Team Melli have a chance to advance from World Cup group stage: Sardar Azmoun

Tehran Times – KAZAN, Iran striker Sardar Azmoun says that they are not underdogs in the 2018 World Cup and have a chance to qualify for the second round.

Team Melli have been drawn along with one-time World Cup champions Spain, UEFA titleholders Portugal and Morocco in Group B.

Carlos Queiroz’s men will kick off the competition with a match against Morocco on June 15.

Meanwhile, Iran will face Spain in Kazan on 20 June before meeting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Saransk five days later.

In an exclusive interview with onzemondial.com, Azmoun explains Iran national football team will participate in the tournament as a favorite to qualify for the next stage.

“I’m looking forward to the World Cup and I’m very excited. We will play against big teams. I’m proud of being in the tournament and I think we can achieve something there. We’re going to play in Russia and it’s great for me. Russia is my second country because I joined the country’s league after leaving Iran. In addition, the match against Spain will take place in Kazan, my stadium,” Rubin Kazan striker said.

“Nothing is impossible in football. Rostov defeated Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and only Manuel Neuer was absent. How did we win? If you are following your heart, then you can do everything. Iran are not afraid of any team. God always help the people who do their best,” Azmoun went on to say