Iran Determined to Advance to U-20 World Cup, Coach Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian U-19 football team's head coach Amirhossein Peyrovani said they are resolved to return to the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
Iran advanced to the AFC U-19 Championship last eight by finishing second in Group C behind Japan.
Victory against Uzbekistan will see the Iranians qualify for the global championship for the first time since 2001.
“We’re not thinking about the past, or about last year or two or three years ago,” said Peyrovani. “We are only thinking about today and we are one of the best teams in the competition and we are ready.”
“Maybe four, five or six years ago we had a chance to go but we were unlucky, but we are ready and we are only thinking about good tactics, good technique and fair play.”
Peyrovani, however, does not believe the extra day between games will give his side an advantage.
“It’s the programme of the AFC and we have one day more rest, but it’s not very important,” said the Iranian coach.
“When we started the tournament we were ready for six matches, maybe two days’ rest or three days’ rest so it’s not important. We have had some good training and we will be 100 percent ready for the competition against Uzbekistan,” Peyrovani concluded.
