Mahdavikia magic lifts comeback kings Iran The stage was set for one of Asia's biggest stars to emerge and shine when China PR and Iran lined up at Dalian's Jinzhou Stadium on 13 September 1997, in the continent’s penultimate qualifying stage for the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™. Hosts China, captained by Fan Zhiyi and reinforced by promising youngsters Li Tie and Sun Jihai, had fixed their sights on a home victory. Iran, however, were strongly-favoured going into the encounter on the back of their semi-final showing at the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. Team Melli had quality all over the pitch. Spearheading the attack was none other than Ali Daei, who was on target four times as his side stunned Korea Republic 6-2 in the aforementioned continental finals. Partnering him upfront was Khodadad Azizi, while Karim Bagheri was the midfield lynchpin. Standing in the shadows of these established stars, was a 19-year-old right fullback named Mehdi Mahdavikia. During an evenly contested first half, the home side took the lead just before the break, as Fan Zhiyi opening the scoring through a penalty. The Chinese doubled the lead shortly after the restart when midfielder Li Ming collected a chipped pass to volley home. While China looked on course for a comfortable win, Iran pulled one back just past the hour-mark. Zhiyi fouled Daei in the area and Bagheri sent Ou Chuliang the wrong way to put the game on a knife edge. Mahdavikia announces his arrival Iran’s goal seemed to cause tension for the hosts, who were still hunting a maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The visitors began to heap pressure on the Chinese goal, and it didn't take long before there was an equaliser. Coming from deep, Mahdavikia picked up a pass from midfield, before twisting past a series of Chinese defenders and lobbing the ball over the keeper into the top corner. With the hosts stunned and frustrated, Mahdavikia then proceeded to turn his dream into the realms of fantasy with a memorable strike that was later named as AFC's Goal of the Month. Surging down the right, the Iranian teenager fired a rocket of a shot from 35 yards out which beat Chuliang and screamed into the far top corner. Iran proceded to claim a fourth goal in the closing minutes for a famous comeback triumph. The opening result proved decisive for the two teams as Iran edged China by just a point to finish as runners-up behind Saudi Arabia. Despite losing the subsequent play-off to Japan, they outmuscled Oceania winners Australia in a dramatic two-legged contest to seal their place at France 1998. Just as they did in Dalian, Iran again came from two down to draw 2-2 in Melbourne and qualify on away goals. For Mahdavikia, the match announced his emergence on the international scene as one of Asia’s burgeoning starlets. From there, Mahdavikia began an illustrious career for both club and country during which he became the 2003 AFC Player of the Year, and featured significantly for Team Melli at France 1998 and Germany 2006.

A chance for youth in Bolivia (. For many decades, the Tahuichi Academy has been one of Latin America’s leading incubators for promising young players. The Bolivian football school offers many poorer kids a welcome alternative to the grinding poverty of their daily lives. Girls and boys are offered the chance to hone and improve their footballing talents, and use the world of sport to acquire social and community skills. Since 1978, kids mainly drawn from poor families have seized the opportunity to escape the downward spiral through the world’s favourite game. Daily life at the Academy has a double focus, with the sporting aspect complemented by an educational component. The kids and youths receive tuition in certain fundamental subjects, acquiring important knowledge for their lives away from the field of play. In the FIFA.com Video of the Week, we take a closer look at the Tahuichi Academy, speaking to participants in the programme and looking back over the colourful history of the Bolivian talent factory. Add your comment

Palmeiras part company with Scolari Palmeiras have parted company with former Chelsea, Brazil and Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Palmeiras took the decision following their 3-1 defeat by Vasco da Gama, the club's ninth defeat in their last 13 league matches and one that leaves them second-bottom of the Brazilian Campeonato with 20 points from 24 games. A statement on the club's website read: "After a meeting on Thursday afternoon between the president, director of football and technical committee of Palmeiras, it was mutually decided to terminate the contract between the coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and the club. Along with Scolari, assistant coach Flavio Murtosa also leaves the club." The 63-year-old Scolari, who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ with Brazil, returned for his second stint at Palmeiras in 2010.

