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FIFAworldcup - A 2-1 victory over section
favourites Japan has sent Iran to the top of Group 2 alongside Bahrain in
the final Asian qualifying round for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. For
Iran’s Croatian coach, Branko Ivankovic, the victory was their most
important in recent years – and could have a significant bearing on their
World Cup prospects. Going into the next match with little-known Korea DPR
in Pyongyang, the 50-year-old told FIFAworldcup.com that, after taking four
points from two matches, he was 100 per cent confident that his team could
qualify.
FIFAworldcup.com: It goes without a saying that Japan and Iran，the two
highest-ranked Asian teams in the FIFA World Rankings, are the most fancied
sides in Group 2. How important was the 2-1 victory over Japan to your
qualifying hopes?
Branko Ivankovic: Japan are reigning Asian champions and without doubt the
most-fancied side in the group, given their dominant record in recent years.
As far as I know, the last time they lost to a west Asian team was seven
years ago. This victory has boosted our morale and enhanced the confidence
of our team without a doubt.
With this victory we have three points that could well be vital for us to
advance to Germany. In a tough group against the likes of Japan, Bahrain and
a resilient North Korea side, we might not be safe unless we get eleven
points. We have taken four points from the opening two matches so I believe
we need another seven.
A star-studded Iran were held to a goalless draw by an under-strength Japan
in the Asian Cup last July, but in this match you showed your determination
to win. How did you prepare your team for this match?
In the previous Asian Cup match eight months ago, Japan played without most
of their European-based stars. But this was a crucial FIFA World Cup
qualifier and I had predicted that Zico would field a full-strength eleven.
Based on this prediction we had prepared well in terms of fitness, tactics
and mentality. It was expected to be a stiff test and we actually planned
three different formations and systems which we could easily change to when
needed. I was happy that the preparation worked well.
What are the three systems? Can you explain in detail?
(Laughs) Forgive me, I can’t reveal that for the time being as we have four
tough games ahead. This is a competition and I will have to keep our rivals
from knowing too much about our tactics. I promise to tell you everything
after the World Cup in Germany!
When Zico sent on striker Atsushi Yanagisawa for Shinji Ono and Japan then
equalised, were you worried about your team?
To be honest, that was a hard time for us when they levelled the match with
less than 30 minutes remaining. But it was what we had expected so I made
changes as planned – replacing Seyed Mohammad Alavi with Ferydoon Zandi - to
keep the pressure on Japan, and very soon after Vahid Hashemian scored the
winner.
If you compare the current Japan side to the one you played against eight
months ago in China, which is stronger?
I personally think the team we played in Tehran was the stronger one as they
brought in more European-based stars, Hidetoshi Nakata, Naohiro Takahara,
Shinji Ono, to name a few. In last year’s Asian Cup they may have defended
their title with an unbeaten record, but they struggled all the way through
to the final, where they played their only easy match of the tournament -
the 3-1 over China.
In which area were you happiest with your team?
Firstly, I am happy to see the team improving all the time, particularly
since the 1-0 loss to Jordan. In our last 23 matches, we have won 18, drawn
four, and only lost the once, against Jordan. Secondly, what makes me more
confident about the team’s future is the huge potential they showed in the
match with Japan. They played bravely against experienced and intelligent
rivals, and they created more chances. The team have been getting better as
a group. I have full confidence in them and feel they are capable of
matching anyone.
Ali Daei was injured before half-time against Japan and is reported to be
doubtful for the match against Korea DPR. If he misses out, who will lead
the team?
Ali has been the team’s leader and as Iran captain, he is an important
factor in the team winning games. But we also have Mehdi Mahdavikia, Ali
Karimi and Vahid Hashemian who can play key roles when we are without him.
But I can’t tell you who will be the future leader of the team in place of
Daei - only time will tell.
After Moharram Navidkia came on for Daei, Vahid Hashemian did well up front,
scoring the winner after a perfect combination with Ali Karimi. What’s your
opinion of him?
Hashemian has developed into a great player after his spells with three
German Bundesliga clubs. Obviously he is a brilliant forward with his
experience, quality and finishing ability which the team needs. I am happy
to see how quickly he fitted back into the team after his return.
Another German-based player is Fereydoon Zandi. Were you satisfied with his
performance in this match?
Zandi is a regular starter with Kaiserslautern but it was only his second
match with the Iran team. He played an important part and I think he played
far better against Japan than against Bahrain in the opener. He will improve
further in this team given time.
Four west Asian teams claimed victories last weekend, but is it too early to
predict that two west Asian sides can advance from this group eventually?
You can never predict what will happen next - just like you couldn’t predict
the four west Asian teams dominating the past round of games. But it is
understandable that west Asian teams are doing well given the progress they
have made in recent years. In last year’s Asian Cup both Bahrain and Jordan
got to the knockout stages and Oman, who despite their early exit at the
group stage, had a group of very talented players.
The next two matches are against Korea DPR. What do you make of them?
They are a well-organised, attacking team who we must not underestimate. I
watched the video of their matches with Japan and Bahrain. They produced a
lot of chances and they were unlucky to lose both games. They have fast and
dangerous players and their only problem may be a lack of international
experience.
Two difficulties you will face in Pyongyang are the chilly weather and
artificial turf - how do you prepare for these?
These won’t be big problems for us as the players are professional and
well-prepared.
There was an accident after the match that led to the deaths of some fans.
FIFA has opened an official investigation into this, it must be a sad time
for you.
As we needed to fly to east Asia very early the next morning, we left the
stadium immediately after the match so we only heard what had happened after
the match when we got here. We are very sorry to hear the sad news. Our fans
are always our 12th man and without their strong support, we cannot win.
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