Knock, Knock, Knocking on Branko's Door

With Branko Ivankovic naming a strong 25-man domestic-based squad for a 10-day training camp in Iran, renewed optimism has been given to some fringe players, whilst others have had their hopes dashed.

Let's start on the positive end of things. In central defence Ivankovic has called up Saba Battery's veteran defender, Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh and recalled Pas' Hadi Shakouri. They will be fighting it out with Esteghlal's Amir Hossein Sadeghi for what will surely be the fourth and final centre back position in the squad. The edge might currently be with Sadeghi, but the fact that Ivankovic has called up the veteran Bakhtiarizadeh so late into the game could signal that he is not yet completely satisfied with the younger Sadeghi. In fact, it may be a wise choice to take Bakhtiarizadeh to Germany, as he could be the perfect understudy for the ever-green Golmohammadi. This battle will go down to the wire.

Onto more important and critical positions, the left back spot remains the largest dilemma for Ivankovic's team. Sattar Zare has occupied the position for the good part of the past year, but he has done so not out of merit rather than circumstances. Although no one could ever criticize the Bargh Shiraz player for a lack of effort, he just does not possess the quality, let alone the left foot, to play at left back. With that said, Ivankovic has interestingly pointed out that he has chosen Nikbakht Vahedi and Mehrzad Madanchi to challenge Zare for the left back position. This is a critical time for all three players, and if Branko's words are to be believed then the training camp will see one of the fiercest battles for places in the World Cup squad. Nikbakht has only recently begun to recapture some of the form that catapulted him into a starring role in the national side. Although his return to form has been in flashes till now, there have been many encouraging signs. Most Iranians would be backing the Esteghlal player to complete his return to form, as it may mean a more practical solution to the left back problem that has plagued Iran for the past two years, and arguably since Mehrdad Minavand left the team.

For the left side of midfield Ivankovic has recalled Pas' Meysam Maneie, who has been Pas' player of the year, without a doubt. He has led them to second place, having taken up the extra responsibility after captain and talisman Javad Nekounam left the side at the mid-way point of the Iranian Premier League (IPL) season. Maneie's rise to stardom has been a steady thing in the making and has taken two seasons. He probably has the best left foot in the IPL, his crosses are top quality and he is a fighter and has a good shot on him. He is also one of those players the manager can always depend on because of his versatility. He has played left back, left wing, and central midfield for Pas at various points of the past two seasons. Ivankovic has let Maneie play competitive football in World Cup Qualifiers already and that is no small thing, even though it must be said that they were only substitute appearances. The question remains where does Branko see Maneie's contribution to the national team, at left back or left wing? The answer is that it is more likely at left wing, considering the Croat's recent interviews. If that is the case, then Maneie will have to fight his way to dislodge Branko favorite Ferydoon Zandi and keep himself ahead of possibly Madanchi in the pecking order. On merit, Maneie deserves a place in the final squad, but whether he will accomplish it is another matter, as he has to convince the stubborn and cautious Croat first.

Central midfield poses another battle for a number of players. Due to the wealth of numbers in that position, regulars such as another Branko favorite, Mohammad Alavi find themself on the reserve list. Iman Mobali and Esteghlal's Hossein Kazemi are also on that list. All three will find it hard to force their way into the final fold, although Alavi may be the likeliest of the three to do so. But, even for him, its a wake up call that time is running out. His role in the national team has diminished in the past year, from starter to regular substitute to squad player and now to the reserve list. One paradox does remain though. Moharram Navidkia has been named, yet again, in the list, and although a fan favorite, Navidkia has not recaptured the form or even more importantly the fitness that he once had. The fact that Branko is persisting with him is not only a sign that he is highly rated by the coach but that Branko is not yet settled on his picks in that position. There is probably room for one player to add his name to the squad and Navidkia and probably Shojaei and the three aforementioned reserve players will all have a chance to join Nekounam, Teymourian and Jabbari in Germany.

That brings the final position up for grabs in the squad, namely the fourth striker that Iran takes to Germany. Reza Enayati has been recalled, but club-mate Siavash Akbarpour is nowhere to be found, rather surprisingly. Enayati is joined by Rasoul Khatibi, and Mehdi Rajabzadeh and one of the three is likely to go to Germany. If I were a betting man, my money would not be on Enayati. He is too similar to options already in the squad and it is clear that Ivankovic does not rate him that highly despite the fact that he has been by far and large the best goal-scorer in the IPL over the past three seasons.

All over the squad, there are other fringe players who can still force their way into the final 23. Saipa's Shojaei may even be in the reckoning as Mahdavikia's understudy and so may Javad Kazemian, who may also be considered for the forward's position. His versatility may mean that Ivankovic does pick him as he offers various options for a number of positions.

One thing is for sure and that is if your name is not on either of the two lists announced and you play your football in Iran, then it is highly unlikely, bordering on impossible, that you will be on the plane to Germany on June 4. But for these 30 men (including the 5 reserve players), the battle is on to prove themselves as only 18 of them will be going to the World Cup, as five foreign-based players will surely be added to the fold come the end of the European season.