The Iran national team, often referred to as Team Melli, or Shiran e Iran, is ranked 37^th in the FIFA World Rankings. The Iranians participated in three World Cup campaigns since it was founded in 1920, and qualified for the 2014 edition that will take place in Brazil.

The Shiran e Iran qualified to the 2014 World Cup by beating the Maldives 5-0 during the preliminary matches. Afterwards, during the group-stage, Iran managed to never lose a game, and thus qualified as the first team in group E, followed by Qatar.

The Iranians will have to face the toughest challenge this Summer in Brazil

Amongst Iran’s most dangerous players, Dutch-born attacker Reza Ghoochannejhad, who currently plays for Charlton Athletic, must be mentioned. In merely 12 appearances for the Iranian lions, the 26-year-old managed to score 9 goals. Meanwhile, team captain Javad Nekounam will play a pivotal role as the teams’ most experienced midfielder, the second most capped player in Iran’s history with 138 matches played for his country.

Ghoochannejhad celebrating a goal during the AFC qualifiers

Iran's captain, Javad Nekounam, will be instrumental for his country during the 2014 World Cup

Former Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz, who took over Team Melli in 2011, had already coached both the Portuguese and South African national teams. The experienced Portuguese manager will have the complex task of leading the Iranians out of a very challenging group.

Iran celebrate qualifying to the 2014 World Cup to take place in Brazil

So far, the Shiran e Iran have released only a temporary 30-man squad, which features players like American-born defender Mehrdad "Steven" Beitashour, German-born goalkeeper Daniel Davari, and Fulham's talent, Ashkan Dejagah.

Iran will have to face Argentina, Nigeria, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group F