While both Iranian players acknowledge the fact that the other three teams in the Group D (Mexico, Angola and Portugal) pose real danger for their team, they remained positive about Iran progressing to the quarter-finals of the Germany World Cup 2006 Soccer Tournament.

"I am happy with the draw. It might look easy on paper but we will facing very tough opponents. Do not forget this is the World Cup and every game is big, regardless of whether you are playing Brazil or Mexico. Mexico play good attacking football. There is a reason why they are among the top eight seeds. Portugal are also a very good team. Having said that, we have a chance to go through to the next round," Karimi told media representatives after Leipzig's draw.

Hashemian added in a similar optimistic tone, "I can say that our group is hard and easy. Portugal were runners-up in Euro 2004 but their performances were not consistent, they do not play at the same level every time. I saw Mexico when they played in the Confederations Cup in Hannover. They have very technical players and are very strong on the ground. However, they are not as physical as South American teams. We have a very experienced team and can beat Angola. Overall, I believe we have a chance to qualify for the second round."

Iran will play their first match of the Germany 2006 Soccer World Cup Tournament in the 11th of June, when they will face Mexico in Nuremberg and then Portugal in Frankfurt six days later.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati