TEHRANTIMES - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has expressed his support for the national football team ahead of this week’s crucial match against South Korea.

Iran will face the Korean team on Tuesday in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium in Group A of the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Asian zone.

“Unfortunately, I cannot see the match since I shall not be in Iran at that moment. Today (Sunday), I attended the training session to express my support for the Iran football team,” Ahmadinejad said on Sunday.

“Our players should do their best against South Korea and it doesn’t matter either they win or lose. The team needs to stay calm ahead of the important match,” he added.

“Iran is a good team but has failed to get good results in its past two matches. We have to support the team and there is no justification for attacks on the team,” Ahmadinejad concluded.

Iran is grouped with South Korea, Uzbekistan, Qatar and Lebanon for the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifying stages and need to finish at least second to qualify for Brazil 2014.

Iran is second in Group A, three points under South Korea, who has seven points.