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This article originally appeared on www.footballmedia.net.(Kaveh Mahjoob)

footballmedia.net - When I interviewed Vingo Begovich (Iranian U23 head coach) five weeks ago, Iran had just tied Australia in Tehran and Begovich considered the result a good start for a team that was put together just weeks earlier. His voice was full of confidence and he was generally in a good mood. Back then, we talked about the “Road to China” and he was confident that Iran would qualify.
 
When I interviewed Begovich again on Friday morning, April 13, he was discouraged by many elements, fighting a cold and was reduced to “hoping” for success. He sounded tired but yet not willing to give up on Iran’s chances for the Olympics.
 
Kaveh – Please evaluate the current state of your (U23) team in the Olympic qualification round.
 
Begovich – I am satisfied with the team’s efforts.
 
Kaveh – Iran has 2 points from three matches after two home games and no goals scored. How could you be satisfied?
 
Begovich – When I started on January 25th as the head coach, I had two immediate tasks. First, I wanted to invite the best players I could and determine who could play in international matches. Next, determine what system of play would work well for this team. Time was short. We had 5 practices before the Australian match, 7 before the Saudi Arabia game and another 7 practices before the match against Jordan.
 
From the beginning, I tried for my team to play good football. We have not gotten the results and therefore we are under a lot of pressure but we don’t get the cooperation we should get either.
 

Kaveh – You mentioned playing good football. In offense, the team has not scored after three matches including two home games. We barely had a single opportunity against Saudi Arabia. Please elaborate why this team is so ineffective in offense.
 
Begovich – Against Saudi Arabia and Jordan, referees didn’t call obvious penalties in our favor. They disallowed a sure goal against Jordan. Why is it that Iraqi referees are assigned to Iran – Jordan match? The Iraqi players play their home matches in Jordan. Don’t you think the referees would be influenced? I think there are political hands behind the scene working against the Iranian U23 team to not qualify for the Olympics.
 
Kaveh – You are not suggesting that the inability of Iranian forwards to score is fault of others. Are you?
 
Begovich – We missed a lot of opportunities. Just against Jordan, we had five or six great chances. We didn’t convert.
 
Kaveh – Are there not any Iranian forwards in the PGL (Persian Gulf League) or other leagues that you could bring to this team?
 
Begovich – Iran’s football has “offense” problem. Look who are your best forwards in the league (PGL). A non-Iranian, a halfback and Daei who is over 37 years old. This problem is not limited to the U23 team. Iran has a draught of offensive players.
 
I tried to observe new players. Last time, I told you that I would go around the country to find talents. I have not had a chance to do that. I held a camp and look for new players.
 

Kaveh - …and you brought a Futsal player to test which was very odd. Why would you do that?
 
Begovich – I would like to see different talents. Someone recommended this player, I called him for a practice and ended up not bringing him in.
 
Kaveh – But still you have not solved the offensive puzzle.
 
Begovich – We tried to use different offensive formations in different matches. I used 3 forwards against Jordan. Next game, I will try a different approach.
 
Kaveh – Who will you use in offense?
 
Begovich – I am considering using Hossein Kaebi as one of the two forwards. He has international experience, he is quick and he could make things happen.
 
Kaveh – That is interesting. Using Kaebi means either you really have reached the end of forward barrel or you have a gem in making. Let’s move on. You certainly have been familiar with the Iranian football. Why did you take this job knowing all the problems?
 
Begovich – I had a very good situation in Qatar. I love Iranian football and felt terrible for my old team (Foolad) that was struggling. They asked me to return to Ahvaz and I did but then this opportunity came up and I decided to take the challenge. I discovered then that the U23 team was in disarray. The previous head coach (Brazilian Simoes), tried to sacrifice long term planning for a short term success in Doha (Asian Games) and as a result, we didn’t have many good players to start with. I have introduced several fine players with this team. These players could be the future of Iranian football.
 

Kaveh – 3 more games left and you have 2 points. Australia is 3 points ahead of you. You have 2 road games ahead. How realistic are your chances?
 
Begovich – Football is an unpredictable game and I am very confident that we will earn 7 points. This means we have to win one road match and the only home game (against Saudi Arabia).
 
Kaveh – That is a lot of optimism when the team has not scored a single goal. Let’s get realistic here. What % do you give this team to qualify?
 
Begovich – As an optimist, I am 100% confident we will qualify.
 
Kaveh – And as a realist?
 
Begovich – I give it 30% chance for us to qualify.
 
Kaveh – Why is it that you don’t have a good relationship with Iranian football writers?
 
Begovich – Press in Iran is like everywhere else. Some of them like you and some don’t. Many don’t know enough about the game and are not objective. In each of Germany or France, there is one leading football newspaper. These papers are analytical and objective about the game. In Iran, there are many (over 20) daily sports and there are so many reporters with different agendas.
 

Kaveh – Last time I interviewed you (in March), you were very enthusiastic. This time I sense disappointment in your voice.
           
Begovich – I hate stupidity. When you see a lot of that around, it discourages you. Iran needs to have a long term plan for her football. All need to cooperate. Clubs don’t cooperate with us. Time is short and I am doing my best.
 
Kaveh – Is IFF (Iran’s Football Federation) helpful and supportive?
 
Begovich – They try to help but they are two years late to build this team.
 
Kaveh – Did you make a mistake in taking this job?
 
Begovich – Had I known in January what I know now, I may have thought differently about taking the job. I am still here, have a job to do and will do my best. That is all I can do.
 
Kaveh – I wish you and the team the very best.
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Begovich still hopes for the best. He is discouraged with the conditions around his team and disappointed with certain players. The facts are that in three matches, Iran’s U23 has played poorly, has not scored and has appeared worse than the same team four years ago. Under current circumstances, it is hard to imagine a road victory. Begovich wanted to lead a national team but he chose a bad time to try it in Iran.
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