. Everyone knows what Lionel Messi can do with the ball at his feet.
7. Fitness is still a concern
Although the team has shown good physical fitness at this stage of their preparation, fitness has been a historical liability for Team Melli on the world stage. It will be interesting to see if they can keep up for 90 minutes against world class opposition.
8. Iran are weak in the air
The centre of the defense is somewhat shaky when defending against crosses and especially in dead ball situations. This may cost them dearly against the likes of Edin Dzeko.
9. The attack may surprise some defences
Team Melli is more fluid going forward than one might expect. While they may lack individual flare and creativity in midfield, there is a willingness to run into available spaces in support, and there is a few players with enough confidence to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.
10. A hard press could undo Team Melli
Finally, and this could be their Achilles Heel, Iran do not handle high defensive pressure well. Although neither Belarus nor Montenegro pressured them high during the first two friendlies, the few times that they did, Team Melli seemed a bit jittery and had a hard time moving the ball up field. Most of these situation ended with a defender hoofing the ball, only to watch it come right back. This could somewhat improve as the team gels together more during the next two weeks, but do not be surprised if Nigeria start pressuring up field from the get go.
Unlike the last time Team Melli made it to the World Cup, there has not been any drama at the camp. Carlos Queiroz and his technical team have kept the team focused and everyone seems to be getting along just fine. A convincing victory in their next two matches can go a long way in instilling confidence in the team and bringing further unity between the players and the technical team.