South Korea, Japan to take on Brazil

SEOUL: While Japan and South Korea will start fine-tuning for the World Cup with high-profile warm-ups against Brazil next month, there are concerns in Iran that Asia's top-ranked team has been slow off the mark with its preparations.

Iran is in Group B with England and the United States at the World Cup, which kicks off November 21 in Qatar. But while there have been reports of a June friendly with New Zealand and talk of a potential match with Canada, so far Iran hasn't confirmed its warm-up commitments.

"There appears to be no concrete plan," Afshin Ghotbi, head coach of Iran's national team from 2009-11, told The Associated Press. Time is of the essence and preparation is vital to the success of Iran.

"Most teams have already arranged matches and many good opponents are not available any more. Iran needs to urgently set up appropriate fixtures in the build-up to the World Cup." There has been criticism within Iran about the lack of movement so far, with a Tehran Times editorial last month headlined: "Iran wastes golden chance as always."

The editorial hoped for greater urgency when the soccer federation meets to choose a new president on May 10.

Interim president Mirshad Majedi has said no games will be announced until details are finalised.

As the country is under international sanctions, attracting teams to Tehran or travelling overseas can be more complex for Iran than its Asian rivals.

Ghotbi wants to see Iranian players such as Medhi Taremi at FC Porto and Sardar Azmoun, with Bayer Leverkusen of Germany, given every chance possible to succeed in Qatar.

Iran, No 21 in the FIFA rankings and currently coached by Dragan Skocic, has qualified for five previous World Cups but has never progressed past the first round.

"I faced many of these challenges during my tenure, as did those who came before and after me," Ghotbi said.