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AFP - Iran's World Cup
build-up has been hit by the cancellation of friendlies due to the
nuclear standoff, but coach Branko Ivankovic insists it hasn't affected
them and they can beat anyone.
The Croat said his team has ignored calls from several countries that
the Islamic Republic be barred from playing in the finals in Germany
altogether due to the West's standoff with Iran over its controversial
nuclear program.
"We (the team) never discussed these demands and, anyway, FIFA has
already said that politics will not be mixed with sports," he said in an
interview with the Asian Football Confederation website, monitored here.
"We are preparing for the World Cup in Germany and are fully focused and
havent even thought about these things. The players are under pressure
not because of these demands but to get into the World Cup-bound team."
Iran begins the World Cup against Mexico in Nuremberg on June 11 with
further group games against Portugal and Angola.
Ivankovic believes they can spring some surprises.
"The expectations of Iranians are very high and I want to tell them that
Iran is a good team and we can beat anyone in the world," he said.
"We want to surprise the world and I am sure the players will prove this
during the World Cup.
"One should not forget the performances of Korea Republic and Japan in
the last World Cup. So, anything can happen in football.
"Of course, Portugal and Mexico are favourites in our group to make it
to the second round but our target is to qualify for the second stage."
Their secret weapon will be their German-based stars, who regularly play
in front of capacity crowds in the Bundesliga and are well acquainted
with the atmosphere in Germany.
"Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburg SV), Fereydoon
Zandi (Kaiserslautern), Vahid Hashemian (Hannover) all play in the
Bundesliga," he said.
"So, practically it will be a home game for them and I am sure this will
be a big help for the team."
Iran's football chief has acknowledged "problems" in organising home
fixtures. Ukraine and Romania are among countries that have pulled out
of matches in Tehran in recent months. |
