“Iran’s World Cup qualifying group is not easy”: Igor Stimac

Tehran Times – ISFAHAN, Sepahan head coach Igor Stimac believes that Iran’s rivals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying are not easy and Queiroz men should take them seriously.

Queiroz’s men have been drawn in Group A of the third round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament, which is scheduled to start early September this year.

“China and Qatar have been invested a lot in football in recent years and they could make trouble for Iran and Team Melli must not underestimate them. Syria has not been a serious rival for Iran but this doesn’t mean that you could understimate the team,” Stimac said.

“Uzbekistan and South Korea are dangerous teams. We are in the same group with Uzbek team (Lokomotiv Tashkent) at AFC Asian Champions League. They have a couple national players and are physically strong. Their style of play is similar to Russians and Iran should take them serious,” he added.

“We faced South Korea twice when I was in charge of Croatia national team. Despite winning both games South Koreans put us under pressure as they were a disciplined team. No matter it is a friendly game or a World Cup qualifier they fight until the final second,” former Croatia coach added.

“Iran could make it to the final round of the World Cup for the second time in a row but they should take their opponents serious,” he added.