Iran focused ahead of Iraq showdown

AFC Asian Cup – CANBERRA, Long-serving Iran captain Javad Nekounam insists that despite well-over a century of international appearances for his nation and more than 35 goals scored for Team Melli, all that matters is victory over Iraq in their AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 quarter-final on Friday.

The Team Melli skipper is appearing in his fourth consecutive continental championship but is yet to taste Asian gold, with Iran having failed to win the tournament since 1976 when they lifted their third consecutive title.

In the last two tournaments, Nekounam has also had little fortune in the knockout stages as Iran suffered eliminations at the hands of Korea Republic in 2007 and 2011 in the last eight. A seasoned campaigner, the 34-year-old is intent on changing that state of affairs.

“I have never thought about any records throughout my career from the first day I was invited to the national team to now,” said Nekounam, who earned his first call-up to Iran in May 2000.

“I still have the same love of the jersey of Iran and I have that same desire and motivation with which I began my career.

“Records are for history, what matters to me is we qualify for the final four and the continued success of the team in Asia.”

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, meanwhile, believes that despite Group C winners Iran’s favourable record over their neighbours – seven games unbeaten including their 1-0 win over Iraq on January 4 in a pre-tournament warm-up – Friday’s meeting at Canberra Stadium will by no means follow that pattern.

“We know that in a quarter-final there aren’t favourites, your value is what you do in the game and Iraq showed against Japan the result of their preparation and investment,” said the former Real Madrid coach.

“The Iraqi players are comfortable with the ball and comfortable in the defensive back line so we know we will face a very difficult team to beat.

“I said to my boys this morning ‘everything to win, nothing to lose’. The main thing, the most important thing is to be focused and concentrated in our duties and our tasks.”

The Portuguese coach also hailed the contribution of the team’s passionate fan base who have packed the stands across Australia and added a party-like atmosphere to Team Melli’s games.

“No doubt that the reason why we’re here is very simple: we play for them. That’s the only reason why we play the game, we play for the fans,” said Queiroz.

“The fans have created a nice environment around the stadiums and it is always great motivation for the players, and there is no doubt that in these kind of games any help is welcome.

“But also it increases our responsibility and we take it as a challenge for us. To fulfill the expectations and support they give us with a good performance and good result.”