Iranian soccer stars are becoming high profile with many securing big moves into Europe and enjoying success there. The national team is also getting itself a reputation as an up-and-coming side.
After an eight-year absence, Iran have returned to the World Cup finals. The team finished second behind Japan in Group B.
Four German Bundesliga players have a large role in keeping the Iranian team afloat. Vahid Hashemian (Hanover 96), Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Ferydoon Zandi (Kaiserslautern) and Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburger) all have important roles in the Iranian side. Ali Daei, an ex-Bundesliga player, also proved to be an integral part of the team by scoring nine qualification goals, making him the Asian Zone's leading scorer.
Iranian soccer stars are becoming high profile with many securing big moves into Europe and enjoying success there. The national team is also getting itself a reputation as an up-and-coming side.
Four German Bundesliga players have a large role in keeping the Iranian team afloat. Vahid Hashemian (Hanover 96), Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Ferydoon Zandi (Kaiserslautern) and Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburger) all have important roles in the Iranian side. Ali Daei, an ex-Bundesliga player, also proved to be an integral part of the team by scoring nine qualification goals, making him the Asian Zone's leading scorer.
