A solitary point in three games didn't tell the whole story - they should've scored more when they lost 3-1 to Mexico, they held Portugal to 0-0 for large parts of the game before capitulating by two goals, and they really should've won against Angola but had to settle for an undeserved 1-1 draw.
Iran had just bowed out of the 2006 World Cup with their heads held high. And their no. 6 was the name on everyone's lips.
The epitome of a one-touch playmaker, Javad Nekounam was free to select from a variety of European clubs.
Off-the-radar: Osasuna and Iran, an unlikely connection
