Japan, Korea, Australia Favorites to Win AFC Cup: Carlos Queiroz
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran national football team coach Carlos Queiroz says Team Melli is not a favorite to win the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
Iran beat China 3-0 on Thursday to book a place in the competition’s semi-finals.
Team Melli will face Japan on Monday.
“The win against China is a very important, for both me and my players,” Queiroz declared.
“Our dream has always been to be in the middle of the top teams in the final four, something which we have now done and are very happy about. However, there are only three favorites to win this competition and they are Japan, Korea Republic and Australia. For us to be labelled favorites is not correct, it is an ill-fitting tag," he added.
“In front of us we have just another game. Of course, the game has added significance in terms of enthusiasm and excitement, but when the whistle goes you simply have to play,” the former Real Madrid coach stated.
“This is especially true as now we know the big sharks will come for us – the favorites of Asian football – Japan and Korea Republic are coming for us, so we need to do more. We must always progress with the same humble attitude and strive to be better every game,” Queiroz said.
“I always say to my team that after a match the Iranian shirt must always be in a higher place. What we did against China will not work (in the match against Japan), so we need to ensure that we improve game after game,” he concluded.