Van Persie fit for United Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to welcome a fit Robin van Persie back to Manchester ahead of Saturday's clash against Wigan at Old Trafford. The Dutch forward, who has started the season in impressive goal-scoring form for United, came off at half-time of the Netherlands' 4-1 victory over Turkey with a thigh injury. But it appears that his removal from that 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier was merely a precaution and, with England centre-forward Wayne Rooney still sidelined after cutting his leg badly in the recent win over Fulham, Van Persie's fitness is all the more important for United. Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has certainly been impressed by the start the Dutchman has made to his United career, with four goals in his first three appearances. "The very important thing is Robin van Persie absolutely chose us," said Schmeichel. "He wanted to come to us, it wasn't a question of us paying more than Manchester City or any other club. He wanted to be with Manchester United and that, I think, is the most important thing. "He has been perfect for what we needed to do. We have brought the right player in." That concluding day of last season, when United lost the league title on goal difference to bitter rivals Manchester City, remains a painful memory for Ferguson and his team. Thanks to Van Persie, the Reds have scored six goals in their last two league games - wins over Fulham and Southampton - but their goal difference only remains at plus one. United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson, however, believes that Van Persie and fellow pre-season signing Shinji Kagawa, the Japan midfielder, will make a significant difference. "I think the team looks good," said Anderson. "At the beginning of the season it's always difficult but we've got a couple of wins and now we want more. "Shinji Kagawa and Robin van Persie have a lot of quality. They make it easier for the rest of the team when they have so much talent. It also means everybody works harder to try and keep their own place." Latics seek to reprise famous victory Wigan's visit to Old Trafford offers United a chance for revenge after the Latics delivered a fatal blow to Ferguson's Premier League title ambitions last season. Battling relegation, Roberto Martinez's side secured a surprise 1-0 win at the DW Stadium in April, but they have failed to pick up a single point in any of their seven Premier League visits to Old Trafford. Wigan have scored just once at United's home, a stoppage-time penalty by Leighton Baines on Boxing Day 2006, and have conceded 24 times. In addition, they have had three players sent off in their last two visits to United - Conor Sammon, Antolin Alcaraz and Hugo Rodallega. Defender Alcaraz is a major doubt with a groin injury he suffered in Paraguay's 2-0 home defeat to Venezuela in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in midweek. Martinez believes the best way Wigan can end their miserable run of form at Old Trafford is to forget who they are up against. "Our performance against United at the DW Stadium last season was everything we wanted," Martinez said. "We were in a very difficult position in the table and needed the points. In many ways we forgot who we were playing against. "That's something we need to do at Old Trafford. We have to perform. It will be a really tough test but we have to be ourselves and be our best individually."

Africa's final four in cruise control With Esperance guaranteed to finish on top of the CAF Champions League's Group A, all eyes are on Group B on the final matchday to see which team can avoid the defending champions in the semi-finals. TP Mazembe and Al Ahly are already qualified, but the former have the inside edge on topping the table after they beat the Egyptians 2-0 a fortnight ago. Both sides have ten points from five matches, but the Congolese hold the advantage based on head-to-head results, which they hope will carry them through to meet Nigeria's Sunshine Stars, who are off this weekend but sure to finish second in Group A. The semi-finals and finals are both two-legged affairs played home and away in October and November respectively. The winner of the tournament qualifies for FIFA Club World Cup in Japan at the end of the year. Match of the week Al Ahly – Zamalek With 11 Champions League titles between them, the Egyptian giants will meet once again for bragging rights on Sunday in Alexandria. Unfortunately, there is nothing more on the line for the White side of Cairo, who have managed just a single point in Group B and are sure to finish bottom of the table. The Red Devils beat Zamalek 1-0 in July with the only goal coming from Mohamed Aboutrika, who will not play again in the Champions League after being suspended for refusing to compete in the recent Super Cup. Coach Hossam El Badry has also confirmed that he will not risk Wael Gomaa or Ahmed Fathi, who would have been suspended with another caution in the group stage. He will however welcome back forwards Emad Meteab and Fabio Junior as well as centre-half Mohamed Naguib, all returning from injury. Other matches No matter the result in Cairo, Mazembe know that a win against Berekum Chelsea will keep them top of the table and away from Esperance until potentially the final. The Ghanaians have proven themselves tough competition in their first Champions League, winning six points in the group and losing only away to Ahly. They came from two goals back to draw 2-2 in Lubumbashi in July with tournament top scorer Emmanuel Clottey scoring both goals. Clottey has been the subject of many of the headlines - including this week with his announced transfer to Esperance to take place in December - but it will be Chelsea's defence under the most pressure against the free-attacking Congolese. Strikers Tresor Mabi Mputu and Mbwana Samata have been in rampant form of late for Mazembe, with the latter scoring in four of the five group matches