What a Daei for Iran

Ali Daeis family and close friends call him Sharier, or "king", a worthy title for the man who was world striker of the year in 1996. He received that award after scoring 22 goals in 15 internationals for Iran. Born in Ardabil near Irans northwestern border with Azerbaijan, Daei became the first Iranian to ever play in Germanys Bundesliga when he signed with Arminia Bielefeld. Prior to that he was a football hero at home, topping the goalscoring three times in succssion, before moving to the club Al-Sadd in Qatar where he scored 50 goals in one season. He was also the second highest scorer in the Asian World Cup qualifying section with nine goals. These were the ceredentials which brought him to the attention of Bielefeld. He signed there a year ago despite more lucrative offers from other Bundesliga clubs, English premier league sides and Galatasary Istanbul in Turkey. Through his and countryman Karim Bagheris presence, Daei says Bielefeld have won 60 million extra fans in Iran with local television stations broadcasting satellite footage of Bundesliga games. The 29 year old Daei has been warmly welcomed by Bielefelds fans who sing a reworded version of a calypso-style Boney M song, "Hoo-ray, hoo-ray, its Ali Ali Daei." He also carries, in part, the hopes of a nation on his shoulders as Iran tackle the United States, Yugoslavia and, ironically, Germany in the World Cups initial round robin series. Irans beating of Australia to snatch the last available World Cup berth was greeted with mass street celebrations. The only time, Daei says, that he has seen greater euphoria was following the revolution which toppled the Shah. After his footballing days are over Daei will retire home to Iran and help his family run the six sports goods shops he has helped them build up with his football earnings.