Mahdavikia confident of making Iran opener against Mexico

DPA - Iran midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia said he was confident he would be fit for his country's opening World Cup match against Mexico on Sunday.

The 28-year-old's fitness has been the subject on most people's lips around the Iran camp this week as he recovers from a back injury.

But after stepping up his training again on Wednesday, Mahdavikia said he was convinced he would play in Nuremburg.

'Yes, I hope I will be (fit),' he said.

'I feel good - now I don't have any pain. It is very important for me to practise without pain and tomorrow I will be completely able to train normally with the rest of the team.'

Mahdavikia is a hero at home in Iran after his goal secured their 2-1 win over the United States in the 1998 World Cup.

The Hamburg player said this World Cup would be very different to his experience in 1998.

'I was only 21 then and I had very little experience,' he said. 'Now I have six years of Bundlesiga experience and I think I am going to play my best for Iran.'

Iran coach Branko Ivankovic said he would monitor Mahdavikia's fitness over the next couple of days.

'Of course he is not 100 percent but he is a very important player for us.

'(I hope) he will be there.'