World Cup Qualifiers

After an eight-year absence, Iran have returned to the World Cup finals. The team finished second behind Japan in Group B.

Stars

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.

Trainer

Branko Ivankovic celebrated his start in the Iranian coaching box at the 2002 Asian Games, where he made sure to celebrate in style by winning the tournament. Since the win, Croatia's Ivankovic has made a point of promoting young players and introducing a strong sense of team spirit into the side. The fact that he was able to do that -- and reach the 2006 German finals -- has earned him a good deal of international esteem.

World Cup History

1978 preliminary, 1998 preliminary

Match Schedule: Preliminary Round

June 11: Mexico - Iran in Nuremberg

June 17: Portugal - Iran in Frankfurt

June 21: Iran - Angola in Leipzig

World Cup Base

When they're not being kept busy on the pitch, the Iranian team can be found Friedrichshafen near Lake Constance during the 2006 World Cup.

Outlook

Though Iran left their two previous World Cup appearances after the group stage, fans are hoping that the three-time Asia Champions will make a better showing this summer.