Star’s dream is pairfect
JAHAN ‘MIND GAMES’ MOAN
world champion in the camp already. He said: “I don’t think they realise, so I’m going to have to tell them that I have already won the World Cup, aren’t I?
“Back then it was something we weren’t used to, playing on such a big stage.
“And it changed some of our lives forever.
“It’s all about gaining experience for when it comes into big games like this, you know how to handle situations.
“I do remember in 2017 the team being so confident.
“Not being big-headed, but we knew we were going to win the World Cup because of the talent we had.
“It was so good just to be a part of that group. It was very special and it’s the same here. Definitely.
“Obviously from the last Euros, making it to the final gives the team a big lift. I think Harry (Kane) has already touched on it. He sees us as one of the favourites. We’ve just got to believe in that.”
IRAN captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh has hinted at a campaign to destabilise his side ahead of their World Cup opener against England. Jahanbakhsh (left) suggested there were attempts to undermine the Iran squad’s mentality after he was asked how the anti-government protests back home had affected the players in the build-up to Qatar.
The former Brighton striker, now with ■ from DAVID McDONNELL in Doha
Feyenoord, refused to give his view on the current turmoil in his homeland, nor whether he would celebrate if he scored against England on Monday.
Players in the Iranian league have refused to celebrate goals – bringing their hands down when they score – to convey a message of solidarity with the protests, sparked by the death of young woman Mahsa Amini after being arrested for refusing to wear a hijab. Jahanbakhsh also refused to confirm whether Iran’s players will sing their national anthem.
He suggested questions about the protests were designed to unsettle Iran.
“I assume you’re from the English media?” said the 29-year-old.
“To bring it this way, okay, play a mental game, ask a question about what’s going on here or there or whatever, but we have just four days to go to play one of the biggest games of our lives.”