ENGLAND will be on high alert at the World Cup with Iran potentially offering a deadly secret weapon.
Iranian defender Nader Mohammadi is a unique talent when it comes to one area of the game – throw-ins.
Mohammadi went viral for launching a huge throw-in from the halfway line to create a chance for Pakyan in their 1-0 defeat against Persepolis in the Persian Gulf Pro League in February 2021.
He pulled off a brilliant acrobatic maneuver to launch the ball some 50 metres into the opposition penalty area to create a chance for his side.
It has become a signature move for Mohammadi and involves a front flip, but instead of bouncing off his hands he uses the ball to push himself back upright.
Incredibly Mohammadi has even used the trick to score.
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One throw in 2020 looped over the goalkeeper who touched the ball on its way to hitting the back of the net which meant the goal was allowed to stand – so Jordan Pickford beware.
Whether that is enough for the defender to make Iran’s World Cup squad remains to be seen.
Carlos Queiroz is yet to call up the 25-year-old to his squad and he still remains uncapped.
One player who does look set to make the squad is Mohammadi’s namesake Milad.
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The AEK Athens star made a name for himself at the 2018 World Cup for all the wrong reasons as he tried to emulate Mohammadi’s unique throw-in technique.
Milad, 29, managed the flip in a 1-0 defeat to Spain but pulled out of the throw at the crucial moment, so was left red-faced as he re-took the throw in normal fashion.
He was mocked by fans online as a result and even branded the ‘gobs***e of the World Cup’ by one media outlet.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
