Iran hold edge over Mexico, acid test for Iraq
Margao, Oct. 16: High on confidence after a strong show in the group stage, Asian powerhouse Iran will look to keep their unbeaten run intact when they face Mexico in a pre-quarter-final match of the U-17 World Cup, here on Tuesday.
Iran have enjoyed a good run, beating Guinea 3-1, Germany 4-0 and Costa Rica 3-0 to top Group C.
They will be looking to keep the momentum going in a bid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their fourth appearance in the tournament.
Iran will, however, be without key defender and captain Mohammed Ghobeishavi after he received a yellow card against Costa Rica, his second in the tournament.
Coach Abbas Chamanianian took Ghobeishavi’s absence in his stride, saying these things happen.
“Our main focus is to play a collective game just like we did in the league phase especially against Germany which was the best in the
Mali’s speedy run down the flanks and stronger physique will pose a threat for the Iraqi defence and it will be interesting to see how the Lions of Mesopotamia, who will be playing without captain Mohammed Dawood, counter the Mali attackers
tournament. Now we are looking to do the same against Mexico who will pose a threat with their physical build and stamina and speedy runs.”
Iran’s strikers have been among the goals, the defence has looked compact and they have conceded just one goal in the tournament.
Two-time champions Mexico have not had a great tournament so far, considering that they came here as Central American champions, finishing third in Group F and qualified for the round of 16 without a win.
In the other match, last edition runners-up Mali will enjoy the upper hand over a gutsy Iraq in a tricky pre-quarter-final here.
Two-time champions Mali have performed well so far though they finished runners-up in Group B, losing to Paraguay in a narrow 2-3 result but coming back strongly to convincingly beat Turkey (3-0) and New Zealand (3-1).
The African side’s speedy run down the flanks and stronger physique will pose a threat for the Iraqi defence and it will be interesting to see how the Lions of Mesopotamia, who will be playing without their star player and captain Mohammed Dawood, counter the Mali attackers.
Iraq finished runners-up in Group F behind England. They drew their first match against Mexico 1-1, then came up with a top class performance to beat Chile 3-0 before losing to England 0-4 to finish on four points. — PTI