PLDC - Tehran, Regarding the strange statement of the Korean head coach, Javad Nekounam said, “His fear is not because of the present condition. They changed the venue of the match when they learned that their last match is against Iran. When Iran beat Korea 6-2 in 1996, they were afraid of Iran. If the head coach is upset, he can relieve himself by criticizing his own players.”

Nekounam continued, “His reaction was not polite. Even a player should not say such things let alone a coach. We are athletes and should mind our manners. We neat Lebanon and Qatar and of course we will beat Korea. We will respond to them calmly, simply, and clearly on the pitch.”