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IRNA – German coach Winfried
Schaefer sees Iran among the leading five Asian candidates for a berth in
the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Speaking to IRNA on Monday, Schaefer said, "Australia, Japan, South Korea,
Iran and Saudi Arabia are among the five best teams in Asia."
Asked about his assessment of the Iran's preliminary World Cup draw in the
Asian zone, the former Bundesliga trainer pointed out that has good chances
to move into the second stage of the Asian World Cup qualifying stage.
He warned however against "underestimating" Iran's opponents, especially
Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Schaefer whose previous coaching stint included UAE's Al-Ahli stressed that
the Emirates had learned a great deal from German coaches in terms of
"physical fitness and tactic."
The ex-Bundesliga trainer urged Iran to be "highly concentrated" for the
matches against Syria, the UAE and Kuwait.
"It's important for the (Iranian) players to give 100 percent once the game
starts. Show the opponents that you want to win the game by putting pressure
on the rival team. Every match has an elimination cup character," Schaefer
added.
"To show respect to the opponent is important but there is no need to have
fear," he added, while cautioning Iran against being too "boastful".
The former Cameroon trainer who led the African squad to the 2002 World Cup
in Japan and South Korea, remains reportedly a leading candidate for the
vacant coaching post of the Iranian national team.
Schaefer began his professional coaching career at Bundesliga club
Karlsruher SC before taking over league rivals VfB Stuttgart and ex-second
division side Tennis Borussia Berlin.
The former midfielder played 403 Bundesliga matches for Moenchengladbach,
Kickers Offenbach and Karlsruher SC, having scored a total of 46 goals.
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