Iranian Soccer players are targeted by European clubs
According to Agency France-Presse, Ali Daei, the world's top international
goal scorer of 1996, was the recipient of the FIFA Asian player of the
year award which was presented by president Joao Havelange. He is
now a target by several European clubs. He heads the list of five players,
drawn up by the Asian Football
Confederation (AFC), who played prominent roles at the Asian Cup in the
United Arab Emirates last December.
The 28-year-old Daei was the top scorer at the finals with eight goals
in six games. He scored 20 goals in the
tournament in which Iran finished third. With 23 international goals
during 1996, Daei was the world's top
international goal scorer.
Khodadad Azizi is also featured on the list. Other players are South Korea's
Ko Jeong Woon and Saudi Arabian pair Mohammad al-Daeyea and Yousef al Thuniyan.
Azizi was instrumental in making many of Daei's goals. His vision
and ability earned him the Most Valuable Player award at the Asian Cup.
He is also a strong contender to receive the Asian Player of the Year award
won last year by Japan's Masami Ihara.
Iran's Mohammad Kohan, the only Asian to coach a side in the last four
Asian Cups, has been nominated for the coach award. Other nominees are
Akira Nishino of the Japanese Olympic side and Ma Yunan coach of the Chinese
women's team.
We congratulate Ali Daei, Khodadad Azizi and Mohammad Kohan and other members
of Iranian soccer team.
Iran Online
May 1997
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