2004 Asian Championship Qualifiers (September 2003)

Following Iran’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, head coach Blazevic’s time in Iran ended as his assistant Branko Ivankovic took over. Under Ivankovic Iran took part in a number of tournaments, finishing third in the WAFF Cup, first in the LG Cup and second in the Carlsberg Cup. At the conclusion of the Carlsberg Cup, the IFF, who were keen on hiring an Iranian coach, did not renew Ivankovic’s contract and instead Homayoun Shahrokhi took charge. Sharokhi began his tenure with a number of defeats in friendlies before finally tackling the Asian Championship qualifiers against Jordan, Lebanon and North Korea. Iran started the campaign well, defeating Jordan 4-1 in Tehran with goals by Daei (2), Mobali and Nekounam. 

The return match in Amman would bring Shahrokhi’s rein to a close. While Golmohammadi would give Iran the lead, however, Jordan would score twice to take the lead. Majidi would equalize for Iran but with nine minutes left Jordan would score again and ultimately win 3-2. 

With this defeat Shahrokhi was cast aside and Ivankovic was recalled as national team coach.

Ivankovic injected youth in the national team although he still retained an aging Daei. A brace by Karimi and another goal by Navidkia earned Iran a 3-1 win away to North Korea. The return match in Azadi was not without incident. 

After Iran had taken a 1-0 lead from Daei’s penalty kick, the match was abandoned with half an hour left after North Korea walked off the field when a spectator threw firecrackers on the pitch. With the Koreans refusing go back, the match was awarded 3–0 to Iran, but on the other hand, Iran were ordered to play their next home match in an official AFC or FIFA competition behind closed doors. 

With a first half penalty by Daei and second half goals by Golmohammadi and Nikbakht Iran would earn a 3-0 away win against Lebanon and a place in the 2004 Asian Championship. 

In a meaningless final game in an empty stadium, Iran would defeat Lebanon 1-0 courtesy of another Daei goal.