Queiroz confident over Spain-based striker Shojaei

AFC – TEHRAN, Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is sweating on the fitness of striker Masoud Shojaei and defender Ehsan Haj Safi ahead of Tuesday’s final round FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lebanon in Group A.

Shojaei (pictured) played the full 90 minutes last week as Iran moved within a point of Group A leaders Korea Republic and Uzbekistan, with Reza Ghoochannajhad’s strike securing a 1-0 win over Qatar, while Safi was an unused substitute in Doha.

The third win of the final round leaves Queiroz’s side still firmly in the qualification picture with two games remaining with Iran set to round off the Group A campaign in Ulsan next week against Korea, who entertain Uzbekistan on Tuesday,.

“We will be fully poised and highly motivated to perform and seize the points and the result we are looking for,” said Queiroz.

“We have small injury concerns over the condition of Ehsan Haj Safi and Masoud Shojaei. I’m still waiting for a final confirmation from our medical department, but I think Masoud should be OK. We’ve tried our best to help the boys to recover after last week’s match against Qatar in Doha.

“We have the World Cup rout in front of us and tomorrow’s match is only one more step en route to Brazil so we’re remaining thoroughly focused on the match.”

Lebanon saw their slim play-offs hopes extinguished last week after Korea equalised in stoppage time in Beirut to salvage a 1-1 draw after Hassan Maatouk’s 12th minute strike and the heroics of goalkeeper Abbas Hassan appeared to have handed Lebanon victory at Sports City Stadium.

But with the trip to Iran marking the end of Lebanon’s historic FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, coach Theo Bucker is eyeing a positive conclusion despite admitting he has been forced to reshuffle his squad.

“I am well aware of Iran’s strength and I know they’ll be the predominant side throughout the match. I can say up to 80% of my players have changed comparing to the previous round and we are lining up with a totally new team against Iran,” said Bucker.

“Despite what I said, we don’t have any fear. Fear has no meaning for us in football. We fought until the very last moment against Korea Republic last week and we’re definitely going to do the same against Iran at Azadi Stadium.

“Although Iran will be backed by its vocal supporters, we’ll go out there to fight. We’re playing for the pride and honour of the Lebanese nation.”