1972 Olympics (August 1972)

In between qualification and the Olympics Iran had a coaching change with Ranjbar making way for Mahmood Bayati. In a repeat scenario of the 1964 Olympics, a huge chunk of the team failed to make the trip due to retirements, suspensions and questionable omissions by the coach. This omitted group included Arab, Behzadi, Kalani, Hejazi (reportedly due to preparations for his upcoming wedding), Mazloomi and Haghverdian. With two consecutive losses by 5-0 and 4-0 against Hungary and Denmark Iran was mathematically eliminated. 

However, that did not stop Iran from turning a few heads in the final group game against Brazil. 

A goal courtesy of Halvaei’s thunderous shot was sufficient to bury the Brazilian squad 1-0. Ghelichkhani also missed out on a chance to double the lead with his missed penalty kick, but in spite of this honorable achievement Iran was sent home after the group stage. 

While looking back, this result would appear impressive, however, in hindsight this Brazilian squad appeared very weak, finishing in last place in the group with only one point. Two youngsters on the Brazilian team, Falcao and Direcu, would later go on to represent Brazil in multiple World Cups although the lack of professionals in Brazil’s roster contributed to their subpar performance.

Roster: Rashidi, Ghoflsaz, Ashtiani, Kashani, Halvaei, Kargarjam, Allahverdi, Monajati, Ghelichkhani, Parvin, Jabbari, Sadeghi, Vafakhah, Ghorab, Azizi, Iranpak, Sharafi, Khordbin, Lavasani. Coach: Bayati