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world1 hour ago
Iran on expected lines thumped Yemen in their opening group D match of the AFC Asian Cup. Head coach Carlos Queiroz said it was very important to win the first game of a tournament.
"It is important to start with right motivation and confidence. With my experience, I know how important the first game is. There are no favourites in the first game. The AFC Asian Cup is not cheese cake but a tough competition," the former Portugal, Real Madrid and Manchester United coach said.
Despite his players scoring five goals and dominating the game, the coach felt it was a difficult outing for his team.
"It was the first game and some players were nervous. Fortunately, Yemen committed a mistake and first goal came. When you score early, it gives you confidence to control and carry on. I am happy for my players. Yemen players also did well. They never give up and fought for 90 minutes but we were the better team on the day. We didn't give Yemen a chance to breathe in 90 minutes."
Queiroz noted the 5-0 result should silence his critics, including former Iran and present Persepolis club coach Branko Ivankovic who had praised Iraq team and coach.
"Now we turn to home affairs. This is the gentleman who used to say that Iranian football is a circus. At the moment 65 to 70 million people in Iran are praying for the national team, and this intelligent man praises Iraq and its coach. He is a very intelligent person, a brilliant, a genius," Queiroz said about his arch rival in Iran football.
He added that there were two sets of voices coming from Iran but he was focused only on the next match as they aim to end 43-year wait for Asian Cup crown.
"I know people have expectations. The ones that make such comments are the ones who do nothing for Iranian football to progress. We need to split the two feelings here - the expectations of the people and some other guys who only talk nonsense."
Iran next match is against Vietnam at Al Nahyan Stadium on Saturday.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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