PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

January 7, 2000 - Niloofar Mohtasham-Nouri, Persian Center
-Photos: Bijan Sartipi

Oakland, California - Iran's National Soccer Team began their preparation for Sunday's game against Mexico today. Despite indications of jetlag, players jogged at a park near Lake Merritt in Oakland at approximately 10:30 a.m.

While the team members took an early afternoon break, an official press conference was held on the 21st floor of the Marriott Hotel at 3:00 p.m. Members from the Iranian, Mexican, and American press participated in a "question & answer" session led by the team's head coach, Mansour Pour-Heidari. The Director of Officials of the US Soccer Federation, Esfandiar Baharmast, translated the responses while Javad Zarrincheh , Captain of the Team, and Emilio Pozzi, Director of the US Soccer Federation, occasionally pitched in.

During the Q&A session, Mr. Pour-Heidari stated that the main goal of this trip is to familiarize the team with three strong opponents, in preparation for the Asia Nations Cup and World Cup 2002. The results are not important, these are friendly matches," Pour-Heidari said. "They are useful in preparation and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the team. The important thing is to really get to know the players." Additionally, he described the US Team as a "good team" that is improving everyday- - perhaps an indication that next week's game will not be taken lightly.

The team headed for the Oakland Coliseum at 3:30 p.m. for their first official practice game. All 21 team members participated in the warm-up exercises that included forward and backward running, "one-on-one" practice, and "keep away"; two players challenged the two goalkeepers while everyone else "scrimmaged". The handful of media representatives and tens of fans watched intently, anticipating their team's preparedness for the game against Mexico on Sunday, January 9, 2000. The practice ended with more cheers, autographs, interviews, and photographs, despite continued tight security.

Back at the hotel, most team members enjoyed a private dinner buffet at 8:00 p.m., while others battled jetlag. A steady stream of fans popped in and out of the lobby all evening, in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the team members and complete their "autograph" collections on balls or t-shirts. Some of the luckier fans enjoyed the luxury of chatting with Khakpour, Mahdavi-Kia, and Fanaei over dessert; all three were very generous with their time, energy, and smiles, until they retired an hour later. The team is scheduled to continue perfecting their skills at another practice session at the Oakland Coliseum at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2000.

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