Glory Up For Grabs In Iran

GOAL - In recent years, Japan has been Asia’s leader in exciting last day title finishes but even the big boys of the J-League will find it hard to match what will take place in Tehran on Saturday.

No less than 110,000 fans are expected to pack into the Azadi Stadium to watch the championship decider between Persepolis and leaders Sepahan. There are just two points between the two teams.

Sepahan will be the visitors and the thought of appearing in the capital's famous old arena may be a daunting one but the Isfahan outfit can console itself with the fact that a draw will be enough to win a second title.

Persepolis need to win for championship number eight and a first since 2003. The team did just that on Wednesday in front of over 90,000 fans. Title contenders Saba Battery were brushed aside 4-1 and dumped out of the race.

It was a performance that will live long in the memory - as will the atmosphere. Those that went described it as so loud that you couldn’t even shout to the person next to you and be heard.

Sepahan boss Jorvan Vieira is set for a second success in less than 12 months. The Brazilian led Iraq to the 2007 Asian Cup and is within touching distance of the Iranian Pro League title.

The Yellows have faltered in recent weeks, letting a seven-point gap slip down to two but Vieira and his players, who finished as runners-up in the 2007 Asian Champions League and participated in the Club World Championship, have the big-game experience to handle the Azadi Stadium - even with the injured Mahmoud Karimi and Moharam Navidkia.

Not that it is needed but the identity of the coaches adds a little spice to the occasion.

Vieira knows all about his Persepolis counterpart. Afshin Ghotbi was the assistant coach of South Korea during last summer’s Asian Cup and watched as the Taeguk Warriors were eliminated on penalties in the semi-final by the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Ghotbi had one more game with the Koreans before being tempted west by Persepolis. His first season back in Iran after a gap of 30 years has been one to remember – a real roller-coaster ride.

Revenge won’t be on Ghotbi’s mind. Glory is up for grabs at the Azadi and it promises to be a day to remember to end a season that few will forget.