The Guardian - This article is part of the Guardian�s 2018�World Cup�Experts� Network, a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 32 countries who have qualified for Russia. theguardian.com is running previews from two countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kicking off on 14 June.

For the first time�Iran�will participate in two consecutive World Cups and, after a relatively acceptable performance at Brazil 2014, Team Melli are in search of a bigger dream in Russia.

�Iran have come on a lot,� said the coach, Carlos Queiroz, recently. �With the experience of Brazil 2014 under our belts and with several players having since moved to Europe, we�ve become more solid and competitive. We want to get through to the second round but that is obviously going to be a very difficult task.�

Four years ago Queiroz�s side played reactive football, based on a deep defensive line and quick counterattacks in a 4-2-3-1 formation but, to get to the knockout rounds, Iran need a more attacking style and have shown it in recent friendlies in a 4-1-4-1.

 

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