Emboldened captain Nekounam eyes Qatar victory

MNA – TEHRAN, The emboldened Iran captain Javad Nekounam is aiming to win Tuesday’s match against Qatar in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Iran defeated Indonesia in a World Cup qualifying match in Asia’s Group E courtesy of two goals from captain Nekounam and one from substitute Andranik Teymourian on Friday.

Group E leader Iran is scheduled to face Qatar on Tuesday in Doha.

“We will go to Doha [with aim] to get three points. All the Asian teams are fearful of Iran football team; we only need to believe in ourselves. We can continue our victory march by beating Qatar in Doha,” Nekounam said.

“Iran had a good start against Indonesia but we missed so many opportunities in the first half. However in the second half we raised the concentration-level and could score three goals. Iran could have scored even more goals,” Osasuna midfielder said.

Iranian media had already reported that there is an issue between Nekounam and Ali Karimi about the captaincy.

“I and Karimi talked to coach (Carlos Queiroz) about the armband. Thanks to Karimi since he said he doesn’t care about the captaincy and just is proud of playing for Iran football team,” Nekounam concluded.

Iran football team will travel to Doha on Sunday night.