Experienced midfielder who is gearing up for his second taste of the World Cup finals. The former Asian player of the year played in the 1998 World Cup in France and has gone on to forge an impressive career for himself in Europe. The 27-year-old has made such an impact for former club Bochum and now Hamburg in the German Bundesliga that the right-sided midfielder is rightly regarded as his country's finest ever footballing export. Mahdavikia's name was written into folklore when he scored the winning goal against USA in Lyon six years ago as Iran claimed their first ever victory in the World Cup finals. A quick and skilful midfielder who regularly contributes both goals and assists.