Iran plannng an inside job at World Cup

AFP - Iran will look to their Bundesliga-based contingent of key players for inspiration as they aim to reach the second round of the World Cup for the first time.

The Iranians made up for their shock failure to win a place at the 2002 tournament with a comfortable qualifying campaign that included a win over Asian champions Japan.

Though they have never been past the first round in their two previous World Cup appearances, Iran are confident they have the talent to buck that trend under the guidance of Branko Ivankovic.

And the fact that Vahid Hashemian, Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia and Fereydoon Zandi all play for German teams could give them a vital edge over Group D opponents Portugal, Mexico and Angola.

"Our goal is to get to the second round," says Ivankovic, who has successfully overhauled the Iranian team since taking over in 2002.

The star of the squad is former Asian Footballer of the Year Karimi, a skilful attacking midfielder-cum-striker who is on Bayern Munich's books.

Kaiserslautern midfielder Zandi, who recently chose Iran over Germany, Hamburg SV's veteran of the 1998 World Cup and 2003 Asian Player of the Year Mahdavikia and Hashemian of Hanover are also key to the team's hopes.

Ivankovic can also call on the talents of veteran striker Ali Daei, who also played at the 1998 tournament, and will be looking to extend his record as international football's all-time leading scorer with over 100 goals.

Daei, 37, is another player with a German connection, having once enjoyed stints with Arminia Bielefeld, Hertha Berlin and Bayern Munich.

Ivankovic believes Iran's opening match against Mexico on June 11 in Nuremberg will go a long way towards determining whether his side will reach the last 16.

"It is not an accident that Mexico was chosen as seeds," Ivankovic said. "They have qualified 13 times for the World Cup. Our first match against them is going to be the deciding game."