Mahdavikia's 2006 world cup dream

Berlin - Iranian Striker Mehdi Mahdavikia voiced hope that Iran would qualify for the 2006 world cup in Germany, saying it would be his dream to play with the national team in his club home stadium 'HSV Arena' in Hamburg.

"To have a 2006 world cup match in my Hamburg home stadium, this would really be the greatest. The world cup in Germany and me playing in it, this would be so wonderful," the Hamburger SV player was quoted as saying Friday on the official website of the 2006 world cup organizing committee.

Mahdavikia added Iran was one of the top Asian favorites to qualify for the football event in Germany. Iran is however facing an uphill battle to move beyond the first round of the Asian qualifying stage after losing 1-0 to Jordan in Tehran.

The triple Asian cup winners who made to it the world cup in 1978 and 98, must win their three remaining matches against Jordan, Qatar and Laos to move into the second round.