Iran coach encouraged by Karimi's return

AP - With two of Iran's best players trying to get healthy in time for the team's opening World Cup match against Mexico, coach Branko Ivankovic is encouraged that Ali Karimi has recovered from a knee injury.

Karimi, who plays for German champion Bayern Munich, injured knee ligaments in a league match in March. He joined Iran's team for some light practice Monday ahead of an evening warmup match against a local club team.

"He did very well," Ivankovic said. "I was especially impressed by his enthusiasm, and his fast changes of pace during the play session."

The Iranians see their first match against Mexico next Sunday as crucial for their chances to reach the knockout phase of the tournament, saying the North Americans will be a tougher opponent than Portugal, which Iran plays on June 17. Its final Group D opponent is Angola on June 21.