DPA - Iran's football players will get a bonus if they win through to the next round of the World Cup in Brazil, President Hassan Rowhani promised on Saturday.

Rowhani, addressing a press conference in Tehran, had this message for the team: “If you bestow good news on us regarding your progress, then we will also do something for you.”

The president said that, despite economic problems in Iran, he would ensure that “somehow” money would be raised - without saying how much.

Iran, widely regarded as outsiders in the tournament, play their first game in Group F on Monday against Nigeria in Curitiba, and will also face Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Rowhani said: “Perhaps the other teams are stronger, but we all want to see you putting up a fight.”