Tehran Times - Russia national football coach Stanislav Cherchesov praised Team Melli ahead of the Tuesday’s friendly with the Asian powerhouses.
Russia will face in Kazan Stadium.
The hosts of next year’s World Cup were relieved to enjoy a confidence-boosting win in their first international test against South Korea since they were knocked out of the Confederations Cup on home soil at the group stage in June.
“Iran football team are a unified team but we know how to play against them. I also know Iran are a better team than South Korea,” Cherchesov said.
“The Iranian players are physically strong and they are also a better team than Russia in FIFA ranking,” he added.
“Iran are the Asia’s best team and have qualified for the 2018 World Cup without suffering a loss. The team take advantage of a good coach and to play with them is very important for us,” the Russian coach added.
Sardar Azmoun, Saeid Ezatolahi and Milad Mohammadi are three Iranian players who play in the Russian top-flight teams.
“I’ve seen three Iranian players and I have to say they are playing at a high level,” Cherchesov concluded.