Off-field Tension Won’t Impact US Clash, Says Iran Coach

Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz has said his side will not use off-field controversy as motivation in their crucial World Cup Group B clash against the United States on Tuesday.

The build-up to the US game in Qatar has been marred by tensions between the country’s football bodies, including the United States Soccer Federation’s (USSF) social media account displaying the Iranian flag without its Islamic emblem. That incident led to the Iranian federation calling on FIFA to take action against the USSF.

Comments made by former USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann criticising Iranian football culture also led to an angry response by Queiroz through his Instagram account, adding further tension to a fixture that was already high-profile due to the long-standing political differences between the US and Iran.

When asked whether he would use the flag incident as a source of motivation for his players, Queiroz said he would not deploy that tactic.

“If after 42 years in this game, I still believe I can win football matches by mental games, I think I didn’t learn about the game,” Queiroz, who was applauded by Iranian journalists when he arrived at the news conference, said.

“If my mind falls into the trap of being distracted by all other things, I am lying to football and I won’t do that.

“When the curtain opens, just be ready to sing and dance. If you are not ready, the God of football cannot help you. I just hope my boys put their head, soul and skills together to win and we can reach the result for the second round.”

The Iran coach refused to comment on Klinsmann’s comments, but said the game can be a force for good.

“The events surrounding this World Cup will be a good lesson for all of us in the future,” Queiroz said. “We learn that our mission is to create entertainment during 90 minutes and to make the people happy.

“I was born in a place in Africa, [Mozambique] and I used to go and work in some places where kids don’t eat for two days, have nothing to eat or drink, no clothes to wear.

“But if you give them a football, you can’t imagine the change in their faces, from sadness to happiness. This is our mission.