Queiroz plays up Iran unity
coach Carlos Queiroz believes his players have been brought closer together by Nike’s decision to cut their supply of World Cup kit to the team but the acid test will come against Morocco on Friday.
Nike announced they have been forbidden from providing football boots to Iran’s squad during the tournament, on account of sanctions imposed against the country by the United States.
The late decision has disrupted Iran’s preparations, with some players reportedly having to buy their own footwear from Russian shops or even ask club teammates for help.
Iran head into the match against Morocco in Group B on the back of a difficult build-up to the tournament overall, after friendly matches against Greece and Kosovo were also cancelled.
SAINTPETERSBURG:Iran
It remains to be seen whether Queiroz’s defiant verdict bears fruit, given any loser of Friday’s crunch fixture in Saint Petersburg would be left needing to beat either Spain or Portugal to reach the last 16.
“We have the potential to surprise Morocco in our first match,” Queiroz said. “We know their team very well but I suspect they know very little about us.”
Queiroz’s mood may seem Venue: St Petersburg. Capacity:
QUICK FACTS
Morocco and Iran have never met at the World Cup. In fact, they’ve faced each other only once previously, a game which ended in a draw.
Iran were unbeaten in their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup, winning 12 games and drawing the other six (AFC Second Round + Third Round). They also kept 14 clean sheets in those 18 games.
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bullish but, despite upheaval off the pitch, his team have been in excellent form on it.