Iran Battles for Second Spot, Beitashour Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran right-back Mehrdad Beitashour believes that the Iranian football team has a chance to qualify for the 2014 World Cup next stage as the second team.
Iran will open its World Cup campaign against Nigeria in Group F on June 16 in Curitiba and play Argentina five days later at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte.
The Persians are also scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 25 in group stage.
"I definitely think Argentina is the favorite. They do deserve it. They've been a great team, and they've not been hyped for nothing. I think everyone expects that out of them, but I think the second spot of our group is up for grabs,” Vancouver Whitecaps defender told told reporters in a conference in Brazil.
“We've got three hungry teams that are trying to win it, so that's why it's so important for that first game to start off on the right foot,” he added.
"When we were about to land in Brazil, just seeing the country, that feeling right there, I'll never forget it,” Beitashour said. “It's been really exciting and great every day we've been here, and I'm excited for the 16th to come up."
