Tasnim - Iran's national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz said Tuesday that the rivalry between South Korea and Iran will develop football in Asia.
The Taeguk Warriors will host Iran on Thursday at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul.
With two matches remaining, Iran has already qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup by clinching the top spot of Group A with 20 points.
Team Melli has not lost its last four encounters with South Korea, winning all matches by the score of 1-0.
"I think it's good to have these competitive games," Queiroz said. "It's much better for Asia to have six or eight competitive teams. Rivals give a lot of fun, improvement and a lot of entertainment, and I think this is what fans like to see."
The Korea Football Association (KFA) earlier said it expects some 60,000 fans at the 66,704-seat stadium, and they will boost the energy for South Korean players on the pitch.
Queiroz, however, said his team will not be influenced by a big home crowd since the players are familiar with such an environment.
"I think it will be a little bit easy for us to play," Queiroz told South Korean reporters at a hotel in western Seoul. "Usually at home, we play with 100,000, so it's easier for us to play with 60,000."
Queiroz also showed his respect to South Korea, saying it's an "honor" and "privilege" to compete against the Taeguk Warriors.
"When we play against South Korea, it's a great opportunity for us to learn and improve," he said. "South Korea has great players, great facilities and great coaches, so it's an honor and privilege for us to be here."