Khodadad Azizi vs Mehdi Mahdavikia
Iran against Iran. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Khodadad Azizi
Iran · 1996–97 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Iran
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 47 · 11 goals
- Clubs
- Pas Tehran, 1. FC Köln, San Jose Earthquakes
Australia were two goals up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 November 1997 with 15 minutes left when Karim Bagheri pulled one back and Azizi levelled it, sending Iran to their first World Cup in 20 years on away goals. Asian Footballer of the Year for 1996 and most valuable player of that year's Asian Cup, he played at France 98, including the 2-1 win over the United States, and spent three Bundesliga seasons at Köln. Career record: 47 caps and 11 goals for Iran; club career at Pas Tehran, 1. FC Köln, San Jose Earthquakes.
Mehdi Mahdavikia
Iran · 1998–2003 · RB
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Iran
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 110 · 13 goals
- Clubs
- Persepolis, Hamburger SV, Steel Azin
Lyon, 21 June 1998: his goal made it 2-0 against the United States and sealed Iran's first win at a World Cup. Hamburg then kept him for eight seasons and 211 Bundesliga appearances, and he was named Asian Footballer of the Year in 2003, having already taken Asian Games gold in 1998; he finished with 110 caps and three years as Iran's captain. Career record: 110 caps and 13 goals for Iran; club career at Persepolis, Hamburger SV, Steel Azin.
The verdict
The almanac puts Khodadad Azizi ahead by 1 rating point, 87 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.