'Full of optimism to the World Cup', says Iranian coach

DPA - Iranian coach Branko Ivankovic on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team in the 5-2 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina and said that the team would leave for the World Cup in Germany 'full of optimism.'

'We showed that we have the right players and will therefore leave for the World Cup in Germany full of optimism,' the Croatian told ISNA news agency.

Ivankovic especially praised the team for fighting back despite having been two goals down after less than twenty minutes.

'My players showed to what extent they are capable of overcoming such a shock and getting back into the game,' he said.

Zbada Missimovic put Bosnia in front in the 4th minute and skipper Sergej Barbarez made it 2-0 in the 17th minute - and the visitors could even have increased the score.

Playing before a crowd of 30,000 in Tehran's Azadi stadium, the Iranians - without star players Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi - found their way back into the game through a goal by Mehrzad Madanchi in the 26th minute.

Just before half time Messina defender Rahman Rezaei hit the equaliser, then, less than a minute later, Hanover 96 striker Vahid Hashemian struck to make it 3-2.

In the second half both teams gave younger players a chance, with Iran dominating but not increasing the score until substitute strikers Ghloam-Reza Enayati hit the fourth in the 89th minute. Rassioul Khatibi scored the fifth in added time.

Also the head of the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), Mohammad Dadkan, praised the team following the win and said the team showed a positive trend which will be continued until the World Cup.

'We have as much chance as the other three teams in Group D to reach the next round for the first time in Iran's World Cup history,' Dadkan said referring to Iran's opponents Angola, Mexico and Portugal.

The FFI head also said that the injuries of Mahdavikia, Karimi and Fereydoun Zandi will be cured until the World Cup.

Karimi did not play against Bosnia for avoiding an injury but Mahdavikia and Zandi are currebtly in Germany for medical treatment.

Mahdavikia told ISNA earlier Wednesday that he was - with the special permission of head coach Juergen Klinsmann - at the German national team camp and treated by German physician Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfarth.

The SV Hamburg midfielder is suffering with a back injury and the initial medical tests will be announced this coming Friday.

ISNA wrote that 70 million Iranians are praying for Mahdavikia's health and that he would be fit again for the first World Cup game against Mexico on June 11.

Hashemian told ISNA that the team would do its best at the World Cup to make the Iranian fans happy.

'I do not promise anything but the iron will of the Iranian team to make Iran and Iranians proud and happy,' he said.

The Iranian team were to have two days off during which, together with officials of the Iranian Football Federation, they were to visit the German ambassador to Tehran before leaving on June 4 to the training camp in Friedrichshafen.