TEHRANTIMES - Iran football coach Carlos Queiroz says there is no reason to fear South Korea in the 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Iran will meet South Korea in Group A of the 2014 World Cup qualifier in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.

“Iran respect South Korea football team but we will play our hearts out. We have no need to be frightened of South Korea,” Carlos Queiroz said in the pre-match news conference held in Tehran’s Academy Hotel on Monday.

“We’ve conceded one goal in our last three matches and scored one goal. It shows we defend well but we are not strong in front of goal. We will have to solve the problem with more concentration,” the Portuguese said.

“Theoretically, Koreans have more chance of winning but the history shows that there is no winner before the start of the match. For winning you have to work hard and sweat,” former Real Madrid coach stated.

“For being winner, you need a bit of luck as well. All teams in Group A has chance to advance. I believe in my talented players but I cannot talk about the result. I expect my players to do their best against South Korea,” Queiroz added.

“For me, football is like a 100-meter. Some coaches make their best in the last 60 meters and some of them make their best from the start of the event. I believe in my team and we have a lot of things to prove tomorrow (Tuesday),” the 59-year-old concluded.


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