Iraq and Persepolis midfiedler Bashar Resan relishing Iran meeting

Tasnim – AL AIN, Iraqi iconic midfielder Bashar Resan said they are ready to meet the strong Iran to decide the Group D winner at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The Lions of Mesopotamia, who have defeated Vietnam and Yemen in their first two matches, will meet Iran on Wednesday.  

Iran has scored seven goals, one more than Iraq but Team Melli has kept two clean sheets, while Resan and his teammates have conceded twice – in the 3-2 win over Vietnam.

Resan is now looking forward to leading Iraq’s attack against his Persepolis teammate in the Iran goalmouth – Alireza Beiranvand.

“We will put our two past matches behind us and focus on the final match against Iran. The winner will top the group and potentially has an easier path in the knockout stage.

“Iran is the top-ranked Asian side, and favorite to reach the final. It will be a difficult match. Iran is great, but we are also a quality team with a lot of young talent in our ranks,” said Resan.

With an average squad age of 24, Resan believes head coach Srecko Katanec is spoilt for choice ahead of the Iran showdown.

“The coaching staff will have watched Iran’s two matches and will put together the best line-up and tactics for the match.”

“There is a lot of competition within the team for starting spots, but we play as a unit. At the end of the day, all of us are capable of performing for the team,” he added.

“The coach decided who started against Vietnam and against Yemen based on his tactics for the match, and in the third match against Iran, it will be the same.”