Karimi, Mahdavikia to start against Mexico: Iran coach

IRNA - Iran's key attackers Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia will start this weekend's crucial World Cup opener against Mexico despite recent injuries, their coach said on Friday.

Bayern Munich forward Karimi has been nursing an ankle injury since March and Hamburg playmaker Mahdavikia is recovering from a back problem.

Their inclusion is a boost for Iran with midfielder Fereydoon Zandi missing Sunday's match and left back Sattar Zare doubtful after twisting a knee in training.

"Both players are under medical control," said coach Branko Ivankovic.

"Immediately after practice we had MRI scans which showed some special deviations but we expect that Zare could prepare for the match against Mexico and Zandi for the match against Portugal."
The Mexico match is critical for Iran's hopes of finishing at least second in Group D, which also includes Portugal and Angola.

Iran are heavy underdogs for the Nuremberg clash against the world number four team but Ivankovic believes his players are capable of springing a surprise.

"Of course Mexico are a very good team, nobody's got any doubt about it and the proof is their fourth place in the FIFA rankings," he said.

"But it doesn't mean anything on the pitch. We are aware of our possibilities and qualities too, and we will try to give it our best shot."
Iran, ranks 23, has won just one match in two previous World Cup campaigns -- a memorable 2-1 victory against arch-foe the United States in 1998.