Ivankovic to make Iran changes

FIFAWORLDCUP - Iran coach Branko Ivankovic will make changes to his line-up as he attempts to keep his team in the FIFA World Cup™ when they face Portugal in Frankfurt on Saturday.

Iran lost their Group D opener 3-1 to Mexico and a defeat against the Portuguese would spell the end of the Iran campaign.

Skipper Ali Daei looks like being the most high profile casualty with the veteran striker, who was roundly criticised in the Iranian press for his lacklustre performance against Mexico, suffering from a back injury.

"We will have to see what happens in the next few days with Ali Daei," said Ivanovic.

The 37-year-old Daei is the world's top international scorer with 109 goals.

Goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour, who was singled out for criticism for his part in the first Mexican goal, could also be an uncertain starter.

But Ivankovic came to the keeper's defence.

"Until he made the mistake, he had had a good game," said the coach.

Meanwhile, injured players Ali Karimi, Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ferydoon Zandi all trained on Tuesday.