Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi is hoping the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 finals will unearth a new generation of Iranian stars.

Although Iran have not won the tournament since 1976, Ghotbi is using the 1996 AFC Asian Cup finals in UAE as the example for his players when they take to the field in Doha. Team Melli finished third in that tournament but world-record goal-scorer Ali Daei ended up with the most goals in the tournament and Khodadad Azizi was named Most Valuable Player.

Just like 14 years ago, Ghotbi wants more stars to emerge in Doha to help Iran qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

“We need players that inspire one another in various forms," he said in an interview with fifa.com. "I hope the Asian Cup will offer a great opportunity for fresh talents to shine in Iranian football. "God knows, we need new heroes for Iran if we are to return to the World Cup at Brazil 2014."

Three-time winners Iran have been pooled with DPR Korea, defending champions Iraq and United Arab Emirates in Group D of the Doha finals.
Their first match is against Iraq at Al Rayyan Stadium on January 11, a clash Ghotbi expects will provide plenty of fireworks.
"We beat them in the WAFF competition in October but it is already history," he said.
"Both teams will be highly prepared for this Asian Cup clash. As history shows, whenever the two neighboring countries have met it is a classic, and I expect a fantastic game again this time."