Position: Defender
Born: 19.03.71
Club: Saba Battery

An outstanding servant to Iran over the years, Yahya Golmohammadi will travel to the World Cup as one of the most experienced players in the squad.

Famed for his sliding tackles, Golmohammadi offers a calm presence at the back, though he was also used in defensive midfield during Iran's qualifying campaign.

After some below-par performances in this midfield role, the 35-year-old returned to defence where he was quickly back to his reliable best.

Golmohmmadi currently plays for Saba Battery in Iran's top flight and counts Perspolis, Foolad and Pirouzi among his past clubs.

Despite his experience the 2006 World Cup will the defender's first after he missed out in 1998 due to a lack of form.

In the play-off for the final spot in the 2002 World Cup with Ireland, Golmohammadi scored to go down in Iranian folklore, despite the match ending in defeat.

A calamitous spot-kick in the 2004 Asian Cup cost Iran a place in the final and was the catalyst behind media calls for the defender to be dropped.

However, Golmohammadi's ability to perform at his best when the pressure is on means he is likely to figure in Germany.