and the former knocking in a brace in the other. The drama in Group A was essentially killed off by the disqualification of Etoile du Sahel for crowd trouble against Esperance in the middle of August. The nullification of their results left their Tunisian compatriots and Sunshine Stars both qualified for the last four, and the Blood and Gold wrapped up the top spot with a defeat of the Nigerians a fortnight ago in Rades. On Friday, Esperance will take their 19-match continental unbeaten streak to Algeria where ASO Chlef is playing strictly for pride after failing to win a point in the group stage thus far. Chlef did however push the holders mightily in July with two Esperance goals in the final five minutes salvaging a 3-2 win. Player to watch Along with Samata and Mputu, Mazembe's Deo Kanda has been hitting lethal form lately. He confidently converted at the end of a wonderful move against Ahly on the last matchday. He also scored a fantastic blast for Congo DR in CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying over the weekend against Equatorial Guinea. The stat 2 – The number of goals needed by Emmanuel Clottey to break the single-season scoring record in the Champions League. Linked to a variety of clubs before settling on Esperance, Clottey scored 12 times in his first nine continental matches, but he has failed to find the net in his last two contests, leaving him stuck a goal behind the record set by Enyimba’s Stephen Worgu five years ago. What they said "To retain our title, we have to beat the best teams. Ahly and Mazembe are good sides that deserve to be in the last four, but we are not scared of anyone. If my players are 100 per-cent focused, we can beat any African team,” Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul. Have your say Can Clottey score a brace against Mazembe to set a new scoring record? Add your comment (Total

Sinclair: We want the trophy in 2015 The eyes are what gives it away: steely determination and an utter resolve to succeed are hardwired into Christine Sinclair's gaze. The will to win is a critical component of her whole approach to life. And in striving to hit her targets, she always chooses route one, the direct path, on and off the field. Canada's star striker again showcased her world-class talent at the Women's Olympic Football Tournament 2012, finishing top scorer in London on seven goals and spearheading the Canucks' charge to the bronze medal. The 29-year-old is now setting her sights even higher, as she turns those unblinking eyes to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015. “The plan is to win the trophy," she crisply informed FIFA.com. Rediscovering the fun factor It is only logical that the Canadians are keen to use the third-place finish in London as the springboard to even greater things, especially as the next global showdown takes place on home soil. Sinclair believes the 2015 event will be the undisputed highlight of her career. “Obviously, I think we do have a slight advantage in that we'll play in our home stadiums in front of our home crowd, and we want to make the best possible use of that," she said. "We and our coach, John Herdman, have just under three years to prepare. I'm confident." Sinclair and company have ridden a footballing roller-coaster over the last 15 months. The period started with a surprise group stage exit from the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 in Germany, a bitterly disappointing outcome which left the team shrouded in frustration. But that was followed by the dramatic upsurge in form at the 2012 Olympics, where the North Americans were barely recognisable compared to the team of just a few months before. “And we've learned from all that. We now know that, at this level, we can't afford even a single match at less than 100 per cent," said Sinclair. We were pretty much broken by the last World Cup, but John has injected new energy and enthusiasm. He’s infused us with his vision and style. Sinclair on the impact made by John Herdman Canada's most-capped player credits the arrival of Herdman as the main reason for the positive developments of recent months. “We're a completely different team," she said. “We were pretty much broken by the last World Cup, but John has injected new energy and enthusiasm. He’s infused us with his vision and style. We're enjoying our football again." The challenge will be to maintain the current levels of motivation and passion, and even drive them higher in the months leading up to 2015. “With regards to the next World Cup, the entire country will do a magnificent job. Preparations are well underway, and you already sense enthusiasm for the event beginning to grow," Sinclair reported, a proud smile across her face. “The important thing is that the tournament gives football in Canada a big boost." The seven-time Canadian Player of the Year, the undisputed figurehead of women’s football in her country, believes the game can take a giant stride forward in the months to come. “After the 1999 World Cup in the USA, our sport became ever more popular there, and that’s exactly what we want for Canada now. Canadians typically only watch football every four years, but we want that gap closed by 2015 at the latest.” Exciting times ahead The dynamic and goal-hungry striker is not alone in her high hopes for the future. And naturally, she is convinced that the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, a 24-team tournament for the first time, will be a runaway success. Although the player denies personal stats are of any importance to her, it could be that she sets a world record in front of an adoring home crowd three years from now. Sinclair has 143 international goals to her name, just two off USA star Abby Wambach, who is herself second in the all-time charts to 158-goal legend Mia Hamm. The months running up to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 in Canada promise to be exciting and packed with action, and Sinclair is sure to be at the heart of it.

