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From left: Algeria’s Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwiya), Australia’s Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), Iran’s Pejman Montazeri have received call-ups.
Al Gharafa, 2014 league champions Lekhwiya and Umm Salal have all had one player each selected to head to the World Cup in Brazil this summer. |
The players heading to the biggest sporting festival from the Qatar Stars League (QSL) are not many but the ones that will be going have plenty of quality. They are Australian veteran midfielder Mark Bresciano (Al Gharafa), Iranian defender Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal) and Algeria’s Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwiya).
Gharafa’s attacking midfielder Bresciano will have a big challenge ahead of him with his Socceroos teammates as they are possibly in one of the toughest World Cup groups. Group B sees them pitted against 2010 World Cup finalists Spain and the Netherlands, not to mention a decent Chilean side. Australia qualified behind Japan and largely struggled to impress with some late goals sparing their blushes.
Bresciano is one of Australia’s most talented footballers and has a renowned eye for goal. He usually plays his football on the left side of midfield but can also play as a forward and in the central or right midfield role. A versatile player, who often assists in both attack and defense, is also a set-piece specialist.
The 34-year-old had stepped away from the Australian side after the 2010 World Cup in what was described then as a “sabbatical” from the team; returning in February 2012 he instantly re-established himself in the side. The break from the national team was due to a persistent back problem which plagued the player, forcing him to have surgery to correct the issue.
Iran national team coach Carlos Queiroz has put his faith in Montazeri, who arrived in Qatar last season. Although Umm Salal struggled in the beginning, his assured performances in the second half of the season helped Salal shore up their defense and go on a run that saw them move up to 7th position in the league.
Iran will be participating in the World Cup for the fourth time after playing in 1978, 1998 and 2006.
Iran will do well to improve on their World Cup record of one win in nine attempts. They only conceded twice in eight matches during the final qualifying phase but stronger opponents lie ahead. Iran will be in Group F with Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Bougherra enjoyed yet another successful season with the 2014 QSL champs Lekhwiya. With Algeria in Group H they have a real possibility to qualify in Brazil too; their opponents will be South Korea, Russia and Belgium. They say no group is easy but at the same time only Belgium stands out as a real threat to their chances of qualification.
Bougherra, 31, will probably be appearing for the last time at a major finals for his nation.
The likes of Diego Maradona and Rivaldo have praised the current team of Algeria, the only Arab nation present in Brazil. While Maradona predicted Algeria “will cause a surprise”, Rivaldo has said “the possibilities of reaching the second round are abundant”.
A key player in the Algerian outfit will be France-born Sofiane Feghouli. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder for Valencia was described as “exceptional” and “a physical beast” by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a year ago.
