Iran will defend its ‘honor’ in Russia, Queiroz vows
December 02, 2017 - “Iran will defend its honor and aims to make the whole Iranian people feel proud,” Carlos Queiroz said on Friday after his team was drawn in Group B of the 2018 World Cup along with Portugal, Spain and Morocco.
When the draw for the World Cup finals in Russia was made in Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace concert hall the outcome was not exactly what the Iranian fans had wished for.
European giant and 2010 World Cup winner Spain and Euro 2014 champion Portugal will be ultimate favorites to ease into the knockout stage of the finals next summer, not to mention both La Roja and Cristiano Ronaldo’s team will definitely fancy their chances of going all the way to the final showdown.
However, Iran’s 64-year-old coach remained optimistic on the task that lies ahead of his team.
“The draw is very exciting and very attractive and could not be better,” the Portuguese said.
”To play against Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be a great opportunity for our players to show why they are here and especially to show that they deserve to be here,” Queiroz, who will be on the bench against his national team on the final day of the group, added.
”I‘m sure we are going to do well. We are going to be competitive as always and no matter what happens in each game, I‘m sure our fans will be proud and happy with the team.
“From the players’ point of view, I‘m sure they are very excited to play against Portugal and Spain and also Morocco, because it’s a unique and rare opportunity for Iranian players to play against such great players and such great teams,” said the former Real Madrid manager.
“Without a doubt, Spain and Portugal are favorites, but only on paper. As we all know in football nothing is impossible. There are times when the mouse escapes from the cat. Team Melli will defend their honor and aim to make the whole Iranian people feel proud.”
Opponents opinion
“It’s a very deceptive and treacherous group. Portugal have to accept that we are one of the favorites but if you look in a bit more detail, you can see it’s very difficult. Spain are naturally favorites, as I’ve always said,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who led his team to the Euro 2014 trophy in France.
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui also attempted not to get carried away with the draw results.
”Portugal are a great team, the current European champions and with a host of top-level footballers. The majority of Morocco’s players are playing in Europe and they knocked the Ivory Coast out and haven’t lost any games.
“Iran didn’t concede a single goal in qualifying and have a coach who has been there a long time,” Lopetegui said about Iran.
Morocco coach Herve Renard believed his team’s opener against Iran will play a determining role in what his side could achieve in the tournament.
“Our first match against Iran will be decisive....It looks difficult on paper but nothing is impossible in football. We have to believe in ourselves and continue with the same dynamic... it’s going to be marvelous,” Renard said.