I’ll give flowers to South Korea’s coach before the match says Queiroz

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Iran football coach Carlos Queiroz says he will present a flower bouquet to Choi Kang-hee before the South Korea–Iran decider.

South Korea and Iran will play the key World Cup qualifier in the southeastern Korean city of Ulsan on Tuesday.

A draw should be enough to secure automatic qualifications for both teams at the soccer showpiece in Brazil as Iran have a superior goal difference to the Uzbeks.

The war of words between the coaches of South Korea and Iran escalated over the weekend.

Choi Kang-hee said he remembered being badly treated in Iran and that his team would defeat Iran to help Uzbekistan to book a place in the World Cup.

In response, Carlos Queiroz said he would present an Uzbekistan jersey to Choi ahead of the match.

“First of all, I want to congratulate the South Korean team as the team has qualified for the World Cup on paper. We are going to secure our place in the World Cup too, that’s why we are here,” Carlos Queiroz said on Monday during the pre-match news conference in Ulsan.

“Let us enjoy beautiful football. FIFA has always considered Fair Play. According to an Iranian custom, we will present flowers to our opponent ahead of the match,” the Portuguese added.

“I really need a laugh right now. I wanted to give Mr. Choi an Uzbekistan jersey but he told me I have to buy 11 jerseys but I had no money for 11 jerseys. So I want to shake hand with him after the match and celebrate qualifying for the competition together,” Queiroz concluded.