Iran confident of more Asian Cup success
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Loading...AFC – SIDNEY, Carlos Queiroz is confident Iran can travel to Australia for the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 with an opportunity to add to the country’s three continental titles.
Iran won the AFC Asian Cup in 1968, 1972 and 1976 and victory in January next year would move Team Melli onto a record equaling four titles alongside reigning champions Japan.
The Iranians have been drawn to face Middle Eastern rivals the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain in Group C and Queiroz believes Iran can notch up a first win in almost 40 years.
“It will be a great opportunity for Iran… to come here to Australia with high motivation,” said the former Real Madrid coach. “If they [Iran] work hard they have a chance.”
Queiroz will lead Iran to the finals of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer but the local rival between the four teams in Group C is not lost on the Portuguese.
“There is a lot of tension and emotion every time they play against Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain,” said Queiroz.
“Qatar are like [our] rivals in that area. Emirates in my opinion is one of the best Asian teams.”
Iran will kick off their Asian Cup campaign against Bahrain in Melbourne on January 11 before moving to Sydney on January 15 to play Qatar. Iran will meet the UAE in Brisbane on January 19.
