World NewsDefiant Daei Delighted With Triumph |
COACH Ali Daei believes Iran's 1-0 victory over UAE will silence the doubters questioning his side's chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Three draws in their opening three games had seen Daei become a man under pressure but Ferydoon Zandi's eight-minute goal ensured he picked up his first win as Iran went top of Group Five.They now lead both UAE and Syria by a point, although the latter has a game in hand against Kuwait on Sunday, as the battle for the top two places and berth in the final qualifying round looks set to go down to the wire.
And Daei predicted Iran would only get better over the final two games.
"Now I think the worst is over for us but we still need to win the next two games to keep this momentum going," he said.
"It was a pressure game for the players because they needed to win. The early goal really helped settle them down and it was a good feeling at the end.
"We were not lucky enough in the earlier games and this win just about proves that we can play better and win matches.
"It was a good, close match. The UAE played well but we created more scoring opportunities and converted one of them."
Despite the defeat, UAE coach Bruno Metsu was far from disheartened and insisted the group was still wide open.
"We had our chances both, in Teheran and here but we couldn't score," he said.
"The team has played consistently well ever since we lost to Vietnam in the Asian Cup opener last year. If we can continue playing the same way, I am sure we can qualify.
"We must understand Iran have qualified for the World Cup finals four times and always have been a strong team to play against. Considering that, I think we have played very well to lose 1-0."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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