Iran's national football team head coach, Ali Daei, announced the squad on Thursday for the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on March 26, but dropped Vahid Hashemian on Friday. Iranian striker was first chosen but later on dropped by the national coach on Hashemian’s own request due to injury.

Iran's national football team will play Bahrain in a friendly match on March 21 before competing Kuwait in the second match of the 2010 World Cup qualifier on March 26.

Persepolis FC of Tehran, has six members in the squad and the highest number of representatives on the roster. Goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati secured his position in the national side when he almost single handedly saved Iran from losing to Syria in their opening qualifying match in February.

Daei did not forget his former European and Persian Gulf-based teammates and invited six of them, including Ali Karimi, and Iman Mobali. They were rumored to have had problems with Daei during his playing time but the new coach is looking to demonstrate that he is looking beyond past differences.

In keeping with Daei's promise to select a healthy mix and youth and experience, two of the promising young players invited are Milad Maydavoudi and Milad Zanidpour, both of whom may play an important role in the future of Iran’s team.

Source: Tehran Times, PersianFootball