In contrast to four years ago, Queiroz will not have an emotional reaction from fighting against his former home team, Portugal. This time, Iran will face the US, which has actually doubled their enthusiasm.
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YUNIADHI AGUNG AND IHSAN MAHAR FROM QATAR
·4 minutes read
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Soccer Football - World Cup - Group B - Iran vs Portugal - Mordovia Arena, Saransk, Russia - June 25, 2018 Iran's Karim Ansarifard scores their first goal from the penalty spot.
DOHA, KOMPAS – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz is very excited ahead of his team's final World Cup Group B match the against the United States, to be held at 2 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on Wednesday (30/11/2022) at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. The Portuguese strategist is on the verge of making history for Team Melli if he can finish the group stage with a win.
At Russia 2018, Queiroz came close to advancing Iran to the big 16 for the first time. However, his side could only draw with Portugal 1-1. Iran's big chance to win failed to produce a goal through striker Mehdi Taremi in the 5 minutes of extra time, even though he had faced off Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio before.
In contrast to four years ago, Queiroz will not have an emotional reaction from fighting against his former home team, Portugal. This time, Iran will face the US, which has actually doubled their enthusiasm.
The 69-year-old coach fully understands Iranians’ negative sentiments towards the US due to the political conflict between the two countries. Big expectations also overshadow the expectations for Team Melli to repeat its brilliant achievements at the 1998 World Cup.
At that tournament, Iran beat the US 2-1 in the last match of the preliminary round, Iran's first ever World Cup win, although it did not prevent Iran from going home early.
An official statement from the US Football Federation said it was a form of support from the US media for the ongoing antidiscrimination protests in Iran.
Ahead of the third match, the Iranian side’s negative sentiment towards "the Yanks" had again increased because the US team’s website and US media featured pictures of the Iranian flag with the red symbol removed. An official statement from the US Football Federation said it was a form of support from the US media for the ongoing antidiscrimination protests in Iran.
Smiles for kids
According to Queiroz, the US was trying to play a mental game, but this would not affect his squad, which was very ambitious about bringing joy to the Iranian people.
"We have much greater motivation than the US in the match, because we are chasing our first chance to qualify for the big 16. Our main mission is to give a smile to Iranian kids who dream of football," Queiroz told a press conference before the match on Monday (28/11) in Doha, which was greeted with applause by journalists.
REUTERS/ISSEI KATO
Soccer Football - Club America v Real Madrid - FIFA Club World Cup Semi Final - International Stadium Yokohama - 15/12/16 Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo in action.
In order to make history by qualifying for the big 16 at the Qatar World Cup, Iran simply needs to tie with the US, as long as England does not lose to Wales in the other Group B match at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, to be held simultaneously.
As such, Queiroz doesn’t want his players to depend on the results of other teams. They have a chance to determine their own destiny using the fighting spirit they showed when defeating Wales 2-0. If they win against the US, Team Melli will also make history by recording two victories at a single World Cup.
"I'm sure the team members will show determination, enthusiasm and hard work for maximum results," he said.
Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, who plays for Porto (Portugal), is Queiroz's mainstay. Taremi is not only a goal scorer, but also serves as a playmaker to make room for his teammates.
At the World Cup 2022, he contributed to three of Iran's four goals, with two goals and one assist. Taremi has also created the most chances in Qatar 2022 with a total of 17 in the first two games.
Meanwhile, US coach Gregg Berhalter wants his team to play like it did when it tied 0-0 against England. The key to the Yanks' play is the flexibility of midfielder Weston McKennie, as well as teamwork between players on both sides of the field.
As for the heated atmosphere between the two countries outside football, Berhalter hopes that all parties will be watching the two teams' match from a purely sports perspective.
Berhalter believes that his squad has the opportunity and quality to silence Iran, which is certain to have the support of the majority of supporters. As for the heated atmosphere between the two countries outside football, Berhalter hopes that all parties will be watching the two teams' match from a purely sports perspective.
“I've traveled the world, seen football everywhere. It's a football match that lasts 90 minutes, so what happens is just on the field, nothing more than that," he said.
In the other match, England does not want to be complacent, even though it now leads Group B.
“We and Wales already know each other's games. A lot of people have been disappointed with our previous performances, but the players and I know what it takes to be group winners," said England coach Gareth Southgate.
