Hosseini fully focused for Korea Republic clash

AFC – SEOUL, Jalal Hosseini insists the Islamic Republic of Iran have nothing else on their minds other than to defeat Korea Republic in their penultimate Group A game on the Road to Russia on Thursday.

Hosseini has been an integral part of an Iran side that confirmed their passage to the FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in June meant they opened up an unassailable lead at the top of the standings with two games still remaining.

Despite progress to the 2018 tournament assured with two games to spare, Hosseini is keen to point out that Team Melli have no intentions to rest on their laurels ahead of the clash with second-placed Korea Republic at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

“All we ever think about is the next game and this is the reason we have done so well ever since the beginning of the qualifying campaign,” said Hosseini.

“Now we have a very tough match ahead of us against Korea Republic and it’s always been a game that both teams consider a great challenge.

“We are all focused on this match and we have nothing else on our minds other than to beat Korea.”

The bedrock of Iran’s success in advancing to a second successive World Cup for the first time in their history has been built around a solid backline that boasts the impressive record of having yet to concede.

Centre-back Hosseini, who also scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory in Uzbekistan last October, believes that the secret behind their ability not to concede is not down to a defensive mindset.

“We all fight for one cause, which is to help the team perform to the best of its ability,” added Hosseini.

“The one thing in our minds is to be united as a team, fight for each other and make sure that we perform well on the pitch.

“We don’t think about anything else – defensively or attacking – we just focus on playing better football and making sure we can achieve our goals.”

Prior to 2014, Iran had appeared in three World Cups – in 1978, 1998 and 2006 – but since Carlos Queiroz took the helm in 2011, Team Melli have progressed to successive editions of the tournament.

The current qualification process has thrown up few problems, with the side booking their ticket to Russia with relative ease, while many now consider them the strongest team on the continent.

And Hosseini is fully aware of the impact the Portuguese coach has had on the overall development of Iranian football with his six and a half years in charge bringing both continuity and discipline.

“We all have to be very happy because since Carlos Queiroz took charge of the national team we have made great improvements,” noted Hosseini.

“We are performing better and playing better football so we are all extremely pleased to make history in qualifying for the second consecutive World Cup. Now we just hope that we can perform well to bring pride and joy to the nation.

“[Queiroz] has already achieved great results in Iran by bringing in a new generation, introducing so many new faces and young players. The best way for us is to make sure we move forward with his preparation plans.”