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IRNA - Iran's key attackers
Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia will start this weekend's crucial World
Cup opener against Mexico despite recent injuries, their coach said on
Friday.
Bayern Munich forward Karimi has been nursing an ankle injury since
March and Hamburg playmaker Mahdavikia is recovering from a back
problem.
Their inclusion is a boost for Iran with midfielder Fereydoon Zandi
missing Sunday's match and left back Sattar Zare doubtful after twisting
a knee in training.
"Both players are under medical control," said coach Branko Ivankovic.
"Immediately after practice we had MRI scans which showed some special
deviations but we expect that Zare could prepare for the match against
Mexico and Zandi for the match against Portugal."
The Mexico match is critical for Iran's hopes of finishing at least
second in Group D, which also includes Portugal and Angola.
Iran are heavy underdogs for the Nuremberg clash against the world
number four team but Ivankovic believes his players are capable of
springing a surprise.
"Of course Mexico are a very good team, nobody's got any doubt about it
and the proof is their fourth place in the FIFA rankings," he said.
"But it doesn't mean anything on the pitch. We are aware of our
possibilities and qualities too, and we will try to give it our best
shot."
Iran, ranks 23, has won just one match in two previous World Cup
campaigns -- a memorable 2-1 victory against arch-foe the United States
in 1998. |
