Ghoddos Still Shapes as Important Contributor in Coming World Cup Cycle


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran national football team midfielder Saman Ghoddos still shapes as an important contributor in the coming World Cup cycle.

The 2023 Asian Cup is now over and Qatar, once again, are champions, defeating Jordán 3-1 at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday evening after a hat trick of penalties from Akram Afif.

Brentford star Ghoddos anchored the Iranian midfield as Team Melli moved through the gears and the tournament before playing a key role in their explosion to life against Japan; applying the press on goalkeeper Zion Suzuki that led to his poor attempted clearance and the rapid counter-attack that led to Iran’s's equalizer.

The 30-year-old's work rate was a key cog in the play of coach Amir Ghalenoei's outfit, leading the team in ball recoveries and finishing among its leaders in touches and chance creation -- presently ranked third for big chance creation amongst all teams at the tournament, per FotMob.

Despite being 30 years old and Iran boss Amir Ghalenoei being called to aggressively pursue a policy of squad rejuvenation in the years ahead by Iranian fans, Ghoddos still shapes as an important contributor in the coming World Cup cycle.