Jairzinho: Why does Iran lag in football?

MNA – TEHRAN, Former Brazil striker Jairzinho said on Tuesday that Iran football team is the cleverest team in Asia and should do better in the tournaments.

“The Iranians are natural athletes. The nation has high potential, both physically and mentally. When I was leading Saudi Arabia football team I knew about Iran and found out that this sport had made much progress in your this country. However, I think you have not made much progress in the past 20 years,” Jairzinho said in a news conference held in Tehran.

“Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup and I hope you can qualify for the competitions. Of course, it depends on how your football officials prepare your team for the event,” the iconic Brazilian footballer added.

Jairzinho regretted that Brazil was eliminated from the World Cup. He said, “They were not well-prepared for the tournament. I hope these kinds of losses are not repeated. Dunga’s Brazil made mistakes against Netherlands and their rival took advantage of them.”

Jairzinho is one of only three players, alongside Alcides Ghiggia and Just Fontaine, in the history of the World Cup to have scored in every game of the tournament. He has played 81 times for Brazil and scored 33 goals.

Jairzinho was a member of the legendary Brazilian national team that won the 1970 FIFA World Cup.