Kochi: Iran have already updated their resume by reaching the quarter-finals of the Fifa U-17 World Cup having never before reached that stage. But the last remaining team from Asia in the competition have to guard against complacency going into a battle of nerves against European champions Spain.
Allahyar Sayyad, Iran’s leading goal-scorer in the competition with three strikes from four appearances, said they had vowed to reach at least the semi-finals after an exasperating defeat on penalties to Iraq in the final of last year’s AFC U-16 championship held in Goa.
“It was our mission to aim for the semi-finals first. We have come here to win every match,” said Sayyad on Saturday.
Even though Iran were scrappy in their 2-1 win against Mexico in the quarters, it was a 4-0 annihilation of Germany in their second group match that transformed the Melli Nojavanan into one of the tournament favourites. However, coach Abbas Chamanian is respectful of their illustrious opponents and wants his boys to grab the opportunities that come their way.
“It is a do or die match for us and our strategy will be first to protect our goal but also to try to score when the chance arrives,” said Chamanian. Iran have received three penalties in the tournament so far, different players scoring on each occasion. Chamanian had claimed that they would look to finish the game within 90 minutes but has prepared his team for a shootout.
Iran will be without their ace player Younes Delfi, who is suspended. The winger has scored twice and assisted as many. An Abel Ruiz penalty in injury time had helped Spain progress to the last 8 with a 2-1 win over France.
La Rojita have grown in strength since their opening match defeat to Brazil in Kochi but coach Santi Denia sees Iran as a tricky opponent. “Iran is one of the best teams in the tournament in terms of transition from defence to attack but we have prepared well,” said Denia.
With Barcelona’s Ruiz finding form at the right time, scoring three in three matches and his Real Madrid strike partner Cesar Gelabert contributing twice, Spain have little to worry in offence. However, Denia knows his defenders need to tighten up.
