Iran duo confident of making last 16

AFC – Bayern Munich’s Ali Karimi and Hannover 96’s Vahid Hashemian have both announced that they are confident of Iran progressing to the last sixteen at next year’s World Cup in Germany.

Branko Ivankovic’s side have been placed in Group D alongside Mexico, Angola and Portugal and whilst Karimi acknowledges that all three represent a stern test, he remains convinced that Team Melli will be involved in the competition’s knockout phase.

“I am happy with the draw. It might look easy on paper but we will facing very tough opponents,” Skysports.com reported the two-time AFC Player of the Year as saying.

“Do not forget this is the World Cup and every game is big, regardless of whether you are playing Brazil or Mexico.

“Mexico play good attacking football. There is a reason why they are among the top eight seeds. Portugal are also a very good team. Having said that, we have a chance to go through to the next round.”

Hashemian, Karimi’s international colleague, was in a similarly upbeat mood following Friday’s draw in Leipzig.

“I can say that our group is hard and easy. Portugal were runners-up in Euro 2004 but their performances were not consistent, they do not play at the same level every time,” explained the 29-year-old who is currently enjoying a rich vein of form with his Bundesliga employers.

“I saw Mexico when they played in the Confederation’s Cup in Hannover. They have very technical players and are very strong on the ground. However, they are not as physical as South American teams.

“We have a very experienced team and can beat Angola. Overall, I believe we have a chance to qualify for the second round.”

Iran’s third World Cup is scheduled to start on June 11 when they play Mexico in Nuremberg before a Frankfurt meeting with Portugal six days later. Karimi and Hashemian’s last group game is on June 21 against Angola in Leipzig.