Khodadad Azizi vs Nasser Hejazi
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.
Nasser Hejazi
Iran · 1970–2000 · GK
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Iran
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 0 goals
- Clubs
- Esteghlal, Shahin, Mohammedan SC
Scotland could not beat him in Córdoba on 7 June 1978; their only goal was an Iranian own goal, and the 1-1 draw stayed Iran's sole World Cup point for twenty years. The AFC named him the second-best Asian goalkeeper of the twentieth century in 2000, and his medals include the 1976 Asian Cup won in Tehran, Asian Games gold in 1974 and the 1970 Asian club title with Taj. Career record: 62 caps and 0 goals for Iran; club career at Esteghlal, Shahin, Mohammedan SC.
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.