FIFA awarded Iran the best Asian soccer team in January 2002

Tehran, Feb 13 - Iran's national soccer team was awarded the best Asian side for January 2002.
Iran ranked 23 with 639 points followed by world cup qualifier Saudi Arabia with 34 points and Japan with 38 points, the International Football Federation (FIFA) online news reported.
World cup qulifier (Iran) battled for the 2002 Japan/Korea soccer matches but pulled out in the final visit versus Ireland despite its second leg 1-0 home win in the 91st minute injury time.
Iran's Croat coach Blasevic fought for the world cup but stepped down last month as he doomed in his last effort.
However, he was applauded by Iran's football association and received an offer to carry on, but he called off his deal handing over the career to Ivankovic, his compatriot former assistant.