Yahia: It was a shame to eliminate Egypt Anther Yahia will always have a place in the history of Algerian football, for it was his goal that took Les Fennecs to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and although the defender has since hung up his national team boots, he still takes an active interest and has not ruled out a return to the side. He says he is following the team’s progress in the qualifiers for Brazil 2014 and the 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations with interest. In the showpiece of continental football, just one match stands between Algeria and qualification for the finals in South Africa next year. Having beaten North Africa rivals Libya 1-0 in the away leg on the weekend, Yahia is confident that the side will go through after the home leg next month. “The favourite is always written on paper, but the match is played on the pitch," he said. "Playing against an Arab team is very different from playing against a sub-Saharan one. If Algeria play against teams like Ghana, Cameroon or Côte d’Ivoire, it is much more physical. Against Libya, not as much, and the playing aspect becomes much more important. Also, it is also a derby and nobody wants to lose a derby. If you do lose, the months following can be quite uncomfortable, but there is nothing quite as cool as winning a derby.” The 30-year-old said that there is, however, also a side to a derby that is less appealing. “It is a pity that you have to eliminate your ‘brotherland’. For instance, when we played the play-off against Egypt for the World Cup place, one country had to give way and could not qualify. But that is the way it is.” Yahia said that he retired from the national team earlier this year to give others coming through a chance. “I do not want to stand in their way of developing as international players, and I have been playing in the national team since I was 21. It was always a priority and I tried to always be available for the team, so I think it is now time to think of something else.” The favourite is always written on paper, but the match is played on the pitch. Anther Yahia But he does not want to rule out returning to the side. “Saying I do not want to play for the national team does not mean I am turning my back on my country. And certainly if there is a need for me, I would not say no, but I think it is important that they give others a chance. “We have a good side with strong players and a good coach. We are one of the best sides in Africa at the moment and will continue being one of the best. Defensively we are very strong and it is now up to the new generation to continue that trend.” Algeria is currently second in Group H of the Brazil 2014 qualifiers – having beaten Rwanda, but lost to Mali – and Yahia is confident that the side can repeat their 2010 success and reach Brazil. “I do not see the Mali defeat as a tragedy. We can still make it and our two main rivals still have to play in Algeria.” Dreams and challenges Yahia, who was born in Mulhouse and played international youth football for France, said he always dreamed of representing the country of his parents. “When I started playing football, there was no real chance of playing for Algeria. They did not have a strong scouting system, but my first choice was always Algeria. I also dreamed of playing at the World Cup finals, and I am pleased I managed that.” Yahia, who is a product of the Sochaux Youth Centre, signed his first professional contract with Inter Milan. “I come from a simple background and have three brothers and three sisters and by joining Inter, I was able to help them. As an 18-year-old, it was not easy breaking through in a team with so many stars, but I gained a lot of experience and when a year later I had a chance to play regularly first team in France, I took it. Yahia found his way into the German Bundesliga via Bastia and Nice and joined VfL Bochum. He left the club last year and joined Al Nasr in Saudi Arabia, but when struggling Kaiserslautern wanted him, he returned to Germany with his wife Karima, who is the twin sister of Algerian national team-mate Karim Ziani and his one-year-old son. “I had no hesitation. For me the Bundesliga is one of the most attractive leagues in Europe. The fans are terrific and the stadiums wonderful. “Unfortunately, we went down at the end of the season. But it is a huge club with a huge tradition and the fans really get behind the team. I am pleased that I am able to gain new experiences like that.” But he is confident that the club can bounce straight back into the top flight. “For the club, the fans and the city it is really important and with the squad that we have, we can only have the goal of gaining promotion.”