IVANKOVIC HAILS IRAN SQUAD

Sportinglife - Iran coach Branko Ivankovic has hailed his current squad as the greatest in the history of Iranian football.

Ivankovic's men kick off their World Cup campaign against Mexico on June 12 as the Iranians attempt to qualify for the knockout phase for the first time in three appearances at the finals.

"Over the past four years, the Iranian team has proven its capability to play good games and has gained favourable results," the Croatian said.

"Therefore, I can say that the present team is the best in Iran's history of football.

"In this year's World Cup, we should prove that we really have a good team. Iran's national football team should do its best to gain the result for which it has been working hard."

Ivankovic's squad boasts a number of players with experience in the Bundesliga, although three of those - Ferydoon Zandi, Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia - are injury doubts for the opener.

The coach, however, is optimistic his team will be ready.

"Of course, the problem facing us now is that a few of our footballers, including Ferydoon Zandi, Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia, are injured," he said.

"However, I hope that we will be fully prepared to face our first game with Mexico.