Iran – Thailand post game reactions

Persianfootball.com – TEHRAN, Iran boss Carlos Queiroz and Thailand coach Surachai Jaturapattarapong commented Iran’s 2-1 victory in Asian Cup qualifying in the official post match conference.

“We came to Tehran to get at least one point to give us something to build on for our return match in Bangkok but things didn’t proceed as we expected,” Jaturapattarapong is quoted by the AFC’s official website.

“Now, we have to use all our chances in the best way possible at home to try to get a point. But Iran are an Asian powerhouse who have already qualified for the World Cup and so the return match will also be difficult for us.”

Meanwhile Queiroz blamed Iran’s uninspired first half performance on the lack of friendly matches following the cancellation of two training camps and the waste of three FIFA matchdays in August and October.

“I think after four months without preparations and friendlies, it was natural to see our team put out a dull performance in the first period when there was an obvious lack of organisation. However, our players gradually got better and they improved all the way through the match to the end,” said Queiroz.

“For sure, it was not a good game for us and also the result did not exactly show the effort we put into the game as we missed a couple of very good chances and Thailand’s goal was an accident.

“But tonight’s match should be regarded as a wake-up call for Iranian football as there is no football team in the world who can survive after staying four complete months in the absolute wilderness.”