Iran Press/Iran news: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has warned his players to be on their toes against Oman ahead of the last 16 ties at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Queiroz has labeled his side's AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 matches against Oman as a '50-50' tie.
"The Oman team is a very good team. They have prepared well and have achieved fantastic results over the last year or so. They played 23, 24 matches and only lost two or three. They have a very good coach in Pim Verbeek and we must be careful against them," said Queiroz, Iran Press reported.
Oman has qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams with a 3-1 win over Turkmenistan. The team suffered two losses against Japan 1-0 and Uzbekistan 2-1 respectively.
"They have been very impressive but having said that, I am confident that if we play our game and the players express themselves, we will progress," the former Real Madrid coach added.
"The group stage results do not matter now. We played for points then but now, it is about survival. I rate the match as 50-50 with everything for the winners and nothing for the losers,” he stated.
"There is no room for mistakes, regrets, and apologies. It all comes down to 90 minutes and we must make sure we come out on top. I always tell my players to keep it simple. Control the ball, pass the ball, don't lose the ball and score. When we have the ball, we must always be positive and think of scoring,” Queiroz said.
Iran's national football team has done very well, having defeated Yemen 5-0 and Vietnam 2-0 before playing to a 0-0 draw with Iraq.
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"We have our dreams, our aspirations, and our targets. When we started, I said we had seven finals to play and Oman is the fourth one. I am confident my players will deliver what is expected of them,” Queiroz concluded.
In Asian Games 2019, Iran has had 3 matches against Yemen, Vietnam, and Iraq, finishing the stage with wins against Yemen and Vietnam and draws with Iraq. 203/103
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