Ghotbi makes bold title statement

AFC – DOHA, Afshin Ghotbi has no doubts. “Iran is going to end their 35-year title drought.”

The Iran coach was full of confidence ahead of their first match in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ against Iraq in Group D.



“For a country like Iran with such a history, we always aim to win the championship,” he was quoted as saying.

“In my opinion, Iran is a quality team who can win the tournament.

“We will prepare for our opening match against Iraq and we will qualify for the knockout stages.”



Iran face defending champions Iraq on Tuesday at Al Rayyan Stadium. They meet DPR Korea at Qatar Sports Club Stadium on January 15 and UAE at the same venue on January 19.

“Iraq are the defending champions but we defeated them in the West Asian Cup about six months ago,” said Ghotbi.

“It will be tricky but we can beat them again.

“North Korea makes life difficult for all the teams. Remember them against Brazil in the World Cup? And UAE might be the tournament’s dark horses.”