Golmohammadi seeks to lift Pirouzi

After both clubs opened with victories on Sunday, the encounter could possibly decide which team go through to the semi-final of the US$3 million tournament.

Yet despite beating Al Talaba on Sunday, Golmohammadi believes Pirouzi may still be short of confidence after slipping from first to third place in Iran's Pro League after a run of seven matches without a win.

"Physically we're ready, but maybe we have a little problem with our mentality. We've had some problems in the league. We haven't had good results. We must play with more confidence and forget what has happened before and think only about this game," says Golmohammadi, who captained Iran to victory in last year's Asian Games final against Japan.

"We must play with more confidence and forget what has happened in the league. We must think only about this game."

The 31-year-old central defender was aware of the game's importance, and said the side must aim to claim all three points.

"It'll be the most difficult game in this group. We must play professionally and we must win. On the last day we play first, so they'll know what they have to do in their match. A draw is not so good for us because of this.

"They're a very good team. I saw them beat Al Ahli in Dubai in the last round and I saw some of their game against Nisa on Sunday. They're strong and have good bodies and they shoot well. They're also disciplined."

Pirouzi's German coach Hans-Dieter Schmidt admitted after Sunday's 1-0 victory over Iraq's Al Talaba that his team had been lucky to win. While Pirouzi's defence looked strong in Schmidt's new 4-5-1 formation, the link between the midfield and lone striker Reza Jabbari needs to improve against Pakhtakor.

"It was the first game we had played with this system," Golmohammadi explained.