Zandi says Iran can advance to R16

AFC - Iran international Fereydoon Zandi, who was released by Bundesliga club FC Kaiserslautern at the end of the season, feels the national team has a chance to qualify for the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup next month.

Talking to www.the-afc.com, the 27-year-old midfielder said: “We will show our ability in Germany but still the opener against Mexico will be crucial in deciding our fate.”

“We will try our best against Mexico because the result of this match will affect our performance in the remaining games.”

Zandi, who is recovering from an injury, said he was hoping to be fully fit before the tournament. “I am better than before and I hope it will be perfect by the time we reach Germany.”

Regarding the team’s strategy, Zandi said: “We have to find a good balance between both the flanks. Mehdi (Mahdavikia) and Kaabi (Hussein) are good on the right flank and can single-handedly take the ball to the rival goal as they are technically very good and the left flank has its own strengths.”

Zandi, who has been recently linked to relegated Bundesliga side MSV Duisburg, said he had not yet been contacted by the club.

“Duisburg is surely an interesting team but nothing has been decided yet. They have not contacted me,” said Zandi.