Carlos Queiroz invited the fans to support Team Melli in its quest for qualification to FIFA World Cup 2018 starting with the home match against Guam in Azadi on Friday.
In the pre-match news conference, the head coach of Team Melli believed that his team has the best available players in Iran and assured the fans that they will be witnessing a winning spirit by the best squad that is available to him.
“We need to rekindle the spirit of the World Cup 2014 team and that of the Asian Cup 2015. If we do that, I am confident of winning all the way. Tomorrow’s match is important step for us and we must come out as winners. I am sure you will see a competent performance that will make you happy.” Queiroz added.
The Friday match which was supposed to be played in Karaj , Enghilab stadium , was switched to Azadi because of lack of quality hotels in Karaj!
The confident sounding Portuguese coach and true to form took the opportunity as always to take a swipe at his critics and that phantom “Enemy of Team Melli” ! Accusing some without naming them, Queiroz said “Some people don’t like to see Team Melli winning and those people don’t like to face realities. They are upset because of my support for Kaffashian (…)” That last comment was perhaps more directed at Ministry of Youth & Sports. Kaffashian has warned Queiroz about confronting the Ministry earlier on.
[quote class=”If we did not want him, we would not have signed with him after the World Cup”]”When we played our first two matches we set the target of being on top of the group. But people laughed at me when I said that. Well, look at us now, if any team takes us too lightly they will trip up.” [/quote]
Guam coach Gary White
Asked about his response to Guam Coach who said that it is Iran that will be under pressure tomorrow, Queiroz said “I have no problem with that statement, he is free to think however he wishes. Let me tell you that I am thrilled to be under pressure. Those who cannot stand the heat should not be in the kitchen cooking.”
Queiroz who is also the master of stating the obvious, sarcastically targeted those who questioned his commitments “For those who follow football, they know that Guam has won 2 matches and heading the group with maximum points. So, it is not a team to be taken lightly. We respect them but that is as far as it goes.”
Queiroz only recently returned to Iran after a long absence leading to some criticism from section of the press that he is undermining Guam team while the more difficult game against Oman is not given its due importance as far as team preparation is concerned. Team Melli only gathered for training about 1 week ago.
Despite the unending wrangles of the Portuguese coach, his gallant selection of a young team has given him an advantage and silenced a large section of his critics scoring a moral victory in the process. Whether he can sustain this victory is all dependent on the outcome of the next two matches. Failing to beat Guam could be the catalyst for the coach. On the other hand, two good results and 6 points will go a long way in increasing the Portuguese popularity at least amongst the fans.
The match on Friday against Guam is at 19:00 local time.
| TEAMS | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | +/- | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 GUAM |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 | |
 OMAN |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
 IRAN |
1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
 TURKMENISTAN |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 | |
 INDIA |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |