Iran’s Ghoddos Focuses on Vietnam Challenge

The three-time champion opened its campaign on a high note, defeating Yemen 5-0 on Monday, but Ghoddos admitted Iran had gone into the match nervous.

"It’s not easy to play the first game in a tournament. It’s always stressful and nervous and you’re trying to do your best so sometimes the play can be a bit stiff, but we showed a good result by scoring five goals and keeping a clean sheet,” Ghoddos told the-afc.com.

"So that’s very important and we have big confidence in the team now," said the midfielder, who plays for Amiens SC in the French Ligue One.

"That’s not a thought in our minds right now, because it’s a long tournament and it’s tough games. We’re just looking forward to the next game, and right now that’s Vietnam. That’s important for us, to just think about the next game and not think too many steps in front,” the winger added.

"To be honest I haven’t watched the other games, just to keep focused on my own game, so I don’t know the level yet," added Ghoddos, who came on as a substitute to score Iran's fifth goal against Yemen.

Iran have seen enough of Vietnam to know the Southeast Asians will be handful at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

"The coach and his team have analyzed them and we have watched some videos. It’s a good team, all respect to them.

"However, we are going to play our game and we are not thinking so much about the other team."