Queiroz rejects ‘mind games’

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz will not allow himself or the team to fall into the trap of any mind games and “self destruct” ahead of their crucial Group B showdown against the United States.

The Iranian Football Federation has complained to FIFA about the USA removing the Islamic Republic symbol from the nation's flag in some social media posts ahead of tonight's match.

Queiroz himself also become embroiled in a war of words with Jurgen Klinsmann after the former Germany striker accused Iran of gamesmanship in their win over Wales.

The squad has played against a background of anti-government protests in Iran.

Nevertheless, they are second in Group B on three points, one behind leaders England and one ahead of the USA, with all four nations still in contention to progress.

Queiroz said: “I need to be with my mind preparing them to play the best football on the day because if my mind falls in the trap to pay attention and destruct with all those things, I am lying to football.

Queiroz added: "If after 42 years in this game as coach, I still believe that I could win games with those mental games, I think I did not learn anything about the game and this is not the case.

"Those collective set of events which are surrounding this World Cup, I hope it will be a good lesson for all of us in the future and that in the next event, we will learn that our mission here is to create entertainment and at least during 90 minutes, make the people happy."