Persians yearn for Asian Cup after 35 years
The three-time Asian champion has not won the trophy since 1976 and Ghotbi promised this losing streak will come to end in the upcoming Asian Cup.
“We want to succeed in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and win the title. This is our first priority in the event. If we win the title, without doubt, the number of Iranian fans will increase,” Ghotbi said in a news conference.
Iran will play a friendly against Armenia on Wednesday. Ghotbi believes Armenia is a good team who showed a good performance playing powerhouse Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“Armenia lost to Spain 2-1. I believe we will be facing an organized team. To build a well-prepared team we shouldn’t miss opportunities,” Iran football coach concluded.