Iran Press/Iran news: “I had seen Vietnam’s matches in the buildup to the tournament and I thought they were a good side but after watching their performance against Iraq, I have to say they are a very good side,” Iran's national football team coach Carlos Queiroz opined.
“They faced Iraq, one of the favorites to win the AFC Asian Cup, and for 90 minutes, Vietnam gave the match their all. They led twice and, despite football not being about being fair, I must say that they deserved, at least, a draw," Iran's national football team coach added according to Iran Press.
“I am not surprised as I know about the Vietnam head coach (Park Hang-seo). He is a good coach and he has good players,” Queiroz said.
“This is a team that has played 13 matches since October. They won the AFF Cup and this shows how seriously Vietnam are about doing well in the Asian Cup," Iran's national football team coach noted.
“Iran will never make the mistake of underestimating them because that is not how we are built. We are not an arrogant team and as the leader of my team, I always like to share fundamental values with my players. The foundation is always to respect teams," Queiroz added.
“It doesn’t matter who the opponents are as it is always the same value of respecting them,” Iran's national football team coach said.
The National Iranian football team or as it is better known as the 'Team Melli' in Iran beat Yemen 5-0 in first its match at Abu Dhabi.
Iran features in group D of the AFC Asian Cup where they will also face Vietnam and Iraq.
Queiroz has led Iran to the FIFA World Cup twice, in 2014 and 2018; but 4 years ago, his side crashed out of the Asian cup after losing against Iraq on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Iran have won the AFC Asian Cup 3 times but their last triumph came 43 years ago in 1976. 101/ 211 /201
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