Iran still bonkers for Branko ahead of World Cup

AFP - has decided to stick with a winning formula after qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and is hanging onto Croatian coach Branko Ivankovich.

"Nothing will stop Branko's cooperation with the federation until the end of the World Cup," the enthusiastic deputy head of Iran's Football Federation, Nasser Noamouz, told the ISNA news agency on Tuesday.

"We have been very satisfied with him and what he has done for the team. Mr. Ivankovich has a two year contract that lasts until three months after the World Cup 2006, and there is also the possibility we will extend it after that."

On June 8 Iran became the second team in any region to qualify for football's biggest tournament by beating Bahrain 1-0.

Iran is also at the top of Asian qualifying Group B ahead of Japan, the first country to qualify.

Iranian fans erupted in joy over the qualification, with residents of the football-mad Islamic republic taking to the streets for a night of dancing and cheering.

Iran made their World Cup debut in Argentina in 1978, but failed to progress beyond the first round. Twenty years later they qualified for the World Cup in France, where they scored a memorable victory against the United States.

Ivankovich has already spelled out his vision for Iran's tactics in Germany, by asserting his side could provide plenty of trouble for bigger sides.

"Our successful games in our group show that we are going to be an upsetting team there. Have you seen how ambititious our players are? With their technique and their power, they are able to turn it on against all challengers," he said after the Bahrain match.